A New Direction for ‘Smoke’ in Episode 5
It’s hard to deny that the previous episode of Smoke was a major disappointment. The show seemed to be heading in a direction that felt confusing and unbalanced, making it difficult to see how it could recover so quickly. However, Episode 5, titled “Size Matters,” has turned things around significantly. This is arguably the strongest episode of the season so far, offering a mix of dark humor, unexpected twists, and compelling character development.
The shift in tone and quality is so stark that it almost feels like watching a different show. While some of the quirks from earlier episodes remain, they’re starting to make more sense as the story progresses. For instance, Dave’s novel plays a central role in this episode, but it’s used effectively as a source of both comedy and plot progression rather than as a crutch for the show itself. Dave himself, while still eccentric, is portrayed in a more grounded and nuanced way compared to previous episodes. His madness now adds depth to his character instead of reducing him to a caricature.
Taron Egerton’s performance continues to shine, especially as he takes on more dramatic weight in this episode. This contrasts with his limited role in the previous chapter, which was heavily focused on Michelle. While Michelle remains an important figure in the overall narrative, this episode clearly centers around Dave Gudsen. The plot isolates him by sending him to the Arson Investigator Conference in Leighton, where we see a different side of him—more vulnerable and even somewhat pathetic.
At the conference, Dave delivers the same “fire is chaos” presentation as before, but this time he faces criticism from a woman in the audience who calls out his lack of effectiveness in catching two arsonists in his jurisdiction. Although he appears to take it well at first, this moment later comes back to haunt him in a surprising way.
This leads to a meeting with Reba, an insurance adjuster Dave meets in a karaoke bar. She’s attractive, older, and married, but that doesn’t stop Dave from trying to seduce her. Egerton shines in this role, showcasing his ability to switch between different personas. However, the twist here is that Reba is actually Dave’s ex-wife. Their dynamic is one of dysfunction, with Reba knowing exactly how to manipulate his fragile ego. The situation is both humorous and deeply unsettling, highlighting the complex relationships within the show.
Another significant twist occurs when Dave is called away from the conference by Harvey, who informs him that Milk Jug has escalated his crimes by burning down a wealthy couple’s home. Dave is visibly excited about the new case, and as he leaves the conference, a convenience store burns in the background. His expression suggests a mix of excitement and frustration, leaving the audience wondering whether it’s due to the case or his failed attempt with Reba. The episode ends with a shocking moment as Dave is T-boned by a truck at an intersection, leaving his fate uncertain.
While this cliffhanger is effective, it raises concerns about how the show will handle Dave’s potential absence. Additionally, there’s a growing sense that Freddy, the other main arsonist, is being sidelined. His build-up to a major crime is minimal, with only brief scenes showing his struggle to secure a job and purchase materials. More depth into his character and motivations would be welcome.
Michelle also plays a key role in this episode as she tracks down Dave’s former partner, Ezra Esposito. Their interactions reveal a lot about Dave’s past, including a chilling incident where he tricked Ezra into burning down a trailer with dogs inside. John Leguizamo delivers a standout performance, balancing charm with underlying trauma. His character’s journey adds another layer to the show’s exploration of justice and accountability.
Overall, Episode 5 of Smoke marks a significant improvement, delivering a mix of humor, drama, and mystery that keeps viewers engaged. While there are still questions about the direction of certain characters, the episode sets up intriguing possibilities for the future.
