Apple TV+ Unveils Crime Drama "Smoke" Starring Taron Egerton
Apple TV+ is poised to make waves in the crime drama genre with the release of its latest series, "Smoke," featuring Taron Egerton in a lead role. As the show gears up for its premiere, early reviews indicate a promising start, boasting a Rotten Tomatoes score of 71% from 17 critics.
Plot Overview: A High-Stakes Investigation
In "Smoke," Egerton portrays Dave Gudsen, an arson investigator who collaborates with Detective Michell Calderon, played by Jurnee Smollett. Together, they aim to apprehend two serial arsonists terrorizing their community. The cast also includes notable actors such as John Leguizamo, Greg Kinnear, and Rafe Spell. This series marks Egerton’s return to television after a three-year hiatus, having previously starred in the true crime series "Black Bird" in 2022.
Strong Early Reception Amid Comparisons
While "Smoke’s" debut score is solid, it falls short of the critical acclaim garnered by "Black Bird," which holds a remarkable 98% rating. Critics have acknowledged that, although "Smoke" does not reach the heights of its predecessor, Egerton’s performance has been well-regarded.
“Egerton’s portrayal adds depth to the character," noted one reviewer. "It’s a compelling performance wrapped in a gripping narrative.”
Future Prospects and Audience Expectations
The preliminary Rotten Tomatoes score reflects early feedback and could fluctuate as more reviews emerge. For the series to achieve "Certified Fresh" status, it would need to surpass 75% with a significant number of positive evaluations. Currently, "Smoke" stands just shy of that mark, offering an opportunity for future improvements.
It’s important to note that "Smoke" is based on the acclaimed podcast "Firebug," which chronicles real-life arson incidents linked to John Leonard Orr—a former firefighter who was convicted of starting nearly 2,000 fires in California over three decades.
Release and Audience Engagement
The first two episodes of "Smoke" will be available for streaming on Apple TV+ at its debut, with subsequent episodes released weekly. This episodic structure could influence viewer engagement and the audience score as the series progresses. As the story unfolds, the revelation of a significant plot twist promises to shake the foundation of the investigation, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
For both fans of true crime and Taron Egerton, "Smoke" appears to be a compelling addition to Apple TV+’s lineup. As it enters the critical viewing phase, all eyes will be on how the show evolves and resonates with audiences.
Stay tuned for updates as the series progresses and the audience reacts to its unfolding narrative.
Focuses on crime, public safety, and regional events.
Bio: Marcus is a community-based journalist passionate about reporting impactful stories that matter most to readers.