Warning: This article contains spoilers for both the 1990 film and the 2020 TV adaptation of Presumed Innocent. The Apple TV+ series Presumed Innocent, which has emerged as one of the platform’s most anticipated shows of 2024, presents a novel interpretation of the iconic 1990 Harrison Ford film. Derived from Scott Turow’s acclaimed novel, the series stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Rusty Sabich, a man embroiled in a tumultuous fight to clear his name after being accused of murdering his mistress, leading to the disintegration of his marriage and personal life.
While some fans express reservations about the adjustments made in the series compared to the original film, these very changes contribute to the show’s appeal. It’s essential to recognize that the fundamental elements of both adaptations remain largely consistent. The television series retains many crucial themes and narratives from the 1990 movie, making selective modifications to characters and storylines to enhance its contemporary relevance.
10. Changes to Carolyn Polhemus’ Story
Carolyn Polhemus Is Portrayed More Negatively in the Apple TV+ Series
The Apple TV+ adaptation of Presumed Innocent effectively captures the complexity of Carolyn’s narrative. However, it introduces notable shifts from the film, particularly regarding her interpersonal relationships and professional demeanor. In the original 1990 film, Carolyn’s romantic entanglement extends beyond Rusty to include Raymond Horgan. Following her demise, Rusty uncovers her involvement in a bribery investigation assigned by Raymond, which proves vital in uncovering the truth behind her murder.
Unlike the film, the series omits the critical missing B-file aspect from her workspace. Instead, Carolyn is depicted as a typical prosecutor handling conventional cases, diverging from her film portrayal as specializing in sexual abuse cases. This narrative shift aligns with the series’ introduction of additional suspects, which makes the bribery subplot less relevant in the context of Rusty’s investigation.
9. The Introductions of New Characters
Jake Gyllenhaal’s Rusty Has Two Children
The Apple TV+ adaptation also features characters that were absent from the original film. One significant addition is Loraine, the wife of Raymond Horgan. The series fleshes out Raymond’s character and offers deeper insights into his personal life. Several new supporting characters, such as Mya Winslow, Kyle, Jaden, Liam Reynolds, Clifton, and Michael Caldwell, enrich the storyline significantly compared to the original film.
Notably, Alana Rodriguez takes over Dan Lipranzer’s role in the series, maintaining a similar function with some modifications. Nevertheless, the new characters enhance the storytelling. Lorraine’s character serves to illuminate Rusty’s vulnerabilities, while his children, Kyle and Jaden, create a dimension of empathy that was largely absent from the film.
8. Carolyn Polhemus Has a Son in the Apple TV+ Series
Carolyn and Michael’s Relationship is Different
Both adaptations depict Carolyn as somewhat emotionally cold; however, the series adds depth by introducing Michael Caldwell, Carolyn’s estranged son. In the 1990 film, Carolyn’s character is portrayed as disinterested in motherhood, focusing solely on her career ambitions. The investigation following her murder reveals her intent to avoid procreation, and her political pursuits take precedence.
Contrastingly, the series’ portrayal of Carolyn as a mother complicates her character. Her decision to keep her son’s existence a secret highlights her emotional struggles and inability to connect, constructing a more nuanced image of a woman caught between her ambitions and personal relationships.
7. Altered Circumstances Surrounding Rusty’s Acquittal
Key Evidence is Absent in the Presumed Innocent Series
The rationale behind Rusty’s acquittal diverges significantly between adaptations. In the film, Rusty’s exoneration hinges on the absence of critical evidence—a glass bearing his fingerprints found at Carolyn’s apartment. This absence prevents prosecutors from conclusively placing Rusty at the scene of her death, while a miscalculation by Dr. Herbert Kumagai raises reasonable doubt.
In contrast, the series does not reference this glass at all, instead establishing that Rusty’s DNA is abundant in Carolyn’s apartment, which complicates the narrative. The wealth of circumstantial evidence against Rusty renders the introduction of a minor piece of evidence unnecessary, allowing the story to maintain focus without adding excessive complexity.
6. Variations in Carolyn Polhemus’ Murder Investigation
The Show Reveals Carolyn Was Pregnant
The core mystery surrounding Carolyn’s murder is central to both the film and the series, albeit with differing forensic conclusions. The film’s post-mortem findings include evidence of sexual assault and Rusty’s semen, which are absent in the series. Notably, the Apple TV+ version introduces the twist that Carolyn was pregnant at the time of her death, a significant departure from her character’s stance in the film.
This crucial change drives plot development in the series, as Carolyn’s pregnancy is tied directly to the motives behind her murder, steering the narrative in a fresh direction that effectively sets the stage for an impactful finale.
5. Liam Reynolds as a Suspect
The Series Excludes Bunny Davies’ Murder Plotline
Throughout both adaptations, Rusty’s consistent claim of innocence shapes the narrative. In the film, Rusty conjectures that Carolyn’s killer is someone tied to her bribery investigation. However, the series redirects suspicion toward Liam Reynolds, who has a personal vendetta against Carolyn following her role in his incarceration for the murder of Bunny Davies.
Interestingly, although Reynolds was in prison when Carolyn was killed, his history with her grants him a prominent role in the series’ investigation, as Rusty seeks to unravel the convoluted circumstances potentially surrounding her death.
4. The Affair of Barbara in the Series
Barbara’s Brief Affair with Clifton
The character of Barbara also undergoes significant transformation between the film and the series. Although the film depicts her struggles with Rusty’s infidelity, she ultimately shows signs of forgiveness. Conversely, the series portrays Barbara in a more vulnerable light as she grapples with the emotional fallout from Rusty’s accusations.
In a poignant moment during the third episode, Barbara’s dismay leads her to seek solace in the arms of another man. While this “affair”culminates in a mere kiss, the subplot enriches her character, illuminating her internal conflict and portraying her struggle to reconcile her love for Rusty amid the chaos surrounding their marriage.
3. Raymond Horgan Takes on Rusty’s Defense
Sandy Stern Represents Rusty in the Film
The transition from suspect to defendant for Rusty marks a crucial moment in the storyline, necessitating a trustworthy legal representative. In the film, Rusty enlists Sandy Stern, whereas in the series, the role pivots to Raymond Horgan. In a notable shift, the series turns Raymond into Rusty’s staunch advocate, despite prior tensions stemming from Rusty’s affair with Carolyn.
Unlike Sandy’s impartial approach in the film, Raymond’s deep-seated belief in Rusty’s innocence and his personal stake in the trial—as a close friend and a former prosecutor—raise the stakes significantly. The dynamic creates a more compelling narrative as viewers witness Raymond fighting not only for Rusty’s freedom but also to preserve his own reputation.
2. Rusty Takes the Stand in His Own Defense
Rusty Makes His Closing Arguments
In a tense turn of events during the trial, Raymond suffers a heart attack, prompting Rusty to take the unusual step of representing himself rather than relying on his secondary lawyer, Mya Winslow. This decision exposes him to intense scrutiny on the stand, leading to a challenging cross-examination by prosecutor Tommy Molto that could jeopardize his chances of acquittal.
In a desperate bid for empathy, Rusty takes on the responsibility of delivering his closing arguments, challenging conventional legal wisdom. This pivotal moment humanizes him to the jury, perhaps critical in swaying their perceptions and supporting his plea for acquittal.
1. The Series Features a Different Conclusion
Barbara Isn’t the Murderer in the Apple TV+ Series
Perhaps the most striking difference between the two adaptations lies in the resolution of the mystery. In the 1990 film, it is revealed that Barbara orchestrated Carolyn’s murder after discovering Rusty’s unyielding tie to his mistress, cunningly framing Rusty for the crime while concealing her involvement. Conversely, the Apple TV+ series diverges sharply, positioning Jaden, Rusty’s daughter, as the murderer.
Following the painful revelation of Rusty’s infidelities, Jaden confronts Carolyn—who discloses her pregnancy with Rusty’s child—escalating the confrontation and leading Jaden to commit an unthinkable act of violence. This shocking twist underscores the series’ thematic explorations of familial bonds and the consequences of betrayal, distinctly differentiating it from the film’s narrative arc.
Leave a Reply