Episode 3 of "Smoke" kicks off with Michelle Calderone seated in a therapy session, her demeanor abrasive as she scoffs at the notion of bearing any trauma stemming from shooting someone with an assault rifle. She insists that her genuine trauma stems from combat experiences, yet her therapist pierces through her facade, sensing a deeper wound that Michelle is desperate to avoid revisiting. With tears lurking just beneath the surface, Michelle reinforces her identity as one inexorably tied to her profession, asserting, "The job is her," yet the therapist remains convinced that her resolve will soon hit a wall.
Dave Gudsen, not surprisingly, harbors reservations about Calderone's return to active duty. Despite her unwavering determination, her investigative lead initially stems from a mundane false alarm fire drill. Her persistence pays off in multiple locations, but sheer luck intervenes when she chance upon a cigarette butt attached to a coin, dislodged from her car window. This coincidental discovery is akin to unearthing a needle in a haystack, as it potentially links to the arsonist's modus operandi—using such coins to ignite diversions. Regrettably, forensics decline to conduct a DNA test due to the crime's unprosecutable nature, leaving the cigarette butt as an unconnected clue.
As Michelle delves deeper into the case, Emmett grapples with the decision to move with his father, amidst a strained household dynamic between Gudsen and Ashley. Catching Gudsen snooping through Emmett's belongings while ostensibly vacuuming, Ashley urges him to channel his energy into writing his book instead. However, Gudsen's struggle with portraying female characters becomes evident in his awkward dialogue and numerous rewrites.
Meanwhile, at the fast-food restaurant, Freddy strives to give his all, his desperation for a promotion palpable. His colleague, however, remains skeptical, reminding him of the futility of his efforts. When the oven suddenly sparks, captivating Freddy's attention, his colleague's concern grows, reflecting the tension and unpredictability of their work environment.
Eventually, Freddy secures an interview with Roger Tillman, a magnetic figure whose presence commands attention. However, Freddy finds it a challenge to rein in his jittery nerves, and his responses barely inspire confidence in his interviewer. As Roger utters the ritualistic phrase, "I'll be in touch," Freddy spends a restless night incessantly refreshing his email inbox, to no avail.
When Gudsen and Calderone finally reconvene, Dave suggests they adopt a fresh perspective. He notes that the melted plastic originates from a grocery store, and according to lab results, the bags are uniformly black. With only two stores in the vicinity using such bags, they may have hit upon a crucial clue.
Calderone proposes a grand operation involving QR codes and sophisticated scanners, but Englehart promptly dismisses the idea due to the precinct's funding constraints. Gudsen, who is privy to inside information, subtly weaves clues into his novel. He mentions a shift in focus from the supermarket, hinting that the arsonist is poised to make a similar change.
Meanwhile, Michelle arrives at the prison for her mother's parole hearing. Her brother Benji yearns for their mother's release, but Michelle steps forward to dissuade the board. Despite her mother's apparent spiritual transformation and efforts to help fellow inmates, Michelle believes she is a life-destroyer who "devours souls." This stance stems from a traumatic past incident where her drug-addled mother locked her in a closet and set it ablaze. This harrowing experience explains Michelle's profound aversion to fire and her estranged relationship with her family.
As Michelle bolts from the room, unable to bear the accusatory gazes of all present, her vulnerability is laid bare.
Meanwhile, our elusive arsonist strikes with renewed vigor, targeting an unsuspecting vehicle and then fleeing the scene with impunity. The perpetrator, unmistakably Dave Gudsen, brazenly confronts the vehicle's owner under the pretense of inquiry. His demeanor shifts momentarily to flirtatious, probing her subtly about a perceived limp on their mutual acquaintance, which he dismisses as a mere coincidence, unrelated to his fiery escapades. His tactics prove effective in diverting Michelle's suspicions as well.
However, Michelle's focus is fleeting, as she is summoned by the celebration of Sophie's birthday. The jubilant atmosphere takes a dark turn when tensions escalate between her and Benji. Inebriated and emotionally charged, Benji lashes out at his sister, leaving Michelle to grapple with the haunting specters of her past, which loom perilously close to derailing the entire investigation.
