'Presumed Innocent': Access to Bunny Davis files raises suspicions about one key character
Contains spoilers and speculations for 'Presumed Innocent'
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Viewers are captivated by the courtroom drama 'Presumed Innocent' on Apple TV+ thanks to its compelling narrative and suspenseful plot twists, encouraging viewers to speculate with each new episode.
Adapted from Scott Turow's eponymous book, the show revolves around Rusty Sabich (Jake Gyllenhaal), a prosecutor who finds himself embroiled in a legal battle after he becomes a prime suspect in the death of his colleague and lover, Carolyn Polhemus (Renate Reinsve).
Rusty is named the primary suspect in the murder investigation, but he maintains his innocence and struggles to gather evidence to support his claim.
However, with each episode, viewers continue to speculate the true identity of the murderer, suggesting a particular character as the prime suspect. Recently, a wild theory has even linked the murder case to that of Bunny Davis.
How do Bunny Davis's files link to Carolyn Polhemus's murder case?
Rusty was convinced that Carolyn was murdered by the same killer who had taken Bunny Davis's life years earlier, noting the striking similarities in their manner of death.
Now established in the series, the method of Bunny's murder is known only to Rusty, Carolyn, and the medical department, suggesting that either one of them is the perpetrator or someone closely connected to them.
Therefore, it becomes apparent that the potential murderer could be Rusty's wife, Barbra Sabich (Ruth Negga), who has unauthorized access to the materials related to the murder case.
Barbara is likely the true perpetrator seeking revenge, employing Davis's method of murder.
Fans speculate Barabra Sabich killed Carolyn Polhemus in 'Presumed Innocent'
Despite Barbara's steadfast support for her husband Rusty and her commitment to keeping their family together, she finds herself a prime suspect in Carolyn's murder, as revealed by many fans in a Reddit post.
Sharing their opinion, one fan wrote, "Not a wild theory at all. I think it's obvious that Barbara did it. Barbara has clear motive, and likely knowledge of the prior Bunny Davis details, to replicate the murder. Ruth Negga is given second billing on the show, despite her role not being considerably larger than other supporting characters. So it stands to reason she will turn out to be the big bad."
The fan continued, "The show keeps signaling that it's her. For example, when Rusty is telling defense counsel that he was framed and someone out there is laughing at him. The next scene cuts to her smile and laughing watching the kid play baseball."
The fan added, "She keeps authoritatively saying he didn't do it, because she knows he didn't. And when asking why she stays, she doesn't answer him. It's because she knows he's innocent and wants to make sure he pays for his betrayal.
The fan concluded by saying, "Now, I think it would be cool if they added an extra twist-- like she didn't cause Carolyn's death, but simply staged the body to frame Rusty, to get back at him and to protect the real killer if it was one of their kids. But that feels needlessly convoluted."
Another added, "I think Barbara did it and their son knows."
One fan speculated, "I read somewhere that Barbara sold Caroline a piece of art. Maybe she went to the house to install it and somehow learned she and Rusty were still involved and killed her and tied her up to muddle the evidence."
Did Barbara Sabich kill Carolyn Polhemus in 'Presumed Innocent'?
If you refer to the show's source material, it suggests that Barbara was the one who killed Carolyn. However, given the show's creative liberties, it's challenging to believe that Barbara did it.
However, this doesn't absolve Barbara from being the primary suspect in the murder case, as she did have other motives for potentially killing Carolyn.
Barbara may have been shown as greatly impacted by her husband's adultery and driven by a desire to preserve a flawless family image.
Her inner agony, particularly after being heartbroken by Rusty's adultery, may have driven her to murder Carolyn.
Despite perhaps giving Rusty another chance, discovering that he was still involved with Carolyn might have been too upsetting for her.
This may have prompted Barbara to confront Carolyn and, in a fit of rage, kill her.
How to stream 'Presumed Innocent'?
Subscribers to Apple TV+ can watch the series, which will transport you to the exciting realm of legal thrillers.
Apple TV+ requires a $9.99 monthly membership fee to access all of the platform's exclusive series and films.
'Presumed Innocent' trailer