Smoldering Finale of ‘Smoke’: A Full Breakdown

The “Smoke” finale delivers a potent dose of unresolved consequences, leaving viewers to grapple with the aftermath of its characters’ choices. The Apple TV+ crime drama, inspired by the 2021 podcast “Firebug” about serial arsonist John Leonard Orr, concludes with an episode titled “Mirror Mirror,” an explosive climax envisioned by creator Dennis Lehane that prioritizes psychological depth over simple crime scene analysis.

A Tangled Web of Deceit

The concluding episode picks up immediately following the events of “Mercy.” Michelle Calderone, portrayed by Jurnee Smollett, is reeling from accidentally wounding Captain Burke, played by Rafe Spall. Driven by desperation, she leaves him for dead, torches his home, and fabricates evidence to implicate Dave Gudsen (Taron Egerton). Calderone, according to Time Magazine, struggles to maintain her composure, attempting to balance her guilt with the ongoing investigation she is leading alongside Gudsen. This act of arson inadvertently sets the stage for a massive, uncontrollable wildfire, mirroring the uncontrollable nature of the lies and secrets the characters harbor.

The Unraveling of Identities

The series’ strength lies not in the pyrotechnics, but rather in its exploration of the human psyche. Both Michelle and Dave are revealed to be architects of carefully constructed personas, lives built on control and deception. The finale forces them to confront the crumbling foundations of these identities. Dave’s carefully cultivated image is shattered when a photograph and mirror reflection reveal his less-than-attractive true appearance, symbolizing the ugliness of his actions and the falseness of his constructed self. This visual metaphor underscores the theme of distorted realities that permeates the entire series.

Confrontation and Capture

The finale culminates in a tense showdown between Michelle and Dave, with Dave unmasked as one of the serial arsonists that Michelle has been hunting. In a desperate attempt to silence her, Dave tries to kill Michelle by crashing their car into the raging wildfire. Despite her own traumatic history with fire, Michelle demonstrates an “unthinkable capacity for survival,” as described in Time Magazine’s breakdown. This resilience highlights a key aspect of her character: a deep-seated will to overcome her past, even as it continues to haunt her.

Justice, of Sorts

Ultimately, Michelle survives Dave’s attack. She enlists the help of Ezra Espazito, someone Dave had previously wronged, to orchestrate Dave’s arrest. This alliance underscores the idea that even those who have been victimized can find the strength to seek justice. However, the series deliberately avoids a neat and tidy resolution. The characters are left to grapple with the consequences of their actions, with no easy path to redemption. As Dennis Lehane envisioned, the ending emphasizes the lingering impact of compromise and deceit.

Lingering Smoke: No Easy Answers

One of the most compelling aspects of “Smoke” is its commitment to moral ambiguity. The characters operate in shades of gray, making decisions that are neither wholly good nor entirely evil. This ambiguity is reflected in the finale’s lack of definitive closure. Instead of providing easy answers, the series leaves viewers to contemplate the long-term effects of the characters’ choices. The “smoke” of their actions, as Time Magazine notes, remains thick in the air, suggesting that the consequences of their compromises will continue to haunt them long after the credits roll.

The Psychology of Arson

By drawing inspiration from the true story of John Leonard Orr, “Smoke” taps into a disturbing aspect of the human psyche: the fascination with fire and destruction. Orr, a former arson investigator himself, used his knowledge of fire science to commit a series of arsons that terrorized Southern California. The series explores the psychological motivations behind arson, suggesting that it can be driven by a desire for control, a need for attention, or a manifestation of deep-seated trauma. The show doesn’t condone these actions, but it does attempt to understand them, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.

A Masterclass in Character-Driven Drama

“Smoke” distinguishes itself through its focus on character development. The show invests time in exploring the inner lives of its protagonists, revealing their vulnerabilities, their flaws, and their motivations. Jurnee Smollett and Taron Egerton deliver powerful performances, bringing depth and nuance to their respective roles. The supporting cast also shines, adding richness and texture to the overall narrative. The series demonstrates how character-driven storytelling can elevate a crime drama beyond simple plot mechanics.

Unresolved Consequences

The open-ended nature of the finale is a deliberate choice, reflecting the complexities of real life. Unlike many crime dramas that offer a sense of closure, “Smoke” acknowledges that some wounds never fully heal, and some crimes leave lasting scars. The characters are left to navigate a world forever changed by their actions, forced to confront the consequences of their choices. This lack of resolution may frustrate some viewers, but it ultimately serves to reinforce the show’s central themes of moral ambiguity and the enduring power of the past.

In conclusion, the “Smoldering Finale of ‘Smoke'” delivers a thought-provoking and unsettling conclusion that lingers long after the screen fades to black. The show’s strength lies in its exploration of complex characters, its unflinching portrayal of moral ambiguity, and its willingness to leave viewers with more questions than answers. As Dennis Lehane intended, the unresolved consequences and lingering smoke serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of our choices.