The ‘Death by Lightning’ Dudes, Ranked from ‘That Guy’ to ‘My Man!’
Rank: The Bad Doctor
A scientific breakdown of what the "Death by Lightning" cast brings to James Garfield's unconventional picnic table — figuratively speaking.
Signature Attributes
- Totally unjustified confidence
- Casual racism
- Noticeable absence of facial hair
First Impression
“This man is going to kill the president.”
Lasting Impressions
“This man killed the president.”
Dr. Purvis is a walking disaster — a man so absorbed in his own ego that he all but digs his own grave and politely steps into it. From the moment he dismisses the capable Dr. Charles Purvis (more on him later), it’s clear that this character spells trouble. Arrogant, domineering, and inept, he manages to project authority while being completely ineffective at his work.
And then there’s the matter of his facial hair — or the lack thereof. In a show overflowing with creative beards, this outdated fool arrives with barely a trace of whiskers, a sure sign he’s not the man to revive a dying president.
Željko Ivanek, the Emmy-winning actor known for “Damages” and over a hundred screen credits, pulls off a terrific balance between authority and incompetence, making the Bad Doctor both detestable and unforgettable.
Author’s Summary
A sharp, ironic portrait of arrogance and failure, where Željko Ivanek’s flawed doctor perfectly embodies the tragic absurdity of misplaced confidence.