It Was All in the Reaction Shots

As a dedicated fan of intricately crafted mysteries and legal dramas, I was thoroughly captivated by Apple TV+’s adaptation of “Presumed Innocent.” The final revelation of the murderer’s identity in this series did not disappoint, for it managed to surprise me without feeling entirely out of left field.


In the conclusion, the actual murderer in “Presumed Innocent” was not the person with the most incriminating evidence or the one initially suspected based on the original source material. It also wasn’t any of the red herrings or even Tommy Molto’s cat. However, the identity of the killer wasn’t entirely unexpected. The Apple TV+ legal drama subtly dropped hints throughout its storyline that pointed to this outcome. These clues were not obvious plot developments or striking new evidence but emotional breadcrumbs that were present all along, waiting for their meaning to be revealed at the appropriate moment.

In the original “Presumed Innocent” novels and films from 1987 and 1990, it is unveiled towards the end that Rusty Sabich’s wife, Barbara, was the one responsible for the murder. Envious of his affair with colleague Carolyn, Barbara carried out the crime and left enough incriminating evidence at the scene to make Rusty a suspect. However, in the television adaptation, the shocking revelation that Barbara is the murderer is saved for the last twist. Instead, it is their daughter Jaden who confesses to the killing of Carolyn in the garage while Rusty confronts her mother.

In simpler terms, the unexpected twist in “Presumed Innocent” is effective due to its alignment with the story’s core themes while avoiding an identical conclusion. The murderer turns out to be someone close to Rusty, and his priority is safeguarding his family rather than pursuing justice. If this revelation seemed unlikely based on the context provided, it would not have the same impact. Jaden’s role as the killer comes as a surprise yet feels natural given the scant physical evidence presented in the story. Rusty must clarify crucial details of the investigation during this scene, such as discovering Carolyn’s body and assuming Barbara was responsible, leading him to conceal the truth and implicate another person. Despite the limited physical clues, Jaden emerges as the likely suspect due to the emotional evidence that has been evident from the beginning of “Presumed Innocent.”

In the second episode, Rusty returns home from his first full day on the case, and it’s Jaden who queries, “How did your day at work go, Dad?” During dinner, as Rusty and Barbara prepare to discuss important family matters, Barbara grows worried and inquires about the situation before eventually leaving in a huff. Throughout subsequent episodes, she questions Rusty about his affair and seeks updates on the court case’s progression while offering suggestions on decisions he should make. In episode three, she remarks, “You’ve drawn a favorable judge for this trial.” She wonders if it’s advantageous that things are moving so quickly.

As a movie buff, I’d put it this way: The hints are spot on because the seemingly innocent meaning is identical to the damning one. She’s tightly bonded with Rusty, fretting over his wellbeing and shielding their family. Throughout the series, Jaden’s reactions are pivotal, revealing sadness and anger as each detail of the case unfolds. The camera focuses on her face during every family interaction, allowing us to gauge our own feelings towards Rusty based on how Jaden looks at him.

Jaden’s role as a caring and involved daughter explains her desire to stay informed about everything, and it is this same trait that ultimately leads her to commit the murder. There are no unexpected twists or hidden monstrous side of her character revealed. Her concern for her father, even if he may be a potential killer, remains consistent throughout the show. Therefore, her concerned expressions before and after the revelation of her being the killer can be easily understood within this context.

At certain points during the show, it comes close to revealing the solution, yet manages to keep it hidden. For instance, in the second episode when authorities take her computer from the house for examination, she questions Rusty with noticeable alarm, saying “Why are they taking *my* computer?” This incident may not raise suspicion later in the series, given the abundance of significant events and misdirections that follow. However, this seemingly insignificant instance of a teenager protesting the seizure of her laptop goes largely unnoticed amidst the chaos.

The most telling clue that Jaden was involved lies at the beginning of the scene. She seems to pay close attention to Rusty’s work phone as it rings, her actions appearing polite but now seeming much more ominous in hindsight. Rusty takes the call and is visibly shocked by the news. The two are standing in the kitchen, with Jaden prominently featured in the background, clearly visible and framed between them.

As a seasoned reader with a soft spot for intricately crafted mysteries, I find the experience of reading “Presumed Innocent” to be both captivating and intellectually stimulating. The author masterfully lays out enough clues to keep one engaged without giving away the entire puzzle upfront. It’s not that the story is misleading; rather, it challenges us to pay close attention and piece together the pieces of the puzzle as they are revealed.

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2024-07-25 00:53