'Presumed Innocent' Episode 4 Takeaway: Biological smoking gun leaves Rusty's fate in the balance

The courtroom drama 'Presumed Innocent' is developed by David E Kelley and is based on Scott Turow's novel of the same name
UPDATED JUN 26, 2024
Rusty Sabich's predicament worsens with a starling revelation in 'Presumed Innocent' Episode 4 (@appletv+)
Rusty Sabich's predicament worsens with a starling revelation in 'Presumed Innocent' Episode 4 (@appletv+)

Contains spoilers for 'Presumed Innocent' Episode 4

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: The latest episode of Apple TV+'s courtroom thriller series 'Presumed Innocent' amply confirms that Rusty Sabich's (Jake Gyllenhaal) legal troubles are far from over.

The courtroom drama, created by David E. Kelley, follows Rusty, a renowned prosecutor, who confronts legal difficulty when his secret lover and colleague Carolyn Polhemus (Renate Reinsve) is killed.

Rusty continues to maintain his innocence; however, in Episode 4, new incriminating evidence emerges, pointing the finger at Rusty as the perpetrator of the savage murder. This development will undoubtedly shift the direction of his court case.

Rusty Sabich faces legal setback as new evidence emerges in 'Presumed Innocent' Episode 4

Peter Sarsgaard, O-T Fagbenle, and Bill Camp in a still from 'Presumed Innocent' Episode 4 (@appletv+)
Peter Sarsgaard, O-T Fagbenle, and Bill Camp in a still from 'Presumed Innocent' Episode 4 (@appletv+)

Raymond Horgan (Bill Camp), Rusty's attorney and mentor, confidently meets with Nico Della Guardia (O-T Fagbenle) and Tommy Molto (Peter Sarsgaard) to negotiate a plea agreement for Rusty.

However, he suffers a major blow when fresh evidence emerges, indicating that Rusty's skin was discovered beneath Carolyn's fingernails, tying him to the murder.

When Rusty learns of this discovery, he becomes irritated and claims that the evidence must be fabricated and planted by Molto, Nico, and Medical Officer Herbert Kumagai (James Hiroyuki Liao), with whom he has a strained relationship.

In a tense incident, Rusty forcefully confronts Brian Ratzer (Marco Rodríguez) at his door and brutally assaults him, indicating he was venting his frustration as his case is weakened by the new evidence.

Will Rusty Sabich be able to prove his innocence?

Jake Gyllenhaal (@appletv+)
Jake Gyllenhaal in a still from 'Presumed Innocent' (@appletv+)

New evidence underscores the escalating tension around Rusty's legal issues as this critical piece of evidence implies a physical connection between him and Carolyn on the night of her murder.

This discovery greatly complicates Rusty's defense strategy, undermining his claims of innocence and intensifying his concerns about being framed by the prosecution.

However, considering Rusty's vehement denial of the allegations, it is possible that he is being framed for a crime he did not commit.

With Rusty's situation deteriorating, Raymond Horgan represents his final chance, possibly holding the key to saving his case and navigating the complex legal obstacles ahead.

Raymond will now have to work hard to retain his credibility in court. He must convince the jurors that the evidence is flawed or provide an explanation for the discovery of Rusty's skin.

It's plausible that Raymond will explain why the skin samples took so long to be discovered, suggesting that the delay is questionable.

Raymond can argue that the prosecution conveniently discovered this evidence just as their case was weakening, implying that it was either faked or planted.

Overall, the next episode of the show will undoubtedly have viewers on the edge of their seats, as Rusty must work hard not only to establish his innocence but also to uncover who is conspiring against him.

'Presumed Innocent' trailer



 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 Part one ends on a risky ask, but the second-half brings a walk-away threat, and a surprise baby cameo.
20 hours ago
Benedict and Sophie’s ‘Bridgerton’ romance heats up in the show's part one, but here’s how Netflix reshapes the classic story from the books.
21 hours ago
Catherine O’Hara’s starrer ‘Schitt’s Creek’ follows a once-wealthy family forced to rebuild their lives in a tiny town they never planned to call home
22 hours ago
Marvel’s big cosmic reboot just hit the brakes, with ‘Imperial Guardians’ quietly shifting from bold new era to a short run before it even begins.
1 day ago
Ahead of host Trevor Noah kicking off the Grammys 2026, celebrities from Teddy Swims to PinkPantheress are celebrating early.
1 day ago
By the end of the first half of 'Bridgerton' Season 4, Danbury has set things in motion that may ultimately lead to her departure
1 day ago
A ‘Daredevil’ (2003) actor turns up in ‘Wonder Man’, but Marvel flips expectations with a sharp, self-aware cameo.
1 day ago
Showrunner Jess Brownell had teased the leads for 'Bridgerton' Seasons 5 and 6 in a creative reveal using her pocket square
1 day ago
Before joining the staff at Penwood House, Sophie had a very different life as the ward of Lord Penwood, her biological father
1 day ago
Trevor Noah will host the upcoming 68th edition of the Grammy Awards in what will be his last appearance as the event's MC
2 days ago