Taron Egerton: Charisma & Best Roles
Taron Egerton Investigates Arson in Apple TV+’s ‘Smoke’
Updated June 13, 2025
Taron Egerton, known for his diverse roles, reunites with Dennis Lehane in “Smoke,” a new Apple TV+ drama premiering June 27. Egerton portrays Dave Gudsen, an arson investigator tracking two dangerous criminals in the Pacific Northwest. This series offers Egerton a chance to showcase his dramatic skills while exploring themes of ambition and identity.
Unlike ”Black Bird,” where Egerton played an incarcerated football star,”Smoke” sees him investigating serial arsonists in Umberland,a fictional town. gudsen, a former firefighter, provides voiceover narration, revealing his viewpoint on fire and his past. This narration stems from Gudsen’s ambition to write a novel based on his experiences,transforming the mystery into an exploration of masculinity and the motivations behind arson.
Detective Michelle Calderone, played by Jurnee Smollett, joins Gudsen after months of dead ends in the investigation.Their initial interactions are fraught with cop clichés, including Calderone’s emotional baggage and Gudsen’s reluctance to accept help. however, their partnership evolves in unexpected ways, challenging initial impressions and exploring the push-pull dynamics between them as they investigate arson cases.
The series presents two distinct arson cases: one involving stores set ablaze during business hours and another targeting homes with milk jugs filled with accelerant. egerton and Smollett navigate the complexities of their characters’ perceptions and vulnerabilities, pushing the boundaries of their authority in pursuit of the truth about these dangerous crimes of arson.
Egerton’s portrayal of Dave Gudsen reveals a character whose arrogance masks deep-seated insecurities. He skillfully conveys gudsen’s unraveling heroic identity through subtle physical and behavioral shifts. His smile,at times charming,can also appear unsettling,adding layers to the character’s complexity.
One case follows a “whodunnit” format, while the other adopts a “howcatchem” approach, revealing the arsonist, Freddy (Ntare Guma Mbaho mwine), early on. This varied storytelling keeps the series engaging but also creates a sense of disconnect between the two arson threads. “Smoke” delves into the psychology of an arsonist,exploring the impact of upbringing and circumstances on their actions. Mwine delivers a compelling performance, portraying freddy’s pain even when the script offers limited backstory.
Egerton’s toothy grin is a Hollywood smile in some scenes, a potential creepy threat in others.
the supporting cast, including Greg Kinnear, Rafe Spall, John Leguizamo, and Anna Chlumsky, enhances the series. Leguizamo and Chlumsky provide stability as the story progresses, while Spall’s character shifts in demeanor, adding depth to the dynamic.A memorable scene features a rendition of Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out For a Hero,” serving as a warning rather than a celebration.
What’s next
“smoke” balances crime investigation with personal drama, offering a complex and engaging narrative. While the ending may leave some questions unanswered, the series remains a compelling summer television offering, delving into the dark world of arson and its impact on those involved.