The premiere set up a mind-bending mystery, with Rusty Sabich (Jake Gyllenhaal) suspected of murdering his mistress, Carolyn (Renate Reinsve). Episode 3 increased the tension with a chilling cliffhanger: a paternity test showed Carolyn was pregnant with Rusty’s child, and someone else knows about the affair. Now, episode 3 starts with Rusty getting a terrifying text. “You were there, I saw you.”
Well, I’ve never been accused of murder, but I have a feeling that’s the last thing you want to hear before a trial! Rusty rushes outside to call the number, but it’s no use. They won’t respond. He shows the text to his wife, Barbara. “Saw you where?” she asks.
The next morning, Rusty’s lawyer, Raymond, wakes up from a nightmare. He dreamed that Rusty killed Carolyn. Raymond’s wife, Lorraine, wonders if the dream signifies something bigger. Maybe Raymond knows, deep down, that Rusty isn’t innocent.
Meanwhile, Rusty’s family is struggling to adjust to the media circus. A group of reporters swarm their homes. “Don’t they have actual news to report?” Kyle asks.
Before heading over, Rusty stops by Raymond’s house for advice. Raymond thinks it’s a bad idea. “If you do this, you have to assume that the person you’re meeting is wearing a wire. So whatever you say, I strongly suggest you keep it simple,” he says.
Even if Rusty is innocent, he’s still guilty of betraying Barbara. Lorraine points this out and encourages Barbara to look out for herself. “I admire your fight, your commitment to be in love, to stay in love with the man you married,” she says. “Rusty isn’t the man you married.” Oof. It’s tough to hear, sure, but I’m glad someone said it. Justice for Barbara!
That afternoon, Rusty meets up with his mystery messenger. It’s Carolyn’s son, Michael. Remember when I said he was a little odd? I knew something was up! The kid is furious. “Why did you kill her?” he asks.
Rusty dismisses the accusation. He offers to tell Michael anything he wants to know about their relationship, but Michael is persistent. He says he has photos and videos of Rusty at the house the night Carolyn died.
Oh, and he’s already given them to the police. If Rusty wasn’t in trouble before, he sure is now. Except… Michael’s evidence means that he was there, too. Interesting.
The Review
Presumed Innocent Season 1 Episode 3 Review
The third episode of Presumed Innocent continues to intensify the gripping narrative established in earlier episodes. The subplot involving Rusty's lawyer, Raymond, adds another layer of complexity, hinting at Raymond's subconscious doubts about Rusty's innocence. The presence of relentless reporters underscores the strain on Rusty's family, adding to the chaotic atmosphere. Rusty's decision to meet an anonymous messenger, despite Raymond's warnings, leads to a confrontation with Carolyn's son, Michael, who accuses Rusty of murder and claims to have incriminating evidence. This revelation significantly raises the stakes, leaving viewers on edge about Rusty's fate and his guilt or innocence. The episode masterfully blends suspense, personal conflict, and legal drama, keeping the audience engaged and eager for the next development.
Review Breakdown
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Suspense
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Acting
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Drama
