Smoke Review – Taron Egerton Ignites a Gritty Crime Thriller

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Summary

Smoke, the new Apple TV+ thriller created by Dennis Lehane, stars Taron Egerton as arson investigator Dave Gudsen in a gripping, character-driven hunt for two serial arsonists. Loosely inspired by the Firebug podcast and real-life cases, the show combines psychological depth with intense realism—featuring actual fire sequences shot on real burn stages. Egerton delivers a standout performance, supported by Jurnee Smollett and Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine. While the pacing starts slow, the show builds into a haunting exploration of obsession, trauma, and justice. It’s a slow-burn crime drama that ultimately ignites with power and emotion.

In a crowded landscape of true crime dramatizations and dark thrillers, Smoke—the latest original series from Apple TV+—manages to carve out a space all its own. Created by Dennis Lehane, the novelist and screenwriter behind Mystic River and Shutter Island, this nine-part drama is equal parts procedural and psychological warfare.

But what makes Smoke really sizzle? The answer is simple: Taron Egerton, who leads with a performance that’s brooding, vulnerable, and volatile—sometimes all at once.

What Is Smoke About?

Set against the moody backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, Smoke follows arson investigator Dave Gudsen (Taron Egerton) and detective Michelle Calderone (Jurnee Smollett) as they track down not one, but two serial arsonists whose fire-setting spirals into a twisted moral game.

Inspired by the popular Firebug podcast, the show loosely draws from real-life events surrounding convicted arsonist John Leonard Orr—a former fireman turned fire-starter.

This fictionalized version adds layers of psychological complexity, focusing not only on the mystery of the fires, but also on the personal demons that haunt those trying to stop them.

Taron Egerton Is a Revelation

Let’s not mince words – Taron Egerton carries the show. Known best for roles in Rocketman and the Kingsman series, Egerton trades glam and swagger for raw intensity. As Gudsen, he’s a man obsessed: not only with catching firebugs but also with escaping the wreckage of his own past.

His portrayal is equal parts stoic and haunted, with subtle nods to trauma, guilt, and a slowly unraveling moral compass. Egerton’s performance is like a slow, creeping fire—quiet at first, but explosive when it finally roars.

Strong Supporting Cast Elevates the Drama

While Egerton shines, he’s far from alone. Jurnee Smollett brings heart and grit to her role as Calderone, offering a balance of empathy and edge that’s rare in cop dramas. Her chemistry with Egerton is complex, grounded not in romance, but in mutual respect and shared emotional scars.

The breakout performance comes from Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine as Freddy Fasano, one of the suspected arsonists. Mwine’s portrayal is eerie and unsettling—he gives us a villain we’re reluctant to hate, which makes him all the more terrifying.

Real Fires, Real Tension

Unlike many crime dramas that rely heavily on CGI, Smoke raises the stakes by shooting real fire sequences on carefully controlled burn stages in Vancouver. This gives the show a tactile, almost documentary-like realism.

The fire scenes aren’t just spectacle—they serve as metaphors for the characters’ unraveling control and escalating obsession. You can practically feel the heat in every scene.

Themes That Go Deeper Than Flames

Yes, Smoke is about arson. But more than that, it’s about control, trauma, and human vulnerability.

Each episode peels back a layer—not only in the investigation but in the psyches of its lead characters. The fire becomes symbolic: of shame, rage, past mistakes, and the burning need to make sense of chaos.

Lehane’s writing doesn’t hold your hand. He demands patience, but rewards you with nuance. Every character is walking a tightrope between justice and destruction.

Is the Pacing Perfect? Not Quite

While Smoke is smartly written and atmospheric, it isn’t without flaws. The first two episodes are deliberately slow, leaning heavily on moody visuals and psychological backstory. Some viewers might wish for quicker plot developments early on.

But like a well-built fire, Smoke takes time to catch—once it does, the payoff is worth it.

What Critics Are Saying

The reception has been largely positive. Many praise its intensity and craftsmanship, though a few criticize its slow burn.

Still, it stands out in a sea of formulaic thrillers because of its emotional intelligence and authentic performances.

It’s not just another mystery—it’s an examination of how people cope with destruction, both literal and emotional.

Should You Watch Smoke? Absolutely.

If you enjoy:

• Gritty, mature storytelling
• Complex characters
• Psychological depth over flashy reveals
• Crime dramas that respect your intelligence

Then Smoke is worth your time.

Just don’t expect instant gratification. This show asks for your attention—and rewards it with tension that lingers long after the screen goes black.

Verdict: 4.5/5

Strengths: Taron Egerton’s performance, rich themes, real fire effects, strong supporting cast
Weaknesses: Slow start, dense early episodes

Smoke isn’t just another detective series—it’s a brooding exploration of pain, justice, and obsession. It’s the kind of TV that gets under your skin, and stays there.

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FAQs

1. Is Smoke based on a true story?
Yes, it’s inspired by the true-crime podcast Firebug, which explored the story of serial arsonist John Leonard Orr.

2. Who stars in Smoke?
Taron Egerton leads as Dave Gudsen, with Jurnee Smollett, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, and others rounding out the cast.

3. Where can I watch Smoke?
Smoke is streaming exclusively on Apple TV+.

4. How many episodes are there?
The series contains nine episodes, each around 50–60 minutes.

5. Will there be a Season 2?
No official announcement yet, but strong reviews and fan response make it a possibility.

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