'Presumed Innocent': Who is the male co-worker Carolyn was afraid of? Rusty is obvious target, but there may be a twist

Apple TV+'s 'Presumed Innocent' delves into the struggle of a man who struggles to prove his innocnece in a murder case 
UPDATED JUL 12, 2024
A new suspect could lead to Rusty Sabich's acquittal in Carolyn Polhemus's murder case in 'Presumed Innocent '(@appletv+)
A new suspect could lead to Rusty Sabich's acquittal in Carolyn Polhemus's murder case in 'Presumed Innocent '(@appletv+)

Contains spoilers and speculations for 'Presumed Innocent'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Set against the judicial system of Chicago, Apple TV+'s 'Presumed Innocent' has effectively preserved the sense of intrigue surrounding the heinous murder of Carolyn Polhemus (Renate Reinsve).

The courtroom drama series, created by David E Kelley, follows Rusty Sabich (Jake Gyllenhaal), a well-known prosecutor, whose life is turned upside down when he becomes the prime suspect in the grisly murder of his secret lover and colleague Carolyn.

But with every episode, it became clear that there could be other suspects than Rusty, and one of them surfaces when Carolyn's son mentions that his mother recalled an unruly colleague.

Who was Carolyn Polhemus afraid of in 'Presumed Innocent'?

Peter Sarsgaard in a still from 'Presumed Innocent' (@appletv+)
Peter Sarsgaard in a still from 'Presumed Innocent' (@appletv+)

It was revealed in the latest episode that Tommy Molto (Peter Sarsgaard) is the co-worker Carolyn was afraid of.

As established in the earlier episodes, Tommy meets with Carolyn's son Michael Caldwell (Tate Birchmore) to discuss possible defense questions.

Michael confesses to witnessing Rusty enter Carolyn and also mentions Carolyn talking about a colleague's dread.

Michael assumed it was Rusty, despite the fact that Carolyn did not mention the name of the co-worker.

However, during the court trial in Episode 6, Eugenia (Virginia Kull), confesses that she is aware of Carolyn filing an HR complaint against Tommy, not Rusty.

She then further revealed that Carolyn avoided working with Tommy out of discomfort, claiming he made her feel 'ick'.

Did Tommy Molto kill Carolyn Polhemus in 'Presumed Innocent'?

The first episode of 'Presumed Innocent' hinted to a possible relationship between Carolyn Polhemus and Bunny Davis' murder case (@appletv+)
Renate Reinsve as Carolyn Polhemus in a still from 'Presumed Innocent' (@appletv+)

Tommy remains a key suspect in Carolyn's murder, owing to his recent obsessive behavior to implicate Rusty as the murderer of Carolyn.

A flashback shows Carolyn's chilly demeanor towards Tommy, which he didn't like, underscoring his possible purpose.

In the flashback, Tommy confronts Carolyn about her refusal to work with him, to which she politely says that she would rather work alone or with Rusty, the deputy chief prosecutor.

Tommy interprets this as a personal rejection, alluding to his potential deep emotions for Carolyn and envy of her relationship with Rusty.

This narrative raises doubt about Tommy's neutrality in pursuing Rusty, implying that his actions may be motivated by personal revenge rather than justice.

With two episodes remaining, the series will most likely address these questions and explain if Tommy's pursuit is biassed or whether he is, in fact, Carolyn's murderer. 

How to stream 'Presumed Innocent'?

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

If you have an Apple TV+ streaming subscription, you may watch a series that immerses you in the intriguing world of courtroom dramas.

Paying $9.99 per month for Apple TV+ gives consumers access to every episode and movie on the device.

'Presumed Innocent' trailer



 

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