The ‘Death by Lightning’ Dudes, Ranked from ‘That Guy’ to ‘My Man!’

The ‘Death by Lightning’ Cast: Ranking from ‘That Guy’ to ‘My Man!’

Rank: Fuck You, Dude (The Bad Doctor)

Signature Attributes:

First Impression

“This man is going to kill the president.”

Lasting Impression

This man did indeed kill the president.

Character Overview

Dr. Purvis is a disaster who overstays his welcome by not only digging his own grave but willingly climbing into it. From the moment he dismisses the capable Dr. Charles Purvis, it’s clear this guy is trouble. He is arrogant, bossy, and full of himself, yet profoundly inept at his job. The real giveaway is his facial hair—or more precisely, the lack of it.

Physical Detail

“Death by Lightning” showcases a wider variety of hair growth than a Chia Pet store, so when this outdated fool appears with just a few sparse whiskers under his chin, it signals he’s the wrong choice to revive the fallen leader.

Performance Credit

Credit goes to Željko Ivanek—an Emmy-winning actor known for “Damages” with over 100 credits—who skillfully blends the Bad Doctor’s commanding presence with numerous mistakes, nearly earning him a higher rank.

Author’s summary: This character impresses not through competence but through a blend of arrogance, failure, and a distinctive lack of presence, brought to life by a skilled actor.

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IndieWire IndieWire — 2025-11-09