SPOILER ALERT: The following review contains plot details from the first two episodes of “Smoke,” currently streaming on Apple TV+.
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## A Deep Dive into “Smoke”: A Compelling True Crime Series
Three years after their successful collaboration on “Black Bird,” **crime writer Dennis Lehane** and **actor Taron Egerton** reunite for another gripping true crime narrative: **“Smoke.”** This series explores **criminal psychology** with eerie undertones and features a talented ensemble cast.
## The Premise of “Smoke”
“Smoke” shifts its lens to the intense world of **arson**, weaving a nine-episode thriller that follows **Dave Gudsen** (Egerton), an arson investigator, and **Michelle Calderon** (Jurnee Smollett), a police detective. Together, they embark on a quest to unveil the identity of two firebugs terrorizing a fictional city named **Umberland**—an alternative version of Seattle, vividly brought to life through the lush landscapes of **Vancouver.**
## Key Characters and Intriguing Dynamics
In “Smoke,” Egerton’s character, **Dave Gudsen**, is a former firefighter turned aspiring novelist. This duality allows Lehane to cleverly critique common genres’ tropes, from thinly drawn female characters to clichéd storytelling. Meanwhile, Smollett’s **Michelle** is a focused, resilient presence, albeit weighed down by both past fire-related trauma and a forbidden affair with her superior, **Captain Steven Burke** (Rafe Spall).
### The Twist That Elevates the Narrative
While the first couple of episodes paint an intriguing picture, it’s a **shocking twist** at the end of the second episode that propels “Smoke” into exhilarating territory. Though the revelation serves as a delayed premise rather than a ground-shaking surprise, it adds substantial depth to the storyline, challenging viewers to reconsider everything they’ve witnessed.
## A Dual Perspective on Crime
At the start, we follow one of the arsonists, **Freddy** (Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine), a troubled chicken shop fry cook whose inability to control his incendiary impulses stems from a mental disability. Interestingly, his **simple method** of fire-starting—a milk jug filled with oil—contrasts sharply with the more enigmatic second arsonist, whose identity is slowly unearthed.
As Dave Gudsen grapples with personal demons, including tension with his wife and stepson, viewers are taken along for a **gripping cat-and-mouse game**. Notably, Michelle is not kept in the dark for long, which adds layers of complexity to her character as the series progresses.
### Performances That Captivate
Egerton delivers a **masterful performance**, encapsulating the duality of his character’s nature: both **pitiful and menacing.** He excels in projecting charm and confidence, yet, as his darker side emerges, he embodies the dual role of **arson investigator and arsonist** effortlessly. Mwine’s portrayal of Freddy also resonates emotionally, showcasing a character that elicits both sympathy and discomfort.
## Humor Amidst the Darkness
“Smoke” strikes a balance between its serious themes and moments of levity. The futile attempts at writing by Egerton’s character provide **comic relief**, brilliantly juxtaposing Michelle’s determined pursuit of justice. **John Leguizamo** joins the cast as Dave’s disgruntled ex-partner, adding a grotesque sense of humor to the proceedings that contrasts sharply with the show’s darker elements.
Additionally, **Anna Chlumsky** makes a noteworthy appearance as a fellow detective, enhancing the ensemble’s dynamic. As a clear signal of **Apple’s commitment** to high-quality storytelling, the show is produced by industry veterans Kary Antholis and Richard Plepler, and even features a theme song by **Radiohead’s Thom Yorke**.
## A Slightly Uneven Conclusion
Although “Smoke” boasts a compelling narrative, **its pacing falters** toward the end, straying into somewhat absurd territory. While Freddy’s character treads dangerously close to the “mystic savant” trope, Michelle’s decisions sometimes defy belief. Nevertheless, the overall experience of “Smoke” remains satisfying—a **fast-paced thriller** that captivates and entertains without leaving behind unnecessary excess.
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The first two episodes of “Smoke” are now streaming on Apple TV+, with subsequent episodes releasing weekly on Fridays.
