SmokeisThe WireandShutter Islandauthor Dennis Lehane’s second collaboration with actor and producer Taron Egerton (The Kingsmanfranchise). This time, the inspiration for the Apple TV+ crime thriller was the arsonist John Leonard Orr. Developed from the podcast “Firebug” by Truth Podcasting Corp, the series follows the investigation into two serial arsonists, one of them inspired by Orr.
As the narrative unfolds, we get into the minds of those who inflict harm on others via fire, the motivations, the psychology, and the consequences for themselves and for others. Ultimately, this is yet another actor’s showcase, with real-life inspiration fueling complex and interesting character studies for the actors — namely Egerton andLovecraft Country’s Jurnee Smollett — to help deliver a stylish and thrilling show.
Taron Egerton & Jurnee Smollett Shine In A Thriller That Is Slow Going
Egerton’s Dave Gudson and Jurnee Smollett’s Detective Michell Calderon are an unlikely duo who investigate two serial arsonists. The characters' motivations could not be more different, their attitudes towards their jobs even more so, but there is a chemistry between them that keeps us engaged. Egerton plays the kind of man many of us are familiar with. The pathos of Dave Gudson is not unique to this genre of TV, but it is certainly an unsettling and grating one. As each episode progresses, he evolves into someone damn near unbearable.
Meanwhile, we get restless and anxious for Smollett’s Michell as she digs into the case of two serial arsonists while contending with her own past involving an arson attack. Smollett is fiery (pun intended) in this role. Calderon is spirited and determined, but not entirely infallible, and her contentious partnership with an unyielding jerk creates an interesting contrast between two people who see themselves and the world around them very differently. Egerton and Smollett are great together; they’re also the glue that makes the entire cast work.
Smoke’s dialogue is very particular, and even cringey at times, but it speaks to a certain type of bubble the police and officials exist in. Regardless of gender or rank, there is a highly toxic, male-centric lingo that everyone with authority adopts on the show. Think constant references to certain membranes, sexual innuendos, and casual sexism. It is trying to watch at times, but it paints a vivid picture. Aside from that, the character’s work is well realized. The relationships are dripping with unseen history and the character arcs are fueled by emotion.
Smokeis less about articulating the fascination with Orr (which inspired both non-fiction and fictional works), but more about creating a narrative that is as compelling as fact. There is a story within a story here, giving the actors space not to be bound by the reality they are somewhat recreating. This is further cemented by the move to modern day versus taking place in the 80s at the height of Orr’s crimes. The cast does a lot to fill out their roles and to create a sense of familiarity, and there’s an established lexicon and community that makes their interactions worth watching.
Smoke Is Slow Going But Gets To The Point And Earns Big Reactions
The story doesn’t beat around the bush when it comes to exposing the arsonists; they clear that hurdle in advance while making us squirm and shake with rage as the investigation unfolds. We’re eager for a satisfying resolution asSmokeexplores the intimate themes and personal drama that each of the characters portrays. Ntare Mwine as Freddy Fasano, a loner, is particularly crucial to a sympathetic yet gut-wrenching plot designed to mirror Orr’s. The show doesn’t shy away from being critical of the male ego, but it also examines the way society fails to address its shortcomings when it comes to disenfranchised men.
There is a story within a story within a story here, giving the actors space to not be bound by the reality they are somewhat recreating.
Overall,Smokeis incendiary in many ways, igniting a strong reaction as it slowly crawls to the finish line. There is a dark humor laced throughout the script that almost borders on a cold indifference to the real story that inspired the show. However, there is a seriousness in the tone that cannot be mistaken. There is a cautionary tale buried under the mechanisms for entertainment.
The show is stylish and moves at an okay pace to maintain tension and build momentum, but at its core, there is a glaring warning sign to watch out for men like Orr. It is a clear exploration into the dire nature of arsonists and the motivations behind them.Smokeis a show that is designed to entertain and intrigue the audience enough to explore the source material and other based-on-reality crime thrillers.
Smokeis compelling, though at times the profanity-laced dialogue induces severe eyerolls. However, the progression of the story and what it digs up about arsonists and those who are affected really draws us in. It is slow-going at first, there is, funnily enough, little fuel pushing the themes and story very hard. The first two episodes take a while to get going, but once we get to the “ohhhh” moment, it moves at a decent pace.Smokeultimately gets to where it wants to go and I can honestly say that it was quite the journey.
The first two episodes ofSmokebegin streaming on Apple TV+ on June 27, with new episodes airing weekly each Friday.
Smoke
Cast
Smoke unfolds as an arson investigator joins forces with a police detective to thwart two arsonists. As they navigate the investigation, they become ensnared in a complex web of secrets and suspicions, driving the narrative forward in this gripping tale of crime and trust.
