Character Analysis and Legal Drama Evolution

Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney reunite in the courtroom to recap the two-episode premiere of ‘Presumed Innocent,’ the Apple TV+ limited series starring Jake Gyllenhaal. They start by discussing the benefits of translating this well-known courtroom drama into a serialized iteration, the strong ensemble of actors led by a showstopping Ruth Negga performance, and the violent nature of the story (1:05). Along the way, they unpack how swapping out Harrison Ford for Gyllenhaal significantly alters the chemistry of the Rusty Sabich character (28:00). Later, they talk through David E. Kelley’s lasting imprint on legal television and whether a single case is enough to sustain an eight-episode arc (37:31).

Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney

Producer: Kai Grady

Additional Production Support: Justin Sayles

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