Arson sparks Apple TV+ series ‘Smoke’ by Dennis Lehane

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    Dennis Lehane, the acclaimed author and screenwriter, knows firsthand the perilous nature of fire. In his 30s, he faced a life-threatening situation when a Boston apartment fire broke out after a propane tank exploded. The absence of working smoke detectors, due to ongoing replacement by the landlord, could have made the incident tragic, but Lehane survived by a stroke of luck.

    Reflecting on his experience, Lehane finds the capriciousness of fire particularly engaging. He states, “If you wake up and find your building on fire, it’s up to the fire at that point. It’s the unpredictability of it that I find so intriguing.” This fascination with fire plays a significant role in Lehane’s latest venture, a nine-episode crime drama titled “Smoke,” premiering on Apple TV+.

    “Smoke” is inspired by the real-life account of an arson inspector turned serial arsonist, who, paradoxically, penned a novel about a hero firefighter who sets fires. This baffling story was initially explored in the 2021 podcast “Firebug,” which captivated Lehane. “The height of madness,” is how he describes it. “To be in such denial about your actions, you write a book to glorify yourself, using your own crimes as material? It’s mind-boggling.”

    The series reunites Lehane with actors Greg Kinnear and Taron Egerton, who previously collaborated on the Apple TV+ series “Black Bird.” Also featuring Jurnee Smollett, Anna Chlumsky, and John Leguizamo, the show includes an original track by Radiohead’s Thom Yorke titled “Dialing In.”

    The character Dave Gudsen, portrayed by Egerton, is an arson investigator based in the fictitious town of Umberland in the Pacific Northwest. Tasked with apprehending two arsonists, he partners with a savvy yet conflicted detective, played by Smollett, leading to a strategic game of cat and mouse. “Smoke” goes beyond the boundaries of a typical procedural drama, delving into intricate narratives enriched by Lehane’s interest in moral complexity.

    Smollett comments on the intricate themes, “Dennis explores the contradictions we live with. These characters claim to be morally upright, yet their actions question their integrity. It’s a reflection of today’s world.”

    Egerton’s portrayal of Dave reveals a character full of contradictions—confident yet insecure, simultaneously amusing and intimidating. Lehane appreciates Egerton’s fearless approach to acting, saying, “Taron draws from deep reserves of talent. He won’t commit to a role unless it intimidates him, and I’m the same way with storytelling.”

    Egerton enjoys breaking away from his good-guy image, as highlighted by his role in 2024’s “Carry-On.” He remarks, “I’m not always the affable character I seem. Dave’s tension between perception and reality is fascinating. How can you ever truly know a person?”

    “Smoke” is accentuated by Lehane’s evocative “street poetry,” which adds layers to the narrative. Lines like, “Whatever you do, however wise you think you are, fire makes a mockery of it all,” capture the essence of the show.

    Smollett was drawn to her character following a conversation with Lehane, who remarked, “We often say we want happiness, yet we pursue what could ruin us.” This idea underlines her detective, a complex former Marine scarred by past battles with fire.

    Her character exhibits a rebellious streak, demonstrating a fearless edge while hiding vulnerability. She embraces danger, motivated by fear rather than invincibility, illustrated in a scene where she uses a sledgehammer on her own property.

    Lehane’s “Smoke” is an exploration of identity and self-deception. “The characters are running from their true selves, invested in a false narrative,” says Lehane. “That’s the compelling story I’m trying to tell.”