Latest news with #MichelleCalderone
Irish Daily Star
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Star
I'm hooked on Apple TV+'s new crime drama despite problematic episode
Apple TV+'s latest crime drama commits what I perceive is the ultimate sin for a debut series, yet I find myself urging folks to give it a watch. Smoke has dropped its first two episodes, joining the ranks of Apple TV+'s high-end, original drama lineup that already includes titles like Your Friends and Neighbors, The Studio, Stick, Dope Thief, Murderbot, and Prime Target from earlier this year. That's quite the crowd of newbies vying for your screen time. As someone who critiques films and TV professionally, I get some early access to shows pre-release. So, just so you know, at the time of penning this, I've devoured the initial five episodes out of the nine-part season. Smoke is a slow burn until it gets going (Image: Apple) Keep in mind, three of those aren't even out for subscribers until July. This detail is key because if I had only seen the currently streaming premiere, I'd probably advise you to skip Smoke altogether. An early critique hailed Smoke as "nine great hours of television.", reports Wales Online . Here's the kicker: the critic must've binged the whole lot, because if they'd only seen the first couple of episodes, their tune might be different. Heads up, I'm about to share what goes down right at the start of Smoke. But hey, it might just convince you to fast-forward through the first 10 minutes or so. The series chronicles troubled detective Michelle Calderone, portrayed by Jurnee Smollett, who must join forces with arson expert Dave Gudsen, played by Taron Egerton, as they pursue two elusive serial arsonists. They find themselves enmeshed in a "twisted game of secrets and suspicions" as they delve into the crux of the frightening offenses. Drawing inspiration from real occurrences and the esteemed Firebug podcast, enthusiasts of the podcast will recognize where the narrative's critical turning point is headed. Launching a fresh series as it strives to carve out its characters, locale, concept, and convince viewers of its legitimacy is no small feat, encountering several pet peeves. Voiceover narration should be more than mere exhibition; it must authentically complement the visual storytelling, rather than indulging in pretentious reflections mirroring the show's theme. Another concern lies with erratic flashbacks; presenting past or future scenarios prior to identifying the temporal sequence can work effectively. However, juggling timelines incessantly risks obscuring the story's true genesis. Smoke plunges headfirst into these pitfalls. We're introduced to Taron Egerton's character amidst flames, ensnared within a burning structure, as his superfluous voiceover ruminates on conflagrations—and then, suddenly, he awakens! Similarly, when the series unveils our other lead, her background unfolds through sporadic, disjointed glimpses into the past. Despite the presence of these clichés, which is surprising given that the episode is written by seasoned scribe Dennis Lehane, I'd still urge most viewers to stick with it. We've arrived at one of the worst things a review could disclose to potential viewers: you'll need to endure the first two episodes before deciding if this show is your cup of tea. By the climactic scene of the second episode and its jaw-dropping plot twist, I've transitioned from wanting to throw in the towel to being hooked on what comes next. Taron Egerton in Smoke (Image: Apple) Starting from episode three, Egerton's fire investigator character evolves beyond just being an awful stepdad, revealing layers the show is gradually unmasking. Detective Calderone becomes intriguing when he's actually probing the central crime of the story rather than mulling over an affair, and I'm itching to uncover what's up with Ntare Mwine's Freddy Fasano. The series' weekly release schedule might pose a problem here, as it might be more enjoyable as a binge-watch. Smoke isn't the standout show of the year. It doesn't even top Apple's new series roster for 2025 (that honor goes to The Studio, in case you're curious), but I find myself irresistibly drawn to its intrigue, eager to see how it all wraps up and recommending it to anyone in search of a twist-filled crime drama. Smoke is streaming on Apple TV+.
Wales Online
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Apple TV+'s latest series does the worst thing for a new show but I can't help recommend it
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info *Warning - this article contains minor spoilers for the opening scene in Smoke, episode one* Apple TV+'s latest series does the worst thing a new show could possibly do, in my opinion, but I still can't help but recommend it. The first two episodes of Smoke are now available. It is the latest prestigious and original television drama series from the company. It comes after the likes of Your Friends & Neighbors, The Studio, Stick, Dope Thief, Murderbot and Prime Target all releasing earlier this year. That's a lot of new shows demanding your attention. As a film and TV writer and critic, I'm able to see shows before they're released. So, let it be known that as of writing, I have so far watched the first five episodes of the nine-part season. Three of those will not be available to subscribers until July. This is crucial, as had I only watched the premiere streaming now, I would most likely tell you not to bother at all with Smoke. (Image: Apple) An early review of Smoke claimed it is "nine great hours of television." That's the thing. The reviewer had clearly watched all nine hours, as had they only watched the first two, it would be described quite differently. Be warned, as I'm about to mention some aspects of what happens in Smoke's opening moments. However, it could lead you to realising you can skip the first 10 minutes or so. The series follows troubled detective, Michelle Calderone, played by Jurnee Smollett, who is made to team up with arson investigator, Dave Gudsen, played by Taron Egerton, as they track down two serial arsonists. Their investigation turns into a "twisted game of secrets and suspicions" as they try to track down those responsible for the alarming crimes. The series is inspired by true events and the acclaimed Firebug podcast. Those familiar with that podcast will already know where the biggest plot point leads. This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Apple TV+ Get Apple TV+ free for a week TV fans can get Apple TV+ free with a seven-day trial and stream acclaimed shows like Severance, Ted Lasso and Slow Horses. Just remember to cancel before the trial ends and you won't pay a penny. £0 Apple TV+ Get Apple TV+ here Now, the worst way a new series which is attempting to establish its characters, setting, premise and convince viewers the premise is viable is one of a few things. At least it is for me personally. These include a voiceover. There really needs to be a good reason for this tactic. It cannot be just describing what should be shown or utilising flowery language about the show's theme. There's also intermittent flashbacks. You want to show a past or future event before telling the audience we are actually days later or before said event? Fine. But don't keep flashing between past and present as if you couldn't decide where the story should start. Smoke manages to do every one of these things. Taron Egerton's character begins trapped in a burning building, his voiceover pointlessly droning about fires then - he wakes up! When our other lead character is introduced, we get more intermittent flashbacks for her. However, despite all those tropes, which is surprising they are even present considering the episode is penned by an experienced writer in Dennis Lehane, I recommend most viewers to push on. We come to one of the other worst things that a review could tell a potential audience. You're going to have to make it through the first two episodes before knowing if this show is for you. By the final scene of the second episode and its huge plot twist, I've gone from wanting to give up, to needing to know what's next. (Image: Apple) From episode three, Egerton's arson investigator is more than just a terrible stepfather, there's a side the show is delicately peeling away to reveal. Detective Calderone is now interesting when actually investigating the story's central crime rather than reflecting on an affair, and I need to know just what is going on with Ntare Mwine's Freddy Fasano. The show's weekly release schedule could be an issue here, as perhaps it is better as a binge watch. Smoke is not the best show of the year. It's not even Apple's best new series of 2025 (The Studio, if you were wondering) but I still find myself attracted to its flames, needing to know how it all ends and recommending it to anyone who is after a twisty crime drama. Smoke is streaming on Apple TV+.
The Review Geek
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Smoke – Season 1 Episode 1 Recap & Review
Pilot Episode 1 of Smoke starts with a man named Dave Gudsen narrating about the indiscriminate way fire will target everybody and rip everything to shreds. Gudsen is a former firefighter, a man haunted by the ghosts of his past stemming from a housefire rescue gone horribly wrong. He's suffering from nightmares about the incident, which as we later find out, involves Gudsen staring into the abyss and only managing to escape from the building thanks to running to a mirror. Gudsen lives with his girlfriend, Ashley, and things are a little tentative between them. They walk on eggshells with each other, as they're living with teenager Emmett. Gudsen is Emmett's step-father and they don't have the best relationship with each other. Gudsen works in Arson Investigations, and when he shows up at his office, he finds Detective Michelle Calderone waiting for him. She's been sent by Metro PD to assist the department given there appears to be two serial arsonists on the prowl. There are no significant leads right now for either and this has been going on for over a year. Calderone doesn't know anything about arson but she does know a lot about crime scene analysis. She was in robbery before this (something we learn later on) and Gudsen believes she's looking to network and use this as a stepping stone in her career. Out in the field, Gudsen explains that there are four types of fire – natural, accidental, undetermined and incendiary. Both of these serial arsonists, appear to be fans of incendiary devices. The first arsonist has a habit of using a tool called D&C, which colloquially means Divide and Conquer. Essentially, he'll start one fire (most typically in the potato chip aisle of a shop) to bring the department out, with a specific time delay in each location to avoid detection. The guy clearly knows his way around the blind spots, and from the brief bits of CCTV footage we can see, he wears a rainproof jacket and a ball cap with no logo. The guy also limps with his right leg and seems to be a white male. Gudsen believes it could be an ex-fireman. The second arsonist has been dubbed Milk Jug and predominately operates in Trolley Town using a jug of gasoline, always at night, slipping under doors and setting them on fire. As Gudsen explains, nothing makes you feel more powerless than getting trapped in a fire. This leads us in nicely to take a look at an overworked, underappreciated fast food worker, Freddy Fasano. He's an outcast and lives alone, while also casually watching porn and drinking too. Freddy is clearly disillusioned with life and could well be one of our arsonists. More on him shortly! As for Michelle Calderone, she has a pretty dark past too. It turns out she was having an affair with a married man, Steven Burke. While that name means nothing, he's also the senior officer she's working with in the department. After one of their sessions, he admits he's made the jump and broken up with his wife. He's imploded his marriage and time with his kids to be with her properly. Michelle is not one for commitment and immediately pulls away, telling him he didn't need to do that for her. Steven is pissed and promises to make her life a 'continuous stream of losing'. This explains why she's been 'demoted' into the arsonist department in the arse-end of nowhere to investigate these cases. Unfortunately, it doesn't take long before another arsonist case lands in their laps. Someone sets light to a store and it's a complete mess. Investigating afterwards, Gudsen figures out the point of origin. The fire was started in three locations using lit cigarettes on a timer. The department are under pressure though and the department head, Harvey Englehart, explains that if they don't catch one of these arsonists (or both) then not only is Harvey going to be fired, but he'll take Dave Gudsen with him. The group get to work and Calderone immediately calls BS on the limp for our D&C arsonist. She believes it could well be an active firefighter and while Gudsen has been hitting a roadblock on this, Calderone thinks they can push it with her credentials so they're forced to open the files. Sifting through files one by one, the pair settle on someone called Arch Stanton. He has a bad attendance record, and with a brother on city council and a sister as comptroller, he has the perfect alibi. Dave and Michelle question him over his absences, but Arch is very prickly and defensive. In fact, he basically calls her a DEI hire and questions her motives. Unfortunately, they get nowhere with him. Scotty Bucyk is another name that crops up, given he too is absent on the days of the arsons. Dave and Michelle question him too, where Scotty proves he's definitely not the guy given he's an engineer and needs to drive people to the fires. Calderone leaves with egg on her face, so the pair decide to turn their attention to the Trolley Town arsonist instead. Dave deduces it may well be a fast food worker and as we now know for certain, this is Freddy. He stakes out local joints looking for his next targets and settles on those who look the happiest in life. Fire is Freddy's 'happy place' and he marvels at the ash and fire falling whenever he starts these housefires, seeing it as some form of cathartic euphoric release from his life. He watches these houses burn from a distance too. That night, Michelle finds Steven outside her place. He's a Captain now and taunts her a bit, but she more than holds her own with him. However, he's wearing an unmarked hat and a hoodie, so… could the captain be our other arsonist? The Episode Review Striking while the iron is hot, Apple TV+ roar out the gate with their latest Friday night scorcher, Smoke. Apple tends to either deliver hard misses or big hitters, and so far at least, Smoke appears to be the latter. The first episode gets off to a great start, introducing us to both Gudsen and Calderone, along with the two separate cases we're going to be following across this season. Although we know who the first serial arsonist is, given we get an introduction to Freddy and his life, the second is far more illusive. It would make sense that Freddy is our second arsonist, given we've seen him smoking, flicking cigarettes, wearing unmarked caps (like at the end) and having the right prestige and cover to fly under the radar… but could he be a red herring I wonder? With another episode released today though, we'll have to wait and see where this one goes next but so far, this is looking to be quite a promising crime drama. Next Episode Expect A Full Season Write-Up When This Season Concludes!
