Tensions mount in episode four of “Presumed Innocent” as Rusty faces critical decisions – TVovermind

Confronting Kyle’s actions

In episode 4 Presumed innocentTitled “The Burden,” we witness an intense family drama as Rusty (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Barbara (Ruth Negga) confront their son, Kyle (Kingston Rumi Southwick), about his presence at Carolyn’s (Renate Reinsve) house the night she was murdered. At first, Kyle claims it was a coincidence, but soon admits that he followed Rusty after overhearing an argument about an affair. This revelation leads to more tension as Jaden (Chase Infiniti) listens in from his room.

Kyle tells his mother that he saw Rusty entering Carolyn’s house. Barbara suggests that Kyle seek therapy, but Rusty’s aggressive questioning style causes further discord. When Rusty notices that Barbara is also to blame for their situation, she leaves, declaring that she’s done with him.

That night, Rusty finds Barbara cleaning Kyle’s bike in the garage, suspecting there might be evidence on it. Barbara reminds him that their son is black and therefore more susceptible to suspicion.

Rusty’s Descent

Amidst this chaos, Kyle begins dating Dr. Liz (Lily Rabe) but refuses to talk, prompting Liz to suggest that she only counsel Barbara. Meanwhile, Barbara continues to flirt with Clifton (Sarunas J. Jackson) at a bar and eventually exchanges contact information with him.

Later, Alana (Nana Mensah) informs Rusty that the second semen sample from the Bunny Davis case belongs to Brian Ratzer (Marco Rodríguez). Despite warnings, Rusty tries unsuccessfully to get Brian’s reaction to Carolyn’s murder.

The Night of the Murder

Rusty tells Mya (Gabby Beans) about the night of Carolyn’s murder. He worked late, getting no response to his messages to Carolyn. Finally, drunk and irritated, he left the office at 8:30 p.m. and went to Carolyn’s at her invitation at 9:49 p.m. They argued and were aggressive towards each other. Mya senses he’s hiding something when cell phone records show he was there for 51 minutes.

Court tactics

Mya is pleased with the direction of the case but admits it is crucial that Rusty not go to trial. Tommy (Peter Sarsgaard) struggles to prepare Herbert’s (James Hiroyuki Liao) statement while the media remains skeptical due to the lack of a murder weapon.

Updates to Tommy and Nico’s interviews reveal that Michael admitted that his mother was afraid of a man at work, without directly mentioning Rusty’s name. The team plans to use DA office member Eugenia as a character witness against Rusty, despite Nico’s concerns about the weak state of the case.

Proposed Settlement

Raymond offers a deal for obstruction of justice in exchange for three years in prison, which they reject. But when he is presented with new incriminating documents suggesting conspiracies between Tommy, Nico and Herbert, Raymond begins to worry.

A violent explosion

When Barbara questions Rusty’s fidelity, comparing their sex life to his with Carolyn, their conversation is interrupted when Raymond calls to learn that he has found Rusty’s skin under Carolyn’s fingernails – a discovery that Rusty vehemently denies. This culminates in an explosive confrontation when Brian Ratzer shows up at Rusty’s door and is brutalized.

Presumed innocent continues to air new episodes every Wednesday on Apple TV+ until July 24.