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Smoke finished its first season with images that were both destructive and symbolic. The ending left the series without a clear future. Right after the last episode, creator Dennis Lehane explained the original plan in an interview with Collider:
“It was always meant to be a three-season show. We’ll see if we’re successful enough to earn a second season.”
That line made it clear that the story was never designed to stop at one season. It was always part of something bigger.
The finale aired on August 15, 2025, under the title Mirror Mirror. The setting was a forest fire, a storm of flames surrounding everything. Michelle killed Burke, a shocking twist, and Dave ended up framed for the crime. The fire consumed the screen, but it also worked as a reflection of what the characters had become inside.
What started months earlier as a chase after arsonists had turned into something much more personal. Betrayal, fractured trust, and characters falling apart. The shift gave weight to Lehane’s comment about three seasons. The material felt larger than a single run of episodes, and the finale left clear space for what might follow.
Smoke and the plan for three seasons
From the beginning, Smoke was built with structure. Lehane said many times that three seasons were always in mind. Around the finale, he repeated this point, noting that a second season already has its direction. The question is not about ideas but about approval. Apple TV+ had not confirmed a renewal when the first season ended, which left everything waiting for a decision.
The unexpected turn of Dave
The twist around Dave became one of the most discussed moments. For most of the story he looked like an enigmatic investigator, steady and sharp. By the end, that image broke apart. Dave was not the man seen on screen. He was a projection, a version shaped by his own illusions. Lehane has mentioned that this idea came during preparation, presented to the writers as a bold change. The reveal pushed Smoke away from being just a crime story and into questions about identity and how people hide from themselves.
Michelle at the center
Michelle’s role was equally strong. She carried the series into darker territory, shaped by a past filled with tension. Killing Burke sealed her position as the character most tied to the show’s conflict. Lehane described her as someone who never slows down, never gives herself the time to face her own struggles. That trait sets her apart, and it is likely to drive the next chapter if the series returns.
The question of renewal
The finale on August 15 worked as both an ending and an opening. On the same day, Lehane stressed again that Smoke was always seen as a three-part story. The announcement from Apple did not come, so the future remained unclear. The date became a marker of transition, showing closure on screen and, outside of it, a moment of waiting.
More comments after the finale
One day later, on August 16, Lehane repeated that the path of the characters was already in place. He said he knew where the show was going, but also pointed out there was no reason to reveal anything until a second season was official. His words underlined the balance: creative certainty, but business uncertainty.
Reception and impact
Smoke drew attention during its run. The reaction, though, was mixed. Rotten Tomatoes lists the show at about 74 percent with critics and 50 percent with audiences. On Metacritic, the score is 60, which suggests a divided view. Still, reviews often praised the performances of Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett. The production design was also noticed, especially how fire was used both as a visual frame and as a metaphor for destruction. Those details gave the series a strong presence, even with numbers that were not unanimous.
Expectations and what comes next
No schedule has been announced. There is no official timeline for filming or release. What is known is that Lehane has mapped a second season. He has said the plan is ready, waiting for the green light. If renewed, the next season would continue directly after the events of Mirror Mirror. The consequences of Burke’s death, Michelle’s choices, and the reality of Dave’s identity are unresolved. These are open threads. They are not confirmed storylines, but they remain as possibilities created by the way season one ended.
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Closing thoughts
Smoke ended with fire, betrayal, and questions. Lehane stated clearly that the design of the series is for three seasons. The decision now sits with Apple TV+. Until an announcement arrives, the show rests in suspension. It is defined by the weight of its ending and by the promise of more to come. Reception may be split, but anticipation for the future of Smoke is still alive.
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