apple TV+’s “Smoke” gains Traction as Mystery Deepens, Despite Slow Start
LOS ANGELES, CA – June 12, 2024 – Apple TV+’s crime thriller Smoke, starring Mamie Gummer adn Taron Egerton, is experiencing a surge in viewership and critical attention as it nears its conclusion, despite initial perceptions of leaning into genre clichés. The series, which premiered May 17th, follows two detectives – Catherine Rostova (Gummer) and Nikko Estrada (egerton) – as they pursue two separate arsonists terrorizing the city of Houston, Texas.
While early episodes drew comparisons to spoofs of films like Zodiac, a positive review from prominent television critic Alan Sepinwall of rolling Stone spurred renewed interest, promising a notable plot twist. Three episodes in, the show is delivering on that promise, evolving into a more complex and unsettling narrative.
The series distinguishes itself through its character work. Gummer portrays Rostova as a flawed and often reckless investigator, pushing the boundaries of her authority. Egerton,building on his performance in last fall’s Carry-on,embodies Estrada as a seemingly unassuming detective harboring internal conflict. A especially chilling performance comes from Ntare Guma Mbaho mwine as one of the arsonists – a disturbingly detached fry cook whose motivations remain deeply unsettling.
The show’s tone, according to reviewers, leans more towards the psychological suspense of Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl, Sharp Objects) than the procedural style of Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Shutter Island).This is evident in its focus on a “Challenging Woman” protagonist, a central whodunit element, and a pervasive atmosphere of unease within the small-town setting.
A key challenge for Apple TV+ series, the review notes, is delayed audience engagement. Unlike HBO’s immediate cultural impact with shows like Mare of Easttown and Sharp Objects, Apple TV+ releases often gain momentum mid-run, as evidenced by podcaster Joe Budden’s recent proposal on his show. Smoke‘s six-episode run concludes with the final two episodes being released in the coming weeks.
Looking ahead, Apple TV+ has Alien: Earth, a reimagining of the Alien franchise from Noah Hawley, slated for release. However, for those seeking a reliably compelling drama, the article suggests revisiting the critically acclaimed series Mad Men.
Key Details not in Original Article:
Location: The series is set in Houston, Texas.
Premiere Date: smoke premiered on Apple TV+ on May 17th, 2024.
Cast Names: Full names of the lead actors (Mamie Gummer,Taron Egerton,ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine) are provided.
Episode Count: The series consists of six episodes.
Comparison Titles: Specific titles from Gillian Flynn and Dennis Lehane are mentioned to illustrate the tonal comparisons. Podcaster Mention: Joe Budden’s podcast was specifically named.
Angle Focus:
The article focuses on the delayed audience engagement frequently enough experienced by Apple TV+ series and how Smoke is potentially overcoming that challenge.
the emphasis on character development and the show’s tonal shift towards psychological suspense are highlighted.
The piece positions Smoke* within the broader landscape of contemporary crime dramas.