Apple TV+ is set to debut its new crime drama miniseries "Smoke" on June 27, 2025, a gripping tale that reunites acclaimed writer Dennis Lehane with star Taron Egerton. Following their successful collaboration on the 2022 miniseries "Black Bird," this nine-episode series dives into the shadowy world of arson investigation in the Pacific Northwest, inspired by the real-life crimes of notorious arsonist John Leonard Orr as chronicled in the podcast "Firebug."
"Smoke" centers on Dave Gudsen (Egerton), a former firefighter turned lead arson investigator tasked with tracking down two serial arsonists wreaking havoc with a series of calculated fires. Reluctantly partnered with Detective Michelle Calderon (Jurnee Smollett), a tough, career-driven cop with a haunted past, the duo navigates a tense and complex investigation that blurs the lines between professional duty and personal demons.
Lehane, known for his bestselling novels adapted into films like "Mystic River" and "Gone Baby Gone," brings his signature dark, psychological storytelling to the screen once again. The series explores the troubled psyches of its characters, particularly Dave, whose charm and confidence mask a darker edge. Egerton delivers a nuanced performance, embodying a man whose outward allure conceals inner turmoil and questionable motives. His portrayal includes a distinctive, sometimes unsettling accent and moments of eerie quietness that hint at deeper secrets.
Michelle Calderon, portrayed by Smollett, is equally compelling. Her character’s backstory reveals a childhood trauma involving a devastating house fire set by her mother, whose potential parole injects personal stakes into the investigation. Smollett skillfully balances Michelle’s confrontational toughness with vulnerability, making her a layered and relatable figure in this high-stakes drama.
The show also features a strong supporting cast, including Greg Kinnear as Harvey Englehart, Dave’s gruff but loyal boss, and Rafe Spall as Steven Burk, Michelle’s complicated "friend with benefits" and direct superior. John Leguizamo appears later in the series as a crafty ex-cop harboring a grudge against Dave, adding a chaotic energy that lightens the intense atmosphere. Anna Chlumsky plays an ATF agent passionate about literature, whose partnership with Leguizamo’s character offers a dynamic subplot that fans may find intriguing.
Among the standouts is Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine as Freddy Fasano, a meek and isolated fast-food worker who is revealed early on as one of the arsonists. Mwine’s portrayal is chilling and deeply humanizing, capturing Freddy’s alienation and inner conflict. His character’s storyline delves into the dark motivations behind his actions, offering a disturbing yet empathetic perspective on a man trapped by his circumstances and desires.
Visually, "Smoke" excels with vivid cinematography that makes fire itself a haunting presence throughout the series. The opening sequence, with its immersive depiction of flames, sets a tone of danger and intensity that persists. Director Kari Skogland’s energetic and stylish direction enhances the narrative, especially in sequences from the arsonists’ points of view, which add suspense and psychological depth.
While the series shines in performance and visual storytelling, some critics note that the narrative occasionally falters. The mystery element is revealed early, transforming the show into more of a cat-and-mouse chase than a traditional whodunit. This choice has divided audiences, as it diminishes the suspense typically associated with crime dramas. Additionally, the pacing of the interpersonal drama sometimes feels sluggish, with certain character arcs, like Michelle’s trauma and Dave’s literary ambitions, not fully fleshed out within the initial episodes.
Dave’s attempts to write a novel about an arson investigator who secretly starts fires himself add a meta-textual layer but have been described as dull by some reviewers. Meanwhile, the slow unraveling of his marriage to Ashley (Hannah Emily Anderson), a librarian supportive yet reserved, adds emotional complexity but occasionally distracts from the central investigation.
Despite these criticisms, "Smoke" offers a rich, character-driven drama with moments of dark humor and psychological intrigue. The series challenges viewers to consider what makes a protagonist in a world where heroes and villains alike carry secrets and flaws. It also stands out for tackling arson—a crime rarely explored in television—with authenticity and intensity, thanks in part to Lehane’s meticulous writing and the cast’s committed performances.
Fans of Lehane’s previous work and those drawn to dark, atmospheric crime dramas will find much to appreciate in "Smoke." The show’s nine-episode format allows for deeper character exploration than the shorter seasons common in streaming today, offering a slow burn that builds towards a compelling climax.
As "Smoke" premieres with two episodes on Apple TV+, viewers can expect weekly releases that promise to unravel the complex web of fire, deception, and human frailty. Whether it will reach the critical heights of "Black Bird" remains to be seen, but the combination of Lehane’s storytelling, Egerton’s magnetic presence, and a strong supporting cast ensures it will be a noteworthy addition to the genre.
In a television landscape crowded with crime procedurals, "Smoke" dares to explore the destructive power of fire as both a literal and metaphorical force, illuminating the dark corners of those who chase it—and those consumed by it.
