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Unraveling the mystery: A deep dive into ‘Presumed Innocent’ Season 1 finale
Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for the Season 1 finale of Apple TV+’s “Presumed Innocent,” titled “The Verdict.”
A journey through the labyrinth of ‘Presumed Innocent’
Since its debut on Apple TV+, David E. Kelley’s “Presumed Innocent” has captivated audiences with its intricate plot and complex characters. Over the course of eight episodes, viewers have been drawn into the tumultuous life of former chief deputy prosecutor Rusty Sabich, portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal. The series revolves around Rusty’s trial for the murder of his lover and colleague, Carolyn Polhemus, played by Renate Reinsve.
The shocking revelation
In the finale, viewers are hit with a bombshell: Carolyn’s killer is none other than Rusty’s teenage daughter, Jaden, played by Chase Infiniti. This revelation comes after Rusty is found not guilty, leaving audiences in a state of shock and disbelief.
The suspects: A closer look
From the outset, the series presented four major suspects, each with their own motives and secrets.
Rusty Sabich
Rusty, deeply obsessed with Carolyn, was an obvious suspect. Their passionate and tumultuous relationship was revealed through flashbacks, showcasing Rusty’s frantic texts to Carolyn after she ended their affair. Despite his obsession, Rusty maintained his innocence throughout the series. Making him the murderer would have been too predictable, especially considering the outcome of another Kelley series, “The Undoing.”
Barbara Sabich
Rusty’s wife, Barbara, played by Ruth Negga, was another prime suspect. In Scott Turow’s 1987 novel and its 1990 film adaptation, it was Barbara who delivered the fatal blow to Carolyn. However, Kelley’s adaptation diverged significantly from the original narrative. Barbara appeared more desperate to restore her family’s stability than to commit murder.
Tommy Molto
Tommy Molto, portrayed by Peter Sarsgaard, was a loathsome character who took over Rusty’s job and relentlessly pursued him in court. Tommy’s obsession with Carolyn and his envy of Rusty’s success made him a likely suspect. Carolyn had even filed a formal complaint against Tommy before her death. The penultimate episode, “The Witness,” left viewers with a tantalizing clue: the missing murder weapon, a fire poker, was found in Tommy’s home with a note that read, ”Go Fuck Yourself.”
Eugenia Milk
Eugenia Milk, played by Virginia Kull, was a less obvious suspect. A colleague in the prosecuting attorney’s office, Eugenia harbored a crush on Rusty and resented Carolyn for complicating his life. While she seemed like a long shot, her character was always observant and perceptive.
The unexpected twist
Despite the compelling cases against these suspects, none of them turned out to be the killer. The finale opens with the police searching Tommy’s house for evidence, but finding none. The trial proceeds, culminating in a not-guilty verdict for Rusty.
The final confrontation
As those affected by the Rusty-Carolyn affair attempt to move on, Rusty confronts Barbara in their garage. He reveals that he knew from the beginning that she was involved in Carolyn’s murder. Barbara denies his accusations, but Rusty reveals that he had been tracking her car and knew she planted the fire poker at Tommy’s house.
Overhearing the conversation, Jaden enters and confesses to the murder. She explains that she confronted Carolyn, who revealed her pregnancy and that Rusty was the father. In a fit of rage, Jaden killed Carolyn and later planted the fire poker at Tommy’s house out of anger.
A family secret
Stunned by her daughter’s confession, Barbara is left speechless. Rusty takes charge, declaring that they will never speak of the incident again and that Jaden acted to protect their family. He takes responsibility for the entire ordeal, acknowledging his role in the events that transpired.
Looking ahead
“Presumed Innocent,” though initially conceived as a limited series, has been renewed for a second season. The new season will revolve around a different case, promising more twists and turns for viewers. According to Apple TV+, the legal thriller has become the streamer’s most-watched drama since its launch in 2019.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the gripping narrative of “Presumed Innocent,” you can watch the trailer here.
As we await the next chapter in this thrilling series, one can’t help but reflect on the intricate web of lies, secrets, and obsessions that have defined “Presumed Innocent.” The series masterfully explores the dark corners of human nature, leaving viewers questioning the true nature of innocence and guilt.
