Presumed Innocent

Presumed Innocent was as good as I expected it to be. I knew it would be good just based off the casting of Jake Gyllenhaal and add Peter Sarsgaard, Ruth Negga and a bunch of other good actors and you have the makings of a good show. Gyllenhaal delivers evert time he's in a movie or show and this is no different. On top of that it was created by David E. Kelley who had a pretty good reputation when it comes to crime dramas. This is an edge of your seat whodunit series that will keep you guessing who the killer is throughout the series. I've never seen the original film or read the book but I've read this version is distinctive fr'om those. While it may not be the best whodunit courtroom drama I've seen, it's definitely worth watching.

It begins like a typical thriller or detective series, but it quickly distinguishes itself with each successive episode. Initially, it seems straightforward, but the intrigue deepens, and the complexity of the main character unravels in fascinating ways. Just when you think the protagonist couldn't be any more suspicious, the plot introduces more layers of doubt and mistrust.

This series expertly keeps you on edge, making you question the main character's innocence repeatedly. The storyline is crafted to push boundaries, making you believe that the character has hit rock bottom, only to reveal yet another twist that makes you reconsider everything. While it shares some similarities with other films and series in its genre, It has a unique quality that sets it apart, making it a must-watch.

It's an alright show, made by adults meant for adults, which is surprising considering the rest of modern entertainment.

But it's way too long, there was no reason to stretch this simple story for eight whole episodes when six or even five would have sufficed. There was no reason for scenes of the antagonistic DAs, there was no reason for Barbara and her boring bartender, there was no reason for the boring children and their teenage angst. There was no reason to pad the runtime by including half of the scenes that made into the show.

The show is more boring than good, and that's a shame, I could have enjoyed a story not made by and for millennials.

You should watch this show on Apple TV+ with Jake Gyllenhaal I never saw the 1990 movie with Harrison Ford, nor read the book, so it was all new to me. I was definitely entertained, wondering where it was all going to go week-by-week and I was (mostly) satisfied by the end. Jake has come a long way since "Donnie Darko" (an excellent movie, btw) and he does a great job here alternating between slimy and sincere, leaving us questioning his innocence. The supporting cast is terrific, especially Ruth Negga, great in everything she does ("Loving", "Passing", "Preacher") and an always excellent Peter Sarsgaard as the villain-y character.

My wife and I binge watched the series and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. A stellar line up, led amazingly well by Jake Gyllenhal. All the actors played their roles tremendously. From the loathsome Tommy Molto to the amiable Ray, and the wife (Ruth Negga just brilliant) and kids were fabulous. The storyline was gripping and for once neither I or my detective wife did not see the twist coming. We were glad to see a conclusion, albeit unexpected. But it was so well done that it gave the perfect end to the series. I would go as far to say this is a must see series. Certainly one that I cannot recommend highly enough.