As the credits rolled at the conclusion of Episode 2 of Smoke, fans of Dennis Lehane’s intense Apple TV+ series were left with more than a few urgent questions, particularly: WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!

Before diving into that shocking twist at the end, let’s take a step back and set things up. According to Apple TV+, “Smoke focuses on a detective with a troubled past (Jurnee Smollett) and a mysterious arson expert (Taron Egerton) as they track two serial arsonists.” For those unaware, Smoke draws inspiration from the real-life case of an arsonist, previously explored on the Firebug podcast. Yet, unlike typical true crime portrayals, Lehane added significant fictional elements to shape the storyline of Smoke. Naturally, audiences are left with questions about the conclusion of Episode 2.

Smoke Episode 2 spoilers ahead.

The initial two episodes of Smoke arrived on Apple TV+ on Friday, June 27. They detailed how detective Michelle Calderone (Smollett) joined forces with arson investigator Dave Gudsen (Egerton) to investigate a series of deliberately set fires in the area. The arsonist, known as the “milk jug” arsonist, uses milk jugs filled with accelerant to ignite fires. Meanwhile, another arsonist dubbed the “D&C arsonist” (divide and conquer) sets multiple fires simultaneously, forcing emergency responders to spread thin as he makes his escape. Furthermore, the D&C arson suspect is characterized by a distinctive green hooded jacket, a limp, and a habit of targeting the chip aisles in grocery stores with his fiery acts.

The end of Smoke Episode 2 saw the D&C suspect walk out of another smoking supermarket, but this time, viewers get a look at the mysterious suspect’s face! If you’re not familiar with the true story that inspired the series, your jaw may still be dropped. So we’re here with answers.

If you’re still reeling from Smoke’s Episode 2 twist, Decider’s “Your Happy Makes Me Sad” recap breaks down the shocking final moments and what they means for the rest of the season.

Smoke Episode 2 Ending Explained: Who Is The C&D Arsonist?

In Episode 1, Calderone and Gudsen suspect that the D&C arsonist is a current or ex-firefighter, so she dives into active department personnel files and unsuccessfully questions a few men on duty. In Episode 2, determined to find a lead in the case, she studies security footage from D&C fires and determines that the suspect is faking his limp. Before she can keep digging, however, Dave changes the subject and presents new evidence in the milk jug case and they turn their focus there.

Convinced that a firefighter they already questioned is still suspicious, Calderone carries out her own investigation, which takes a major turn. While the guy ultimately isn’t their milk jug arsonist, he does go away for other crimes and Calderone is seen as a hero. Before the episode ends, however, things take a turn. With minutes left in the installment, Steven (Rafe Spall) asks if has any other suspects who are former firefighters. Calderone replies, “just one,” and Smoke cuts to the back of the D&C arsonist, who’s limping through another supermarket with his hood up. He sets a fire in the chip aisle and starts limping away before anyone notices. On his way on way out the door, the camera pans up to reveal the arsonist’s identity. It’s DAVE GUDSEN flashing a huge smile, wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap, and faking a limp. WHAT?!

When Gudson’s not busy trying to solve arson cases, he’s usually working on a book he’s writing inspired by his experience, knowledge, and cases as a former firefighter/arson investigator. We frequently see him dictate text into his phone, talk about his book to his wife, and think up new storylines, so at first glance, one might wonder if the scene at the end of Episode 2 is real, or purely fiction from Dave’s book.

Is Dave Gudsen An Arsonist On Smoke?

We’ll have to wait and see what twists and turns Smoke has in store for us, but if you know the true story that inspired by the series, you can assume Episode 2’s ending relates to Dave’s book and the D&C arsonist’s real identity.

As noted in Decider’s breakdown of the true story behind Smoke, the Firebug podcast tells the story of a real-life serial arsonist named John Leonard Orr. He was a former fire captain-turned-arson investigator (sound familiar?!) who spent years investigating suspicious fires throughout California. He caught more than 40 serial arsonists, per the Los Angeles Times, only to be dubbed one of the world’s most prolific serial arsonists himself.

While working as an arson investigator, Orr also started writing a novel, titled Points of Origin, which pulled from his own personal experience on the job and included parallels to real-life blazes. So although Smoke deviates from and dramatizes real-life events throughout the series, Episode 2’s ending suggests that like Orr, Gudsen is both an arson investigator and an arsonist. Talk about a twist!

Again, we’ll have to wait and see how Smoke unfolds and wait for official confirmation and evidence — but rest assured, even if you’re familiar with the Firebug podcast and Orr’s story, Smoke has loads of surprises in store that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

New episodes of Smoke premiere Fridays on Apple TV+.