Celebrated Academy Award Nominee Jake Gyllenhaal, following his successful tribute to an 80s classic earlier this spring, is poised to showcase his acting prowess in the miniseries “Presumed Innocent.” Renowned attorney turned Hollywood polymath David E. Kelley assumes the role of showrunner and series writer, with Greg Yaitanes and Anne Sewitsky taking turns directing the series’ eight episodes.
The series is based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Scott Turow, which was adapted for the big screen with Harrison Ford starring in 1990. Starring Gyllenhaal in the lead role of chief deputy prosecutor Rusty Sabich, the series takes viewers on a gripping journey through the horrific murder that upends the Chicago Prosecuting Attorney’s office when one of its own is suspected of the crime. The series explores obsession, sex, politics, and the power and limits of love as the accused fights to hold his family and marriage together.
Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a standout performance as Rusty Sabich, a seasoned prosecutor who finds himself at the center of a high-profile murder case when his colleague and former lover, Carolyn Polhemus (played by Greta Scacchi), is found dead. Sabich becomes the prime suspect in the case, and as the evidence against him mounts, he must fight to clear his name and uncover the truth behind the murder.
The series excels at building tension and suspense as Sabich navigates the treacherous waters of the legal system and attempts to untangle the web of lies and deceit that surrounds him. The supporting cast, which features Bill Camp as Sabich’s wise and experienced mentor and Ruth Negga as his devoted and enigmatic spouse, brings depth and intricacy to the story. They create a rich tapestry of characters and motives that should keep the audience engaged and guessing until the final episode. The collaborators’ direction is masterful, with a dark, atmospheric tone that perfectly complements the film’s betrayal, ambition, and morality themes. The cinematography is sleek and stylish, capturing the gritty underbelly of the legal world with a sense of authenticity and urgency. Fans of Kelly’s writing style will also be impressed, as it’s razor-sharp.
“Presumed Innocent” is a riveting and thought-provoking series that showcases Gyllenhaal’s acting prowess and Kelly’s talent for crafting suspenseful and intelligent thrillers. It is a must-watch for genre fans, offering a compelling and thrilling exploration of justice and morality in the legal system.
Final Grade: B+
The first two episodes of “Presumed Innocent” arrive via Apple TV+ on June 12, 2024
Nineties R&B fans had an exciting moment last week when rumors began circulating that vocal powerhouses Brandy and Monica are reportedly embarking on “The Boy Is Mine Tour” this fall. While no official announcement has been made yet, with Monica’s debut album “Miss Thang” celebrating its 30th anniversary next month, I thought it would be the perfect pick for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
As Black Music Month 2025 continues, I wanted to give flowers to “The Queen of Funk,” Ms. Chaka Khan, for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday. The song I decided to highlight is “Through the Fire.”
If there were ever a question on Jeopardy with a category about R&B bands and the question centered on Cameo, I’m sure it would be on one of their signature songs, “Candy” or “Word Up!”