Presumed Innocent Star Defends His Controversial Character: "I'm Surprised People Have Any Issue With Him"

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Presumed Innocent.

Presumed Innocent star Peter Sarsgaard defends the controversial Tommy Molto, who led the prosecution against Rusty Sabich, passionately describing the positive qualities of the character he portrayed. The legal thriller adaptation of Scott Turrow’s novel, led by Jake Gyllenhaal as Rusty, and written by David E. Kelley, recently closed out season 1 and revealed who really killed Carolyn Polhemus in its closing minutes. It’s a loss for Tommy, ultimately, as Rusty is found not guilty.

In an interview with Variety, Sarsgaard responded to theories that Tommy was Carolyn’s murderer. The Emmy-nominated actor defends his character, saying he never believed that Tommy could have killed Carolyn. In the quote below, Sarsgaard goes on to describe Molto as “a guy who had a lot of integrity.” Still, he acknowledged that the prosecutor could be difficult:

I mean, I always knew there would be people who thought that. But in my mind, there was zero chance that he was. I thought this was a guy who had a lot of integrity but also had a lot of eccentricities that made it difficult for people around him. But I would want him on my side as a lawyer.

Actually, one of those first courtroom scenes they sent me, which they told me they wanted to do in one shot without cutting away like a play — that was when I really started looking at him and who he was. I had a great on-set lawyer who helped me think about his dialogue as a prosecutor would think about it. And through that process of getting to know him, I realized he is all lawyer. The guy is just a lawyer. He just does it. He feeds his cat, and then he does it. He’s a f–king machine. I like that quality in him. I’ve always liked him, and I’m surprised that people have any issue with him.

Presumed Innocent’s Unflattering Characterization Is One Of Its Strengths

Even The Show’s Central Victim Is Not Exactly A Pleasant Person

Understandably, Sarsgaard has a more charitable opinion of Molto than some viewers that watched the Apple TV+ adaptation. Actors who play problematic or ostensibly villainous characters are often asked about how they’re able to identify with and bring a sense of legitimacy to their portrayal. Most people do not see themselves as villains, and it’s partly the actor’s job to avoid the trap of playing their antagonist like a cartoon villain. But, having said that, there are valid reasons to be less than enamored with Molto.

His vendetta against Rusty does not paint him in the most favorable light. Carolyn also says that she felt uncomfortable in her interactions with him and a scene close to the verdict reveals that he was fixated on her even after her death. But to the show’s credit, almost no character comes off looking too good by the finale. Carolyn is not exempt from unfavorable depiction, despite being the victim among the Presumed Innocent characters. She discarded evidence that wasn’t favorable and she ignored her son and plainly expressed a lack of interest in him.

And then, lastly, when Rusty’s daughter arrives at her door looking for some reassurance that the affair is over, she instead indifferently reveals that she’s pregnant with Rusty’s baby. The series, executive produced by J.J. Abrams, isn’t saying that Carolyn deserved her fate or that Tommy is utterly irredeemable. But in a darkly funny and subversive way, given the lionization of shows like Law & Order, it takes a dim view of prosecutors that starts with the dangerously delusional Rusty and continues from there. It bodes well for Presumed Innocent season 2, which has been confirmed by Apple TV+.

Source: Variety

Presumed Innocent (2024)

An eight-episode limited series  based on the New York Times bestselling novel of the same name by Scott Turow. 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.

Cast

Jake Gyllenhaal , Ruth Negga , Bill Camp , Elizabeth Marvel , Renate Reinsve , Peter Sarsgaard , O-T Fagbenle , Chase Infiniti , Lily Rabe , Nana Mensah , Matthew Alan , Kingston Rumi Southwick

Release Date

June 12, 2024

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Apple TV+

Writers

David E. Kelley

Directors

Greg Yaitanes , Anne Sewitsky

Creator(s)

David E. Kelley

Where To Watch

Apple TV+

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