Apple TV+’s crime drama, Presumed Innocent, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Ruth Negga, Renate Reinsve, Bill Camp, Chase Infiniti, Kingston Rumi Southwick, and O-T Fagbenle has come to an end after 8 gripping episodes which constantly kept the viewers on the edge of their seats.
Presumed Innocent Episode 8 had plenty to offer at every turning point, which ultimately made this series a success.
While this latest episode had several interesting scenes and gasp-worthy moments, all the attention remained on the ending, and rightfully so. If the ending of Presumed Innocent left to shocked and possibly a little confused, fret not, because we’re here to explain it in a little more detail, as there was plenty to unpack!
Is Rusty Sabich Innocent?
The ending of Presumed Innocent wasn’t the last 5 minutes of Episode 8 but actually started when the verdict was read out. After much contemplation, the jury had found Rusty Sabich to be not guilty, but Rusty’s nightmare was far from over. Rusty doesn’t come home to a celebration but instead has to confront his wife, Barbara, who has a bag packed on the bed.
Rusty makes his way to confront Barbara, and the conversation between them is the biggest plot twist of the series yet. Rusty admits to typing up Carolyn Polhemus after she was murdered, but doesn’t confess to murdering her, instead, he insinuates that it was Barbara who killed Carolyn.
Barbara is taken aback by Rusty’s words, and calls him “sick” as confusion looms over, until Jaden, or as they lovingly call her Jay, enters the room.
Jay, Rusty and Barbara’s daughter has been a supporting character in Presumed Innocent, and often showed her interest in the case, whilst also sympathizing with her father. Lo and behold, she is the one who killed Carolyn.
Jay confesses to her parents that she went to Carolyn’s house to ask her to stay away from her father, but upon learning about her pregnancy, in a fit of rage, killed her. Jay also buried the murder weapon, which she later planted in Tommy Molto’s house.
All this time, Rusty thought he was taking the fall for his wife, but instead, it was his daughter. While Rusty isn’t completely innocent, at least it is clear that he didn’t murder Carolyn, she was already dead when he found her. As Barbara and Rusty process Jay’s confession, Rusty makes it abundantly clear that they will never speak of this again, and go through it as a family.
Presumed Innocent Episode 8 ends on a happy note, with all characters celebrating Thanksgiving, even Tommy, who appears to be less tense for the first time in the series. The Sabich family eats their meal together, and all is well.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, the Presumed Innocent finale had plenty of shocking moments but the ending was definitely the most shocking of all. We would love to know in the comments who you thought killed Carolyn Polhemus before the actual killer was revealed!