presumed innocent episode 7: Kumagai Emerges as the prime suspect
Presumed Innocent's gripping mystery about Carolyn Polhemus's murder has kept viewers on the tip of their seats. Episode 7 throws a major wrench in the inquiry, pointing toward Kumagai, the medical examiner, as a strong candidate for the killer, while the identity of the killer is yet unknown.
The Sign That Suggests Kumagai
At Molto's house, the murder weapon—a fireplace poker—is discovered along with a note saying "Go Fk Yourself," which marks the turning point in the episode. This is important since Kumagai said the same exact phrase to Rusty in a past episode.
This apparently small detail fuels the mistrust about Kumagai. The link between the medical examiner and the crime is strengthened even more by the fact that the note was discovered at Molto's house following his court revelation of Kumagai's negligence.
Kumagai's dubious actions over the series
Kumagai's behavior over the whole show has been characterized by a sequence of dubious deeds. He has a past of falsifying autopsy findings to further his own agenda. He clearly exhibits this manipulative behavior when he abruptly shows Carolyn's nails evidence of Rusty's DNA, a move that seems meant to frame Rusty.
Kumagai's Reasons
Kumagai could have a several reasons for killing Carolyn. His resentment of Rusty would have driven a need to frame him for the murder. Furthermore, Carolyn's confrontation of Kumagai about the hidden proof resulting in Reynolds' detention might have set off a conflict that turned violent.
Additional Suspects: A Complicated Web
Although Kumagai's involvement seems quite likely, the show has kept viewers wondering by adding a host of other possible suspects, each with their own motives and secrets.
Michael, Carolyn's son, tells her she is afraid of someone in her workplace and might be pointing to Molto since he is so fixated on her. Because of her knowledge of Rusty's extramarital affair with Carolyn, Barbara, his wife, also becomes a suspect. Driven by her own feelings for Rusty, Eugenia's resentment of Carolyn qualifies her as another potential suspect.
Though Raymond, apparently the most likeable character, cannot be discounted given his ambition for the state elections and readiness to employ extreme tactics for success.
The Final: A Nail-Biting Climactic
Presumed Innocent has created a web of complex hints and red herrings that makes the ultimate resolution hard to forecast. The last shows should solve the riddle and expose the killer's actual name.
Will Kumagai turned out to be the mastermind behind Carolyn's murder, or will the truth reveal a more surprising offender? Viewers are excitedly awaiting the dramatic revelations of the last episode, thus the suspense is still as strong as it has been.
