Was Dave Gudsen intimidated by Detective Michelle Calderone in Smoke? Details Explored

Dave Gudsen is portrayed as an arson investigator initially in the crime thriller drama Smoke, but in season 2, he turns out to be one of the serial arsonists himself. The most chilling trait of Dave is that he can exist in plain sight, forming bonds even with detectives like Calderone. He is shown as a government employee committed to justice, but underneath, he is the most forbidden one himself.

Several scenes suggest that, though bonded with Calderone, Dave Gudsen is intimidated by her presence. He doesn't fear arrest, but is terrified of being found out by someone who simply understands him too well. He is simply investigating the case and piecing together the evidence to keep himself safe. Read on to know how exactly Dave is intimidated by the detective.

Was Dave Gudsen intimidated by Detective Michelle Calderone in Smoke?

Michelle Calderone in Smoke is a sharp detective, emotionally perceptive, and a natural foil to Dave. She gradually becomes capable of seeing through him, though she hasn't completely realised who he truly is. This makes Calderone Dave's biggest threat and a source of intimidation as well.

Her investigative instincts and calm authority create a constant psychological pressure on Dave. Their bond first starts as investigative partners, but as the season progresses, it turns out to be a cat-and-mouse game. There comes a point when Calderon starts to realise Dave's pattern, or rather, unwillingness to dig in the right direction. She starts to pick up on his naivety to follow basic clues, and this makes her alert about Dave's involvement.

On the other hand, Dave starts to respect Calderone for her calibre, but this only raises the stakes of his betrayal. As the season progresses, Dave's facade of acting as a confident investigator crumbles, and he is cornered by Calderone psychologically and is questioned.

In episode 2 of Smoke, Detective Michelle Calderone directly questions Dave Gudsen, escalating the friction

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In episode 2 of Smoke, during the investigation into the "chip-aisle-arsonist", a scene depicts moments escalating between Calderone and Dave. They review the CCTV footage, and Calderon points out that the arsonist's limp might be fake. She specifically then challenges the way Dave was moving ahead this whole time with the suspect's identity. She questioned how they end up looking at the wrong person.

They trace Archie, another suspect, to a remote property; however, Dave argues that they have insufficient evidence for a warrant, while Calderone acts on her instincts. She enters Archie's venue and finds a hidden chamber and some weapons. Afterwards, Calderone questions Dave's reluctance to pursue the leads more aggressively and passionately. This led to a friction in their bonds, while Dave's response seems ambiguous and suggests how emotionally distant he is from Calderone as well.

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