PRESUMED INNOCENT
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Ruth Negga, Peter Sarsgaard, Bill Camp, Elizabeth Marvel, Renate Reinsve, O-T Fagbenle, Chase Infiniti, Lily Rabe, Nana Mensah, and Kingston Rumi Southwick
Creator: David E. Kelley
QUENTIN
Overall, as a legal thriller, Presumed Innocent more than satisfies. The performances, the pacing of the case, and the twists and revelations keep things very compelling. However, there is something about the two main characterizations that is a little…incredulous? First, Rusty Sabich (Jake Gyllenhaal), the defendant, is painted as a selfish idiot and a brilliant lawyer. It’s hard to be both. I was often thinking, “bro, what are you doing?!” Second, Tommy Molto (Peter Sarsgaard), the prosecutor, boasts mustache-twirling douchebaggery that is excessive. Gyllenhaal and Sarsgaard are both great, but the way their characters are written results in a tiny strike. Still a winning series, though.
PRESTON
There are some shows that require us to reflect on how seriously we should consider renewing our subscription to a streaming service that will allow us to enjoy it when any new season releases; Presumed Innocent is one of those shows. Jake Gyllenhaal plays an attorney that is accused of a crime that he would normally be the one to prosecute. His life is upended and he walks a masterful, thin tightrope that will keep you guessing what really happened while on the edge of your seat the whole time. Enjoy your new on again/off again relationship with Apple TV+.
PAIGE
In Presumed Innocent, Jake Gyllenhaal excels in his first starring television role. Despite this legal drama already having a film adaptation, I still found myself engrossed in this mystery thriller. The story's skillful tension-building draws you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. It's pacy, but I really enjoyed how it keeps you guessing throughout as new things unravel within the case. Is Gyllenhaal’s character Rusty actually capable of this crime or not? That’s for you to tune in to find out, as this is the type of genre that Apple TV+ thrives best in.
SHADAN
Add Presumed Innocent to Apple TV+’s growing list of underrated TV shows. I admittedly stepped away from it after the first few episodes, but I’m glad I gave it another shot. I should’ve known better than to doubt a courtroom drama from David E. Kelley because it delivers a compelling second half with solid twists and a more than memorable ending. Jake Gyllenhaal may be the marquee name here, but Ruth Negga’s performance is what propelled me to keep watching. For my money, Defending Jacob remains the streamer’s best legal thriller, but Presumed Innocent is a compelling enough series to add to your watchlist.
