Unraveling the Shocking Twist in Episode 2 of Smoke: Could [SPOILER] Be Responsible for Arson?

After Episode 2 of the thrilling series Smoke ends, viewers are left with multiple burning questions. One of the notable reactions might be: WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!

Before we delve into the shocking revelation at the end, let’s provide some context. According to Apple TV+, “Smoke follows the journey of a detective facing challenges (played by Jurnee Smollett) and a mysterious arson investigator (portrayed by Taron Egerton) as they track down two serial arsonists.” For those unfamiliar, Smoke draws inspiration from a genuine case of an arsonist featured in the Firebug podcast. However, unlike strict true crime adaptations, Lehane has taken some artistic freedoms in shaping the narrative of Smoke. Hence, it is natural for viewers to have queries about the conclusion of Episode 2.

Smoke Episode 2 spoilers ahead.

The initial two episodes of Smoke were released on Apple TV+ on Friday, June 27, unfolding the story of detective Michelle Calderone (played by Smollett) teaming up with arson investigator Dave Gudsen (portrayed by Egerton) to uncover deliberately ignited fires in their vicinity. The arsonist they seek, known as the “milk jug” arsonist, employs milk containers and accelerants to initiate fires. In contrast, another culprit, named the “D&C arsonist” (which stands for ‘divide and conquer’), sets fires simultaneously in various spots, forcing emergency responders to split their attention while the perpetrator escapes. Moreover, the D&C suspect is recognizable by his distinct green hooded jacket, a noticeable limp, and a preference for setting fire to the chip aisles of supermarkets.

The end of Smoke Episode 2 saw the D&C suspect walk out of another smoking supermarket, but this time, viewers get a look at the mysterious suspect’s face! If you’re not familiar with the true story that inspired the series, your jaw may still be dropped. So we’re here with answers.

If you’re still reeling from Smoke’s Episode 2 twist, Decider’s “Your Happy Makes Me Sad” recap breaks down the shocking final moments and what they means for the rest of the season.

In Episode 1, Calderone and Gudsen suspect that the D&C arsonist is a current or ex-firefighter, so she dives into active department personnel files and unsuccessfully questions a few men on duty. In Episode 2, determined to find a lead in the case, she studies security footage from D&C fires and determines that the suspect is faking his limp. Before she can keep digging, however, Dave changes the subject and presents new evidence in the milk jug case and they turn their focus there.

Convinced that a firefighter they already questioned is still suspicious, Calderone carries out her own investigation, which takes a major turn. While the guy ultimately isn’t their milk jug arsonist, he does go away for other crimes and Calderone is seen as a hero. Before the episode ends, however, things take a turn. With minutes left in the installment, Steven (Rafe Spall) asks if has any other suspects who are former firefighters. Calderone replies, “just one,” and Smoke cuts to the back of the D&C arsonist, who’s limping through another supermarket with his hood up. He sets a fire in the chip aisle and starts limping away before anyone notices. On his way on way out the door, the camera pans up to reveal the arsonist’s identity. It’s DAVE GUDSEN flashing a huge smile, wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap, and faking a limp. WHAT?!

When Gudson’s not busy trying to solve arson cases, he’s usually working on a book he’s writing inspired by his experience, knowledge, and cases as a former firefighter/arson investigator. We frequently see him dictate text into his phone, talk about his book to his wife, and think up new storylines, so at first glance, one might wonder if the scene at the end of Episode 2 is real, or purely fiction from Dave’s book.

We’ll have to wait and see what twists and turns Smoke has in store for us, but if you know the true story that inspired by the series, you can assume Episode 2’s ending relates to Dave’s book and the D&C arsonist’s real identity.

As noted in Decider’s breakdown of the true story behind Smoke, the Firebug podcast tells the story of a real-life serial arsonist named John Leonard Orr. He was a former fire captain-turned-arson investigator (sound familiar?!) who spent years investigating suspicious fires throughout California. He caught more than 40 serial arsonists, per the Los Angeles Times, only to be dubbed one of the world’s most prolific serial arsonists himself.

While working as an arson investigator, Orr also started writing a novel, titled Points of Origin, which pulled from his own personal experience on the job and included parallels to real-life blazes. So although Smoke deviates from and dramatizes real-life events throughout the series, Episode 2’s ending suggests that like Orr, Gudsen is both an arson investigator and an arsonist. Talk about a twist!

Again, we’ll have to wait and see how Smoke unfolds and wait for official confirmation and evidence — but rest assured, even if you’re familiar with the Firebug podcast and Orr’s story, Smoke has loads of surprises in store that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

New episodes of Smoke premiere Fridays on Apple TV+.