Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Smoke episode 4!Smokeepisode 4 offered a deeper look into Dave’s past, with his tragic backstory explaining his shocking motives for the things he does. Aside from Michelle, who is still gathering evidence, no othercharacters inSmokeare aware that Dave is a serial arsonist.Thestory ofSmokecenters around both arson investigationsand an exploration of his crimes.
Ever since the reveal that he’s the limping arsonist at theend ofSmokeepisode 2,Dave has been doing his best to cover his tracksaround Michelle. It’s unclear if he knows she suspects him, but he’s still trying to keep her from noticing. However, his backstory in episode 4 might explain why he commits his heinous crimes.
Dave’s Mother Leaving Might Have Influenced Who He Became
It’s Clearly Past Trauma He’s Still Trying To Get Over
While having a conversation with Michelle over drinks in the office,Dave opens up to her about how, when he was 15, his mother disappeared. Despite calling the police and searching for her, nobody was able to find her. Dave was convinced she was dead, only hoping that, when they did find her, she still looked like herself.
The twist, however, is thatDave’s mother was alive the whole time. She’d left town with a 27-year-old substitute teacher, abandoning him and his father in the process. While pouring himself another drink, Dave insists he doesn’t think about his mother anymore, pretending that she died not long after learning the truth of her departure.
Although he says he’s put the past behind him,his facial expressions and strained way of telling the story indicates this isn’t the case.This could mean thatDave’s atrocious arson attackswere influenced by the anger he feels toward his mother. While he also does it when he feels frustrated by present circumstances, her leaving could’ve been the catalyst.
What Dave’s Backstory Really Says About His Character
His Past Is A Clear Influence On His Present
It seems like, because of his mother’s decision to abandon him,Dave hasn’t been unable to fully put his past behind him, as much as he insists he has. It seems like his past suffering influences his arson attacks, being self-justification for his actions.Michelle’s suspicions of Daveillustrate the same, as her reaction seems muted as he speaks.
Dave’s possible use of his past to make others suffer in the present isan unhealthy outlet to express his rage. It’s clear that he’s committing arson attacks to feel a sense of control, but now thatSmokehas explained where that influence comes from, it only makes his actions feel more dangerous and unjustified than ever before.
