Jake Gyllenhaal’s new show reminds me so much of this underrated Chris Evans series from 2020

After Apple TV+ released its new legal thriller, From presumption of the innocentI couldn’t help but notice the show’s similarities to another Apple TV+ miniseries that premiered four years ago. As far as legal dramas go, it can be easy for two series to feel like they’re cut from the same cloth. Theatrical courtroom scenes, cunning lawyers, and gruesome crimes are all my favorite aspects of a legal thriller. However, it’s hard to ignore how this show is like From presumption of the innocent. It’s not just the setting that connects these series; their dynamics and themes are also very similar.

Let’s explain the basic setup to understand how these two shows converge. First and foremost From presumption of the innocent with Jake Gyllenhaal as Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor who unexpectedly becomes a suspect in the murder of his colleague. 2024 From presumption of the innocent is not based on a true story, but is inspired by Scott Turow’s 1987 novel. The story was first made into a film in 1990, with Harrison Ford in the lead role. From presumption of the innocent has a total of eight episodes and boasts an all-star cast and crew. So far, the Rotten Tomatoes rating is a strong 77%.

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Chris Evans’ Defending Jacob is another legal thriller based on a book

How the presumption of innocence and Jacob’s defense are related

While I was dealing with Defend Jacobyou can see the most important connections that caught my attention while watching From presumption of the innocentPublished four years ago in 2020, Defend Jacob is a legal drama starring Chris Evans. Evans plays the deputy district attorney Andy Barber, who discovers that his 14-year-old son could be a murderer. Defence of Jacob’s The story is based on the 2012 book of the same name by William Landay. The series has eight episodes and a cast of very familiar faces. It has 70% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Side by side, I can’t help but see how From presumption of the innocent And Defend Jacob are similar to each other. Both are legal thrillers based on books with notable casts and positive reviews from critics. They even have the exact same number of episodes. Although Gyllenhaal and Evans are clearly different actors, they play incredibly similar roles. Their characters are both men facing horrific accusations. However, despite the horror of their situation, they must put their fear aside and work hard to find out the truth, no matter how difficult it may be.

“Defending Jacob” also features a star cast

Presumed Innocent and Defendating Jacob tell more than just their stories

While From presumption of the innocent And Defence of Jacob’s Although the stories are obviously related due to their shared genre, I must point out that it is not just the plot that is comparable. The legal thrillers also have technical aspects in commonincluding their casts. Evans and Gyllenhaal are white men in their 40s with notable film careers. Although Gyllenhaal has historically made more dark arthouse films than Evans, the two have both appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I can also see the rest of the From presumption of the innocent And Defend Jacob pour.

Rusty Sabich and Andy Barber each have a wife on their respective television shows. Found innocent, it is Ruth Negga. In Defend Jacob, it is Michelle Dockery. Both actresses come from Great Britain and began their careers in the theater in the early 2000s. Where From presumption of the innocent includes stars such as Bill Camp and Renate Reinsve, Defend Jacob with Jaeden Martell, Cherry Jones and JK Simmons. An impressive cast may not seem like a big deal, especially these days, This similarity is another big way From presumption of the innocent And Defend Jacob are intertwined.

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The family’s uncertainty regarding the defendant’s innocence is a common theme

Presumption of Innocence and Jacob’s Defense Exploring Innocence vs. Guilt

Small details aside, From presumption of the innocent And Defence of Jacob’s The biggest commonality is their common themes. I think innocence vs. guilt is the most important idea here. In Found innocent, Rusty is being investigated as the prime suspect in the murder of his colleague. Even though he knows the truth, he has to defend himself in front of everyone in his life and in court. In the meantime, Defend Jacob, Andy must choose between his love for his son and his duty to justice. In this way, both shows focus on a certain aspect of innocence vs. guilt.

From presumption of the innocent And Defend Jacob both explore the concept of what a loved one believes after a murder charge. Where From presumption of the innocent offers the perspective of the accused, Defend Jacob revolves around the point of view of a family member. This distinction is fascinating because on one hand I sympathized with Gyllenhaal’s Sabich as he tried to prove his innocence to everyone around him. However, I also sympathized with Evans’ Barber as he struggled to see his son after learning he might be a murderer.

Overall, I think this is an important difference that makes the show’s similarities all the better. From presumption of the innocent And Defend Jacob have so many things in common that they become all the more interesting when they finally differentiate themselves. One could easily assume that the miniseries tells the same storybut the subtle way in which their storylines branch out proves that they are thoughtful and meaningful shows. Plus, drawing the audience into the mystery of who is guilty of the murder makes the experience thrilling.

Chris Evans’ Andy Barber is determined to protect his son by defending Jacob

Andy Barber and Rusty Sabich have the same perspective

At the end of the day, From presumption of the innocent And Defend Jacob tell the same story. Rusty and Andy may be on opposite sides of their respective crimes, but their motives are the same. While Rusty fights to prove his innocence, Andy does everything he can to defend his son. Both men use their legal experience to get their desired outcome, even if that outcome teeters on the edge of justice. I think that’s what makes this series so compelling. I appreciate how this miniseries shows justice and personal feuds merging into an intense courtroom decision.

After comparing the two, I think From presumption of the innocent And Defend Jacob should be considered side by side. You might think that the shows would seem too similar due to their shared characteristics, but their differences make for the perfect duo. I recommend watching one after the other to see how Rusty and Andy’s stories intersect and differ from each other. For those who have already watched one series, I’m sure it will be just as satisfying to watch the other. Apple TV+ may have released two related miniseries within four years, but thankfully From presumption of the innocent And Defend Jacob are definitely worth seeing.

For lack of evidence (2024)

Presumed Innocent is an eight-episode limited series starring and executive produced by Jake Gyllenhaal, with David E. Kelley and JJ Abrams serving as executive producers. The series is based on the New York Times best-selling book of the same name by Scott Turow. Starring Gyllenhaal as Assistant Attorney General Rusty Sabich, the series takes viewers on a gripping journey through a gruesome murder that sends the Chicago District Attorney’s office into turmoil when one of the defendants is suspected of the crime. The series explores obsession, sex, politics, and the power and limits of love as the defendant struggles to keep his family and marriage together. The thriller’s all-star cast also includes Ruth Negga, Bill Camp, Elizabeth Marvel, Peter Sarsgaard, OT Fagbenle, and Renate Reinsve.

Pour

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

Release date

June 14, 2024

Seasons

1

Authors

David E. Kelley

Directors

Greg Yaitanes, Anne Sewitsky

Creator

David E. Kelley

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