Jake Gyllenhaal's hit courtroom drama series Presumed Innocent season 1 has finally come to an end, exposing the actual murderer of Carolyn Polhemus. While the series' end shocked fans and viewers, the fate of Peter Sarsgaard's Tommy Molto intensified their curiosity for season 2.
Sarsgaard's Tommy Molto isn't just a minor villain in Presumed Innocent, but a dark and conflicted personality, dealing with his inner demons while trying hard to prove Gyllenhaal's Rusty Sabich guilty of the murder.
Based on Scott Turow's 1988 novel of the same name, Tommy Molto's character development in Presumed Innocent season 1 intrigued fans as he became even more disturbed with time. The prosecutor's obsession with proving Rusty guilty of killing his former colleague and mistress Carolyn Polhemus leads him to wrong practices which even include falsifying evidence.
However, as the series progressed, fans and viewers saw more of Tommy Molto's personality. It is later revealed that he was attracted to Carolyn, causing him to put Rusty in hot water. Additionally, his loneliness deepens after he sees Rusty Sabich blessed with a family and people who care.
Tommy always desired the life Rusty was living, and his loneliness played a large part in making him look like the bad guy. However, in the end, Tommy Molto loses the case against Rusty as he's proved innocent. Despite the failure, we see Tommy peacefully watching TV with his pet, hinting that he might have found peace of mind.
Presumed Innocent season 1 just concluded, and has been renewed for season 2. The exact details of the upcoming season are yet to arrive, but Peter Sarsgaard has expressed no desire to reprise his role.
Peter Sarsgaard's thoughts on returning to Presumed Innocent season 2
At the end of Presumed Innocent season 1, Tommy Molto loses his case against Rusty Sabich, as he fails to prove him guilty, and the actual murderer is revealed. While Rusty's world has turned upside down after discovering who killed Carolyn Polhemus, Tommy is seen chilling with his dog and watching TV.
His final scene might ignite questions in fans' minds, whether Peter Sarsgaard will reprise his role in season 2, or if his character arc has concluded. In an interview with IndieWire, the actor said:
"I’m not really that interested in sequels. I think I’ve only ever done one season of anything… I think I’m a one-season person."
Sarsgaard's statement hints at his potential exit from Presumed Innocent after season 1. Considering how his character was developed gradually in the series, and the murder case being resolved, Tommy Molto might not play a crucial role in advancing storylines in the next chapter.
Who killed Carolyn Polhemus in Presumed Innocent season 1?
Presumed Innocent season 1 revolves around the mystery of Carolyn Polhemus's murder, which is resolved in the final episode. The courtroom battle began when Tommy Molto decided to prove his former colleague Rusty Sabich guilty of Carolyn's murder, who also worked with them.
During the final trial, the defendants' team decides to rest their case, followed by Rusty delivering a strong speech to prove his innocence. He says that Tommy is biased and didn't provide strong evidence that can prove he's the actual murderer.
Eventually, the jury declared Rusty Sabich not guilty of the crime, leaving the Sabich family relieved. However, little did they know that Carolyn Polhemus's killer was about to confess, and it would send shockwaves among the family members, especially Rusty and Barbara.
After the trial, Rusty and his wife Barabara are fighting over Carolyn's murder, and suddenly their daughter Jaden enters the room. Jaden confessed that she went to Carolyn's house after Rusty left, and they both had a conversation.
Jaden was worried about her parents' relationship because of Carolyn Polhemus and asked her to stay out of her father's life. However, Carolyn reveals that she's pregnant with Rusty's child, and it's impossible to stay away from him.
Upon hearing about Carolyn's pregnancy, Jaden loses her mind and in a moment of rage, she kills Carolyn Polhemus with a fireplace poker. Her revelation shocked Rusty and Barabara as they couldn't believe their daughter killed a woman.
Jaden's eagerness and multiple questions to her father during the case now make sense, as she was the actual killer, worried about her crime.
Presumed Innocent season 2 was renewed in July 2024, but the release date and cast are yet to be confirmed.
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Meanwhile, you can watch Presumed Innocent on Apple TV+
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