Taron Egerton and Denis Lehane ignite another hit with gripping arson thriller ‘Burn’

A Fiery Reunion

Dennis Lehane and Taron Egerton team again for Smoke, a nine‑episode crime thriller on Apple TV+. Their successful 2022 miniseries Black Bird set a high bar; this collaboration rekindles that spark.

Egerton leads as Dave Gudsen, an arson investigator with a hidden past. Critics and fans are eager to see whether this pairing can ignite the same compelling drama it did before

True Crime Sparks

Smoke takes its roots from the true-crime podcast Firebug, which investigated a string of real-life arson cases from the 1980s and ’90s. Dennis Lehane transforms that source material into a fictionalized, emotionally charged drama.

Set in the misty, brooding landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, the series dives into themes of obsession, identity, and moral conflict, hallmarks of Lehane’s storytelling that give the thriller both grit and depth.

Egerton’s Dual Role

Taron Egerton dives deep into the role of Dave Gudsen, a former firefighter now working as an arson investigator. It begins as a classic character study, but by Episode 2, everything flips. A jaw-dropping twist reveals Gudsen may be one of the arsonists he’s hunting.

Egerton described the role as “creatively fulfilling,” teasing that the character’s descent only deepens. The twist adds weight and moral complexity to an already haunting performance.

Smollett Shines

Jurnee Smollett delivers a standout performance as Detective Michelle Calderone, a former Marine whose hardened exterior masks deep emotional wounds. She brings grit, focus, and complexity to every scene, making her character more than just a sidekick.

Her dynamic with Taron Egerton adds emotional charge to the story. Their chemistry enhances the show’s intensity, blending procedural grit with raw human connection that grounds the unfolding chaos.

Cat-and-Mouse Drama

Smoke unravels as a gripping cat-and-mouse thriller, with two arsonists methodically setting fires that baffle investigators and keep audiences on edge. Each blaze feels more personal and deliberate, raising the stakes both emotionally and logistically.

Dennis Lehane crafts a layered narrative full of crime scenes, false leads, and eerie motivations. The result is a series that blends slow-burn drama with bursts of chilling intensity, perfect for fans who crave tension with depth.

Psychological Depth

Smoke dives deep into the psychology of its characters, especially in its portrayal of Freddy Fasano. Played by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Freddy is a suspect whose quiet desperation and isolation feel heartbreakingly real.

Even as the investigation unfolds, the show invites empathy alongside suspicion. It skillfully balances the emotional weight of a character study with the chilling edge of a crime thriller, making Freddy’s arc one of its most haunting.

Critics Weigh In

Early reviews are a mix of praise and caution. Critics consistently highlight the show’s strong performances, particularly from Egerton and Smollett, but note that the pacing can feel sluggish at times.

The Guardian applauds its deliberate build, calling Smoke “hugely entertaining” with standout acting. Meanwhile, the Financial Times describes it as moody and ambitious, though occasionally bogged down by familiar genre tropes and predictable beats.

Style Over Substance?

TIME didn’t hold back in its review, calling the early episodes of Smoke “insufferable” and bogged down by overly procedural storytelling. The pacing and format initially feel too familiar to stand out in a crowded genre.

However, a bold plot twist mid-season shifts the narrative tone, injecting new energy. Stylistic touches, like the moody title sequence and Thom Yorke’s haunting theme, signal artistic ambition, even if the execution occasionally wavers.

Episode 2 Shock

Episode 2 drops a major twist: Dave Gudsen, the very investigator chasing the arsonists, is secretly one of them. The revelation redefines the entire premise, shifting the show from procedural drama to psychological thriller.

Critics have praised the move as daring and unexpected. It challenges viewers to reconsider everything they’ve seen so far and sets the stage for a darker, more complex unraveling ahead.

Ensemble Excellence

Beyond Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett, Smoke features a powerhouse supporting cast. Greg Kinnear, John Leguizamo, Anna Chlumsky, and Rafe Spall each bring layered, compelling energy to the screen.

Their performances add depth to the story’s morally gray universe. Every character feels like they’re hiding something, and that sense of quiet tension helps build a world where no one, and nothing, is ever quite what it seems.

Production Values

Directed by Kari Skogland and Joe Chappelle, Smoke leans into striking, cinematic visuals. The series contrasts chaotic, smoke-filled crime scenes with still, emotionally raw moments, capturing both action and introspection with equal skill.

Thom Yorke’s eerie opening theme, “Dialing In,” underscores the mood. Its haunting notes set a somber, edgy atmosphere from the first frame, signaling that this is not your average crime thriller.

True Crime Comic

Critics highlight Smoke’s ability to juggle intense drama with flashes of dark humor, adding texture to its grim subject matter. The tone isn’t always consistent, but that unpredictability keeps things interesting.

With a 71% positive score on Rotten Tomatoes, the show has earned solid approval despite pacing concerns. It’s likely to divide audiences, but for those who commit, the payoff is satisfying and memorable.

Lengthy Storytelling

Some critics feel Smoke overstays its welcome. The Boston Globe suggests the nine episodes might’ve been tighter and more impactful if trimmed to five, or even two, to sharpen the tension and pacing.

Still, others argue the slow burn allows characters to fully develop, giving emotional weight to each twist. For those who value layered storytelling, the extra time pays off in depth and nuance.

Psychological Themes

At its core, Smoke delves into themes of identity, obsession, and the dark lure of control. Dave Gudsen’s secret life mirrors the chaotic seduction of fire, destructive, commanding, and deeply personal.

Dennis Lehane weaves these psychological undercurrents into the framework of a true crime thriller. The result is a story that doesn’t just investigate crimes, it exposes the fragility of the human mind behind them.

A Watchful Warning

Viewers are urged to stay the course through Smoke’s slower early episodes. While the pacing may test your patience at first, critics agree it eventually hits its stride.

Once the tension builds, the series transforms into a gripping psychological thriller. With layered characters and unsettling twists, Smoke rewards those who stick around with a payoff that’s well worth the wait.

The Summer I Turned Pretty adds Isabella Briggs, Kristen Connolly, and five more to shake things up.
New faces mean new drama, just like Smoke. The payoff will be worth the wait.

Flame or Fizzle?

Is Smoke a fiery triumph or a slow burn? That depends on what you’re looking for. If fast-paced action is your thing, you might feel let down. But if you appreciate slow-building, character-driven storytelling, there’s plenty to appreciate.

Lehane and Egerton deliver a dark, emotionally layered series. Smoke may take its time, but its impact lingers long after the final scene.

And just when you think you’ve seen all the emotional weight TV can carry, NCIS: Origins fires back with a familiar face fans never stopped asking about.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and with human editing.