Smoke Showrunner Explains That Shocking Episode 8 Death

In the eighth episode of the first season of “Smoke“, viewers experienced a shocking turn of events that eliminated a major figure, casting a fresh perspective on a previously beloved character who had garnered audience support.

Warning – The rest of this article contains spoilers for Smoke Episode 8.

In the closing moments of “Smoke” Episode 8, a chilling confrontation ensued between me and Rafe Spall’s character, Steven. After a moment of escalating tension, when he grasped me in anger, I retaliated by seizing his windpipe inadvertently. Despite Steven pleading for me to intervene and save his life, I could only watch as he slowly strangled to death.

In a recent conversation, TopMob sat down with actors Jurnee Smollett, Rafe Spall, and acclaimed creator Dennis Lehane of the series “Smoke.” During this discussion, they collectively provided insights into the surprising finale.

As a devoted fan, I can tell you that Smollett shared with TopMob that there were multiple factors driving Michelle to this point, and it wasn’t just one singular incident. The actress portrays Michelle as being trapped, and she holds Steven responsible for her predicament. In the end, according to the actress, Steven’s actions in those final moments were a heartbreaking betrayal.

In those last moments, Smollett reveals that Michelle is in a state of anxiety and becomes motionless, as she’s simultaneously contemplating the idea that it would be convenient if he were no longer there. Essentially, Michelle is merely struggling to get by.

In an interview, author Dennis Lehane shared that from the start, they aimed to portray Michelle as a deeply troubled individual.

In my perspective as a movie enthusiast, when I had a chat with TopMob, Rafe Spall, the talented actor, shared an intriguing insight about his character’s encounter with Steven. Apparently, Steven didn’t expect that he, being the actor, would be the one to meet his on-screen demise!

The initial eight episodes of the series “Smoke” are now available on Apple TV+. Although there hasn’t been an official announcement for a second season yet, the showrunner, Dennis Lehane, has a predefined plan for a three-season arc that he intends to unfold for the story he wants to tell.

Jurnee Smollett Explains Why Michelle Killed Steven

“She’s Stuck In This Trap, and She Blames Him For It.”

TopMob: That ending just completely shocked me. I was like, wait, what?! You know, when Michelle let Steven just choke to death, what was going through her head in that moment? Why did she let that happen?

Jurnee Smollett suggests that a series of events, not just one specific moment, led her character there. She feels trapped and believes the other character is responsible for this predicament. The character was pursuing her passion but was demoted, which she saw as a betrayal by the other character. This betrayal left her struggling with feelings of anger, sadness, and confusion. In a way, she wishes the other character was no longer there. She’s in a state of shock, trying to cope, and mainly focusing on survival.

TopMob: “Does she regret it?”

Jurnee Smollett agrees. I believe she’ll carry that guilt with her, yet she’ll likely suppress it as usual. It’s all about enduring for her.

Rafe Spall Reveals if Steven Ever Thought Michelle Might Kill Him

Michelle’s Murderous Inaction Was a Surprise To Everyone

In a conversation, TopMob chatted with Rafe Spall, who portrays the character Steven Burk, to gather his thoughts on the unexpected and startling turn of events presented in Episode 8 that left viewers in awe.

TopMob: “Did Steven ever think that Michelle was going to do what she did? What is he thinking in those moments as he’s staring up at her and life is slipping away?”

Rafe Spall: Well, I don’t believe he anticipated her being capable of killing him. However, what makes it intriguing is that her punch to his neck was a spontaneous action. Yet, the murderous intent becomes apparent when she doesn’t offer aid after the act. Essentially, you could say it’s a double whammy thematically speaking, as both actions – the attack and the lack of help – carry significant implications.

In my character’s perspective, you strike me in the neck, but at the same time, you offer a pen. Quickly perform a tracheotomy on me, and I’ll be fine. Maybe one day we can share a laugh about this strange incident, to I find myself staring into the eyes of an apparent killer.

From my perspective, there’s something particularly captivating about this narrative. The audience finds themselves emotionally invested in a character they’ve come to care for, only to witness that character behave less than admirably towards them. This storyline takes the viewers on an engaging journey, showcasing masterful writing skills.

Smoke Showrunner Dennis Lehane on That Shocking Episode 8 Twist

Michelle Is “An Extremely Dangerous and Unhinged Human Being.”

TopMob: “That shocking moment when Michelle let Steven die in the house, you know what was just the decision to make that happen, and like, what was she thinking in that moment?”

As a movie critic, I must say, the third episode presents a gripping moment where her brother grips her arm. Her response, however, seems exaggerated, hinting at a complex backstory that paints Michelle as more than just a heroic figure. Instead, she is portrayed as a highly dangerous and unstable individual, adding depth to her character that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

On that occasion, Steven touched her inappropriately. At an unfortunate moment, he made the wrong move. She responded immediately, and that incident-I vividly recall the day I proposed it. It was a fantastic day. The room buzzed with excitement that day. I suggested she’d give him a good punch right in the neck. Just end it, they said, taken aback…

From the outset, Michelle was intended to be portrayed as a deeply troubled individual at her core. On the surface, she may not appear as problematic as Dave, but over the course of the series, you find yourself thinking, ‘Wow.’ Her actions become increasingly questionable, and by the end of the season, it becomes clear that this is a recurring theme.

Initially, the incident of accidentally firing at Arch Stanton sets the stage, but as the events unfold, it becomes increasingly chaotic and absurd. Without a doubt.

Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine on Freddy’s Capture

Freddy’s Days of Destruction Have Come to an End

In the previous episode, there was another major climax: Taron Egerton’s character, Dave Gudsen, managed to locate Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine’s Freddy, who has been causing havoc in the town since the series began by setting fire to milk cartons filled with gasoline. This discovery marked a significant turning point in the storyline.

TopMob: “You are caught by Dave Gudsen. And I wanted to just ask, How does Freddy see himself compared to Dave, and what is he thinking in those moments when you know Freddy’s grand plan is being effectively put out?”

Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine: What I find captivating about that scene with Freddy and Dave is that it offers a glimpse into a highly distorted, Dark Mirror, revealing a reflection of the same character in an alternate reality. In this world, the authority figure he portrayed was actually a double-edged sword, masquerading as someone in power while secretly causing destruction and chaos behind the scenes.

In simpler terms, this character lived on the outskirts, struggling daily just to survive. Unable to form meaningful or hopeful relationships, they resorted to extreme actions, creating a dark reflection of sorts. Watching this unfold in the scene was intriguing for me.

The full spoiler interviews can be seen below:

John Leguizamo & Anna Chlumsky Break Down Their Characters

Both Ezra & Dawn Are Driven to Catch Dave for Different Reasons.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I had the pleasure of chatting with John Leguizamo, who plays the intriguing character Ezra Esposito, and the captivating Anna Chlumsky, portraying Dawn Hudson, in an exclusive interview about their roles on the hit show, Smoke.

John Leguizamo, a close friend and ex-partner of Gudsen’s, expressed his feelings about the disheartening experience of betrayal: “It can be so disconcerting when your best friend turns against you, flipping your world around.

In the movie, John Leguizamo’s character developed an unusual bond with Dave, becoming his confidant. However, this closeness led him to uncover Dave’s secret as an arsonist. Consequently, Dave sabotaged his career to get rid of him, leading to a downward spiral where he turned to drugs and the porn industry. He felt his life was at an end, with his wife leaving him. Later, he gets a second chance to confront his former adversary, now a close friend, in an attempt to bring down his arch-nemesis.

I found myself identifying with that situation because I’ve experienced betrayal from friends in my life, which can be extremely disorienting and sad, especially when a trusted friend turns against you. This experience has served as inspiration for developing this character.

In simpler terms, Anna Chlumsky’s character, Dawn, has no personal ties to Dave Gudsen, yet she is committed to resolving the case. The actress clarified that her character sees herself as a leader.

In one of the key themes explored in our series is the notion of identity. Many characters on our show express their sense of self through their professions, especially Dawn. She strongly identifies herself as a leader, a good leader, and someone who consistently delivers results. Her work is central to her identity, often referred to as “the deliverable.” However, when this foundation is suddenly taken away, it leaves one wondering about what truly defines them and provides a solid grounding in life.

2025-08-08 22:09