Arson Sparks Apple TV+ Series ‘Smoke’ Inspired by Dennis Lehane

nd screenwriter Dennis Lehane knows the power of fire all too well, having survived a house fire in his 30s while living in Boston. He recalls the feeling of being trapped in a fire and acknowledges the lack of control in such a situation, finding it fascinating.

Known for his successful novels-turned-movie hits like ”Gone, Baby, Gone” and ”Mystic River,” Lehane has now brought his fascination with fire to Apple TV+ with the new crime drama series ”Smoke.” Based on the true story of a former arson investigator convicted of serial arson, the show explores the complexities of the case that inspired Lehane.

Starring Greg Kinnear, Taron Egerton, Jurnee Smollett, Anna Chlumsky, and John Leguizamo, with an eerie song by Thom Yorke, the series delves into the lives of characters in a fictional town in the Pacific Northwest. Egerton plays an arson investigator chasing two firebugs, teaming up with a troubled detective played by Smollett in a gripping game of cat and mouse.

Beyond the typical TV procedural setup, ”Smoke” promises a series that gets weirder and more complex, reflecting Lehane’s attraction to moral ambiguity. Smollett highlights the relevance of the characters’ morally questionable actions in today’s world, emphasizing the dramatic irony of their intentions versus their reality.

Egerton’s portrayal of Dave Gudsen reveals a multifaceted character, blending bombast with insecurity, goofiness with intimidation. Lehane praises Egerton’s inspired acting, noting his ability to bring depth to a role that challenges him. Egerton himself acknowledges the tension between perception and reality in his character, a theme that unfolds throughout the series.

With Lehane’s poetic storytelling, ”Smoke” explores themes of self-deception and identity, portraying characters who invest in false narratives rather than facing their true selves. Smollett’s detective character, in particular, embodies this conflict, displaying a facade of invincibility while grappling with fear and vulnerability.

In discussing the series, Lehane touches on the deeper narrative at play, highlighting the characters’ constant evasion of their true selves. He emphasizes the intriguing storytelling of individuals running from their identities, framing it as the core of the captivating story told in ”Smoke.”