New York: Some shows grab your attention with fast-paced action. Others pull you in with silence, smoke, and the feeling that something isn’t quite right. Smoke, Apple TV+’s latest summer crime drama, takes the second route—and burns slow enough to leave a lasting scar. It doesn’t scream for your attention. It smolders—and then it explodes.
Set in the misty fictional town of Umberland, Smoke tells the story of two separate arsonists and the investigators trying to stop them. But it’s not the fire that hits hardest. It’s the emotional wreckage—the trauma, the secrets, and the unsettling truth that sometimes the person fighting the fire might be the one who started it.
For viewers craving a dark, slow-burning crime drama packed with psychological depth, haunting visuals, and a twist that flips the entire story on its head, Smoke is exactly what summer ordered.
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What Is Smoke About?
Smoke follows Dave Gudsen, a former firefighter turned arson investigator, and Michelle Calderone, a detective recovering from career setbacks and emotional wounds. Together, they track a growing series of mysterious fires across town—only to discover there’s not one, but two firestarters. And one of them? Might be closer than either of them realizes.
The real hook arrives early: by the end of episode two, the show’s protagonist is revealed to be one of the arsonists himself. That twist reframes everything and invites viewers into the darker corners of his mind. It’s no longer about solving crimes. It’s about how far someone will go to cover their own.
Meet the Smoke Cast and Characters
- Taron Egerton as Dave Gudsen: A haunted arson investigator hiding more than just pain. What seems like guilt becomes something far more dangerous.
- Jurnee Smollett as Michelle Calderone: Sharp, intuitive, and emotionally bruised. Her character brings heart and edge to the show.
- Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine as Freddy Fasano: A quiet fry cook with a burning need to be seen, adding eerie depth to the story.
Supporting cast includes award-winning actors who bring richness and realism to every character—each one layered, flawed, and memorable.
Episode 2 Twist: When the Hero Becomes the Monster
By episode two, Smoke reveals its biggest card—and it’s a game-changer. Dave, the man tasked with solving the fires, is one of the arsonists. This isn’t a spoiler; it’s the foundation the rest of the series builds upon.
Instead of relying on the typical whodunit format, Smoke becomes a deep dive into the psychology of a man who breaks his own moral compass. The tension isn’t just about who’s guilty—it’s about how long they can hide it, and what that guilt will do to everyone around them.
Cinematic Style and Emotional Impact
Smoke is visually stunning. Shot in muted tones and overcast light, it reflects the emotional landscape of its characters—grey, uncertain, full of quiet dread. The show doesn’t race through its plot. It lingers. It forces you to feel the weight of every decision, every betrayal, and every fire that burns a little too close to home.
The music is minimalist and haunting. Every scene is loaded with emotional cues—sometimes nothing is said, but everything is felt. For viewers who appreciate storytelling that trusts their intelligence and patience, Smoke offers a masterclass.
What Makes Smoke Stand Out
While most crime thrillers focus on external conflict, Smoke is about internal combustion. The real drama lies in:
- Repressed rage and unresolved trauma
- Control, identity, and duality
- The fine line between protector and perpetrator
The arson is just the vehicle. The destination? A confrontation with the self.
Should You Watch Smoke?
Yes, if you love:
- Slow-burn psychological dramas
- Twists that actually matter
- Emotionally layered characters
- Beautifully shot, moody storytelling
Maybe skip if you:
- Prefer fast, action-heavy crime shows
- Dislike morally grey protagonists
- Want clear heroes and villains
