Smoke Season 1 Episode 3 is a slow-paced affair as it delves deeper into the characters.
It features a significant shift in pacing, especially after the jaw-dropping cliffhanger of the second episode of the series premiere. The episode takes the time to familiarize viewers with the characters at an even deeper level.
Typically, a change in pacing is not something to be concerned about, especially when a show uses that to flesh out the story. However, Smoke did not introduce itself as a slow-burn like Severance or The White Lotus.
A few of these slow episodes might do it some disservice. For now, we reserve judgment until the next few ones.
Michelle and Freddy Take Center Stage
Calderon and Freddy are arguably the stars in this episode. The former is back to work even after being involved in a shooting.
She was able to twist the narrative and get away with harming an essentially innocent man.
My feelings regarding gray cops are complicated, so I’m not yet sure how I feel about Calderon getting back to work with barely a slap on her wrist.
But given how the show presented her in the premiere, it feels like she might be the only one capable of catching any of the arsonists, especially the one in her backyard.
She wastes no time getting down to business because the only way to stay sane is to immerse herself in work.
Calderon has been dealing with some intrusive memories from her childhood when she nearly died in a fire.
We learn how traumatizing the entire experience was, especially since it involved her drug addicted mother.
Still, this information feels out of place because it contributes nothing to advancing the overall story. It may factor in later in the season, but for now, it feels redundant because we already know Calderon is messed up.
I would have been okay with a passing conversation, a crashout, or a blowout with her siblings about her childhood.
Regardless, it is nice to see a softer side of her, especially with her niece.
Meanwhile, Freddy is trying to move up the ladder at Coop’s. Despite his determination, odds are stacked against him.
Years of trying to remain invisible have made that his permanent state. He walks as if he wants everyone to miss him, and talks as if he doesn’t want to be heard.
He takes a leap and applies for a managerial position despite all the opposition he receives from his coworker.
Even if said coworker apologizes later, he was an absolute ass. Shutting down someone’s dreams is like killing a part of their soul. What are we, if not a walking collection of future aspirations?
He needs to unpack that because it feels like he was jealous that Freddy might progress, and he’ll be left stuck in the same place.
At some point, you have to outgrow your dad’s words.
On a scale of one to ten, how painful is the job interview?
I suffered secondhand discomfort watching both parties try hard to keep the conversation moving. I’m sorry, but if I were the interviewer, I would not have kept it together like he does.
Interviewing Freddy would feel like he was sent specifically to waste your time and suck all the patience you have.
At this point, we all know he won’t be getting that job. The speed of an email’s arrival is not dependent on how much someone refreshes their inbox. If it’s not coming, it’s not coming.
The disappointment of not getting the job might tip Freddy over, and he’ll do something unimaginable.
Dave Sinks Deeper Into Crises
Meanwhile, our Harlan Coben is trying to get his book off the ground after it was recently rejected.
People always ask how you know someone is a misogynist – Dave is how. Somehow, his first instinct is to write women as bitter and angry, and men as cool and composed.
Also, why does he choose a Black protagonist for his book?
The episode slows down with him as he tries to throw an illustrious Calderon off his scent.
Their relationship also becomes less antagonistic, but Calderon is noticing odd things about her partner. He’s spooked, and that’s how criminals often make mistakes.
How is it that all the leads they’re getting nowadays are hitting dead ends?
One of the things I’m most excited for is the showdown between Calderon and Gudsen. It will make or break the show, and so far, the slow disintegration of the charade has me hooked.
However, someone else might expose him before she does.
Remember Emmet? He’s still furious about losing his dad and having to move in with Dave and his mom.
I know I praised the kid in the series premiere review, but now I think he might have a personality issue. Or that’s just how teenagers are. He’s rude and angry for no reason.
At home, it’s finally dawning on Ashley that Dave is not worth anything.
I genuinely fail to understand what she sees in him. Is it the handsome face? The swagger that hides how much of a loser he is?
He’s losing her, and that’s not good for him.
And for the standout moment, I was wheezing when the woman whose car he burns calls him middle-aged, and he nearly loses it.
“Weird Milk” is not as good as its predecessors, but sometimes you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet. That’s if you don’t throw the batter out.
Over to you, Smoke Fanatics? What did you think of the episode?
Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.
Say something in the comments, share if you’re moved to, and keep reading. Independent voices need readers like you.
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