Introduction:
Let’s dive into ‘Presumed Innocent’, a riveting legal thriller now streaming on Apple TV+. The first two episodes of this limited series premiered on June 12, and stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Rusty Sabich, the chief deputy prosecutor suddenly suspected of a brutal murder. Adapted from Scott Turow’s bestselling novel, it promises a gripping exploration of obsession, sex, politics, and the power and limits of love.
Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of Sabich, alongside a stellar cast including Ruth Negga, Bill Camp, Elizabeth Marvel, and Peter Sarsgaard, brings a fresh intensity to the narrative. If you’re familiar with the 1990 film starring Harrison Ford, you’ll recognize the story’s dark allure but prepare for a new, immersive experience.
Stay tuned for my episode-by-episode review where we unravel each twist and turn of this compelling miniseries.
Presumed Innocent begins with Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor, addressing a jury on the duties of the prosecution. The scene shifts to Rusty playing baseball with his son at home when he receives a disturbing call from Raymond. Rusty informs his wife, Barbara, that Carolyn Polhemus has been murdered.
At Carolyn’s house, Rusty finds her corpse tied up in a compromising position. Back at the office, District Attorney Raymond puts Rusty in charge of the investigation, overriding Tommy Molto and Nico Della Guardia. Rusty immediately starts the investigation, requesting lab results directly.
Barbara learns about Carolyn’s death and comforts Rusty, despite not attending the memorial. During the memorial, Raymond accuses Nico of using the murder for political gain. Rusty discovers Carolyn had a son, which deeply affects him. Rusty examines the crime scene photos and autopsy report, and visits the medical examiner, Kumagai, who finds no signs of sexual assault.
The investigation reveals similarities to a previous case involving Liam Reynolds, who Carolyn had prosecuted. Rusty and his colleague Rigo suspect Liam might have hired someone to kill Carolyn. Rusty also meets Carolyn’s ex-husband and son.
Rusty’s team discusses the pathology report, and tensions rise with Tommy Molto. Rusty publicly supports Raymond and criticizes Nico. At home, Barbara expresses concern over Rusty’s involvement in the case, especially given his affair with Carolyn.
Rusty reminisces about his affair with Carolyn, and during a therapy session, he reveals his complicated feelings. Nico wins the election, and Tommy replaces Rusty as chief deputy prosecutor. In a tense meeting, Tommy reveals Rusty’s fingerprints were found in Carolyn’s bedroom, and Carolyn was pregnant.
The pilot episode offers a compelling start with a mix of legal drama and personal turmoil. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a strong performance as Rusty, capturing his inner conflict and professional dedication. The episode’s fast-paced beginning effectively sets up the murder mystery and political intrigue, drawing us into the complex world of the Chicago Prosecuting Attorney’s office.
However, the episode’s pacing feels uneven at times. The transition from the intense investigation to Rusty’s introspective moments about his affair with Carolyn is abrupt. This shift disrupts the narrative flow, making it challenging to maintain engagement. Despite this, the episode successfully establishes the stakes and characters, leaving us eager to see how the story unfolds.
The writing and editing could use more cohesion, but the strong performances and intriguing plot make up for these shortcomings. Episode 1 sets a solid foundation for what promises to be a gripping series.
