In the opening episode of Presumed Innocent, the narrative unfolds with Rusty Sabich, a seasoned prosecutor, passionately addressing a jury, emphasizing the sacred duties incumbent upon both prosecutors and jurors within the realm of justice. However, the tranquility of Rusty's domestic life, symbolized by a casual game of baseball with his son, is abruptly shattered by a fateful call from Raymond, heralding the grim news of Carolyn Polhemus's tragic demise.
Driven by a sense of duty, Rusty hastens to the scene of the crime, Carolyn's residence, where the chilling sight of her lifeless body, bound in a grotesque tableau, greets him. As the District Attorney, Raymond confers upon Rusty the mantle of authority, entrusting him with the daunting task of unraveling the tangled web of clues surrounding Carolyn's murder. This decision, made amidst the backdrop of a fervent election campaign, ignites simmering tensions with Rusty's colleagues, Tommy Molto and Nico Della Guardia.
Back at home, the weight of Carolyn's death reverberates through Rusty's household, as his wife, Barbara, grapples with the unsettling news. Despite offering Rusty solace, Barbara's refusal to attend Carolyn's memorial service underscores the gravity of the situation. Meanwhile, the memorial itself becomes a crucible of political maneuvering, with Raymond accusing Nico of exploiting Carolyn's tragic demise for personal gain.
In the midst of these tumultuous events, Raymond reveals to Rusty the existence of Carolyn's son, a revelation that resonates deeply with Rusty, stirring long-buried emotions. As Rusty delves into the investigation, he uncovers a labyrinthine tapestry of connections, including a haunting parallel to a past case involving Carolyn's accusations against Liam Reynolds.
Accompanied by his colleague, Rigo, Rusty ventures into the confines of a prison, seeking answers from the enigmatic Reynolds. Yet, the encounter yields more questions than answers, leaving Rusty grappling with the elusive specter of truth. Meanwhile, as the media frenzy surrounding Carolyn's murder intensifies, Rusty finds himself thrust into the spotlight, advocating passionately for Raymond's cause while navigating the treacherous currents of political intrigue.
Amidst these trials, Rusty's personal struggles come to the fore, as he confronts the painful reality of his extramarital affair with Carolyn. Haunted by memories of their clandestine liaison, Rusty finds himself ensnared in a web of conflicting emotions, torn between duty and desire. Yet, even as Rusty grapples with the repercussions of his actions, a startling revelation threatens to unravel the fabric of his world: Carolyn's pregnancy, a revelation that casts a shadow of doubt over everything he once held dear.
Episode 1 presents a whirlwind of events, thrusting viewers into Rusty Sabich's world, which includes a colleague's murder, a past case, and a heated election race. The briskly edited scenes introduce a variety of characters and their roles, creating an initial rush of information. However, the pace suddenly slows as Rusty grapples with Carolyn's death and his extramarital affair. The focus then shifts to the passionate relationship between Rusty and Carolyn, delving into their psychology before swiftly returning to the chaotic aftermath of Rusty's secret being exposed.
Episode 2 resumes with Tommy interrogating Rusty regarding his association with Carolyn. Abruptly, Rusty exits the room, trailed by Raymond, who castigates him for allegedly sealing Raymond's professional demise. Tommy presses for a paternity test, prompting Rusty to insist on a warrant.
Returning home, Rusty discloses to Barbara his status as a murder suspect in Carolyn's case. Barbara is bewildered, given Rusty's assertion that the affair had ceased a year prior. Rusty admits to its recent rekindling, albeit fleetingly. Meanwhile, Raymond's spouse admonishes him for overlooking the affair under his purview.
Perusing the autopsy report, Rusty makes a disquieting revelation and confronts Painless for withholding vital information regarding multiple sperm samples in the Bunny Davis case. Painless defends Carolyn's awareness of the matter, yet Rusty is incensed by the implication of evidence concealment. He attempts to contact Detective Rigo to no avail, while Tommy suspects Rusty's mental instability, urging focus on evidence.
Returning home fruitless, Rusty shares dinner with his family, where Barbara impels him to disclose the truth to their children, prompting their distress and departure. Rusty listens to Barbara consoling their children, interspersed with a flashback of Carolyn's breakup, citing a desire to avert harm.
Subsequently, Jaden confronts Rusty about his actions, leaving him speechless. During the predawn hours, Rusty is roused by Kyle's baseball practice as police arrive with a search warrant, collecting DNA samples. At the office, Rusty's confrontation with Nico and Tommy exacerbates matters.
In therapy, Rusty is reprimanded for concealing the affair's resurgence, expressing a desire to salvage his marriage. Nico vows to apprehend Carolyn's killer, while Rusty implores Raymond for legal counsel to no avail. Contacting Rigo, Rusty pursues a lead in the Liam Reynolds case, offering leniency in exchange for cooperation, to no avail.
Returning home, Rusty learns from Rigo that he is indeed the father of Carolyn's child, prompting his arrest. Amidst media scrutiny, Raymond offers legal representation, swiftly proceeding to trial. Granted bail, Rusty returns home, buoyed by familial support. However, a cryptic message portends further turmoil, closing Episode 2 with Rusty poised for an arduous legal battle.
Episode 2 takes a noticeable deceleration in pace compared to its predecessor. After the whirlwind introduction of characters and frenetic activity, this installment feels more sluggish, focusing on Rusty's grappling with the fallout of his affair coming to light—not once, but twice. His interactions with his wife, children, and colleagues underscore the profound sense of isolation he experiences.
Yet, it's Raymond's arc, evolving from rejecting Rusty to ultimately becoming his legal representative, that emerges as the episode's standout feature. Their dynamic highlights the resurgence of old rivalries.
However, the investigation itself lacks the same allure. The connection to Liam Reynolds proves anticlimactic, with Rusty's frustration palpable as each interrogation yields little. While Carolyn's deliberate concealment of evidence adds intrigue, the show's portrayal of her remains somewhat enigmatic. Despite glimpses into her personal and professional life, her character remains elusive.
As the episode concludes, one can only hope for a more engaging narrative in subsequent installments, with deeper insights into the characters and more compelling developments in the investigation.
New episodes of Presumed Innocent premiere Wednesdays on AppleTV+.
