Cast and Crew of Smoke

Smoke

In the riveting drama 'Smoke', viewers are introduced to a gripping narrative that centers around the intricate world of arson investigations. Taron Egerton stars as Dave Gudsen, a seasoned arson investigator known for his unorthodox methods and a penchant for going against the grain. His life takes an unexpected turn when he is reluctantly paired with a police detective, played by Jurnee Smollett in the role of Michelle Calderone, who brings her own set of skills and a desire for justice to the table. As they forge an uneasy partnership, they quickly discover that the world of fire and investigation is far more complex and treacherous than either of them anticipated.

As the duo races against the clock to capture two elusive arsonists wreaking havoc in their city, tensions rise, and their differing approaches to crime-solving begin to clash. Dave's uncanny intuition and Michelle's methodical detective work drive them deeper into a maze of deception, where every lead resonates with hidden agendas and unspoken truths. The unraveling of this case unveils not just the identities of the arsonists but also exposes deep-seated secrets each character holds, forcing them to confront their pasts and the choices that have led them to this moment.

'In Smoke', the stakes escalate with every passing minute, drawing audiences into an intense psychological thriller marked by unexpected twists and moral dilemmas. The palpable chemistry between Egerton and Smollett adds depth to their characters, as they navigate a landscape filled with suspicion, betrayal, and fiery confrontations. Ultimately, the film asks the poignant question of how far one would go to uncover the truth, revealing that sometimes, the most dangerous fire is not the one that burns but the one that lingers within.

Critics' Reviews

50
There are long stretches of Apple TV’s “Smoke” that work. It’s a carefully calibrated, well-made show with grounded performances and a thrilling mystery. After a relatively traditional set-up, it takes a hard right turn into something very different (although listeners of the podcast on which it’s based, “Firebug,” will know what’s up, at least until this story goes very different places). Still, it stays compelling, telling competing stories of how trauma can harden people into the worst versions of themselves. Until it doesn’t. One can feel the rickety rollercoaster start to shake around the sixth or seventh episode before it jumps the track in the penultimate chapter and just recklessly careens through everything set up by the show before then. Forget suspension of belief—you’ve got to light it on fire to enjoy this one.

Full Cast of Smoke

Taron Egerton as Dave Gudsen

Taron Egerton

Dave Gudsen
Taron Egerton delivered a compelling performance as the enigmatic Dave Gudsen in the television series "Smoke." His portrayal captured the complexity of a man grappling with the moral grey areas of his life, torn between his loyalty to his criminal family and his own conscience. Egerton's Gudsen is a study in subtle intensity, as he navigates through the smoky haze of his troubled existence with a mix of vulnerability and steely resolve. His performance is marked by a palpable charisma that draws viewers into the inner turmoil of his character, while also showcasing his range as an actor capable of embodying the nuanced emotional landscape of a man caught between the love for his family and the quest for personal redemption. Egerton's Gudsen is not just a character on the screen; he is a fully realized human being, whose struggles and silent sufferings resonate long after the credits roll.
Jurnee Smollett as Michelle Calderone

Jurnee Smollett

Michelle Calderone
In the gripping television series "Smoke," Jurnee Smollett delivers a performance that is both captivating and emotionally resonant as Michelle Calderone. Smollett brings a fierce intensity and nuanced vulnerability to the role, portraying Michelle as a woman deeply entrenched in the complexities of her family's illicit tobacco business. Her portrayal is a delicate balance of strength and tenderness, as she navigates the treacherous waters of criminal enterprise while grappling with personal moral dilemmas. Jurnee's Michelle is a standout character, whose internal struggles and external conflicts drive the narrative forward, showcasing Smollett's exceptional ability to convey depth and authenticity in her acting. Her scenes are charged with an undercurrent of raw emotion, making Michelle not just a pivotal character in the series, but a memorable one that audiences can empathize with despite her involvement in the darker aspects of the storyline. Through her performance, Jurnee Smollett cements Michelle Calderone as a powerful and compelling figure in "Smoke," leaving an indelible mark on the series.
John Leguizamo as Esposito

John Leguizamo

Esposito
John Leguizamo delivered a captivating performance as Manuel 'Matty' Esposito in the television series "The Kill Point," an intense crime drama that aired in 2007. As Esposito, Leguizamo brought a raw and dynamic energy to the screen, portraying a conflicted and charismatic ex-military officer turned bank robber. His character is central to the plot, which revolves around a group of Iraq war veterans who plan a heist that goes awry, leading to a high-stakes standoff with the police. Leguizamo's Esposito is a man caught between his loyalty to his fellow veterans and the increasingly desperate situation that unfolds. His performance is layered with intensity and emotion, showcasing his character's internal struggles and the complex interplay of his relationships with the other characters. Leguizamo's ability to convey the depth of Esposito's moral ambiguity and his desperate commitment to his brothers-in-arms adds a gripping human element to the action-packed narrative, making his portrayal one of the standout aspects of the series.
Rafe Spall as Steven Burk

Rafe Spall

Steven Burk
Rafe Spall delivers a compelling performance as Steven Burke in the TV series "The Shadow Line," where he brings depth and complexity to a character caught in the moral ambiguities of the criminal underworld. Spall's portrayal of Burke showcases his range as an actor, as he navigates the psychological terrain of a man struggling with his identity and loyalty. Burke is a conflicted figure, working as an undercover policeman while grappling with the seductive power of the crime world he has infiltrated. Spall's performance is nuanced; he captures the inner turmoil of a character who is both a victim and a perpetrator of the series' dark themes. His interactions with other characters are layered with subtext, and his on-screen presence is magnetic, drawing viewers into Burke's personal journey. Spall's depiction of vulnerability, deception, and the constant balancing act between duty and temptation adds a gripping dimension to the narrative, making his character one of the most intriguing elements of "The Shadow Line."
Greg Kinnear as Harvey Englehart

Greg Kinnear

Harvey Englehart
In the television series "Smoke," Greg Kinnear delivers a compelling performance as Harvey Englehart, a man whose life is intricately woven into the fabric of the volatile world of high-stakes finance and the gritty, illicit drug trade. Kinnear brings a nuanced gravitas to the role, expertly balancing Harvey's sharp-witted business acumen with the moral ambiguity that comes with his involvement in the criminal underworld. His portrayal captures the essence of a character who is both a calculating entrepreneur and a deeply conflicted individual, grappling with the consequences of his actions in a high-pressure environment where one wrong move could be fatal. Kinnear's performance is a testament to his range as an actor, as he embodies Harvey's complexities with a subtle intensity, making the character both enigmatic and relatable. His interactions with the other characters are laden with a palpable tension, as he navigates the treacherous waters of his dual life, making his role as Harvey Englehart a memorable addition to his repertoire of diverse and engaging characters.
Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine as Freddy Fasano

Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine

Freddy Fasano
Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine delivers a compelling and nuanced performance as Freddy Fasano in the television series "Smoke." His portrayal of the character is rich with complexity, capturing the essence of a man caught in the crosscurrents of ambition and moral conflict. Freddy, a former firefighter turned lobbyist, grapples with the cutthroat politics of the tobacco industry while trying to maintain his integrity. Mwine brings a depth of humanity to the role, allowing viewers to empathize with Freddy's internal struggles as he navigates the treacherous waters of corporate influence and personal loyalty. With a commanding screen presence, Mwine's performance is marked by subtlety and intensity, as he conveys the weight of Freddy's decisions with every glance and gesture. His ability to seamlessly transition between moments of vulnerability and calculated determination underscores the character's multifaceted nature, making Freddy Fasano a memorable and thought-provoking figure in the landscape of "Smoke."
Hannah Emily Anderson as Ashley Gudsen

Hannah Emily Anderson

Ashley Gudsen
Dakota Daulby as Lee

Dakota Daulby

Lee

Crew of Smoke

Full backstage crew list →