Apple TV+ Unveils “Smoke,” A New Crime Drama
Apple TV+ has launched a gripping new crime drama titled Smoke, a collaboration between acclaimed author Dennis Lehane and Emmy-nominated actor Taron Egerton. Similar to Lehane’s previous work, Black Bird, this series draws inspiration from a surprising true story.
Black Bird explored the unsettling real-life tale of the serial killer Larry Hall, based on James Keene’s memoir, With the Devil: Falling Heroes, Serial Killers, and Dangerous Digs for Redemption. In contrast, Smoke takes cues from the podcast Firebug, which delves into actual arsons and the lives of arson investigators.
The narrative of Smoke follows troubled detective Michel Calderone, played by Journey Smollett, alongside Egerton as a mysterious arson investigator named Dave Gudsen. Together, they navigate the treacherous world of two consecutive arsonists.
You might be wondering: is Smoke based on a true story? What exactly inspired it? And who is John Leonard Orr, a significant figure tied to the plot of Smoke? Let’s explore these questions, including insights from Lehane himself.
Is Smoke Based on a True Story?
Absolutely! Smoke takes its inspiration from genuine events, particularly those highlighted in the Truth.Media podcast Firebug, hosted by Kary Antholis, an Oscar and Emmy winner. Lehane, while initially hesitant to adapt the podcast, found the narrative around arson compelling. He mentioned his usual reaction to such projects tends to be “no,” but this one piqued his interest in a unique way.
Lehane described how Antholis’s pitch resonated with him, noting, “If I could look at the story and take liberties with it, I’d be interested.” His creative adjustments included changing character names and developing the storyline to fit a fictional town in the Pacific Northwest named Umberland, while still exploring the psychological complexities related to arson.
The Firebug Podcast: The Inspiration Behind Smoke
The term “Firebug” refers to an arsonist. If you’re curious about how the Truth.Media podcast influenced this series, it features ten episodes that dive deep into true crime narratives. But beware, as there may be spoilers ahead!
Who is John Leonard Orr? Key Facts About the Real Serial Arsonist
In essence, Firebug summarizes a troubling tale: “For ten years, a series of arsonists wreaked havoc in Southern California, resulting in several fatalities.” The story centers around John Leonard Orr, who fits the mold of the character in Smoke but does not carry the same name. Orr was not just any fire investigator; he’s labeled as one of the most notorious serial arsonists globally.
Previously a firefighter captain, Orr was responsible for investigating numerous suspicious fires and ended up convicted of numerous crimes linked to devastating blazes, including one that killed four individuals in 1984. His journey into writing, with novels that mirrored his own experiences, ultimately played a role in his downfall, leading to a life sentence in prison.
While adaptations based on works like Firebug and Orr’s life exist, viewers of Smoke can expect unforeseen twists even if they’re familiar with the real events.
Smoke premieres on Apple TV+ on June 27th, with episodes released weekly.
