Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Smoke episode 5!Smokeepisode 5 saw the debut of John Leguizamo’s character, Ezra Esposito, whose appearance just confirmed how messed up Dave really is.Smoketakes liberties with its true story, beinginspired by the real fires set by John Leonard Orr, but having an original story set in modern times. This meanscharacters inSmokealso don’t reflect its real-world inspiration.
One such character is Ezra, a former detectivewho Michelle tracks down in episode 5. Asreviews forSmokeindicated, Leguizamo’s appearance was going to be a memorable part of the series. However, the sleazy investigator ends up giving his counterpart more than she bargained for. He has a video revealing just how monstrous Dave really is.
Ezra’s RV Video Proves Dave Is A Monster
Dave Tricked Ezra Into Doing Something Terrible
When Michelle first meets Ezra, her impressions of the former detective aren’t very good.Originally Dave’s previous partner, he’s now far-removed from his original position. He sells graphic sexual video services and drinks constantly, whatever happened in his past now rendering him an alcoholic. At first, it’s unclear if he really has any information aboutDave being an arsonist.
That night, however, Michelle accompanies him back to his RV, where he shows her a heartbreaking video. In the clip, Dave can be seen goading Ezra into burning down an RV, supposedly so they can get into the mindset of the arsonist they’re tracking. WhileDave told Ezra the RV was empty, it was actually full of barking, terrified dogs.
This scarred Ezra enough that he became the person he is now.It also shows just how big a monster Dave is, willing to harm even defenseless animals with his fires. It’s also implied he did this because Ezra was onto him; as someone who’s had dogs all his life, he was traumatized by what Dave made him do.
How Ezra’s Video Helps Michelle’s Investigation
She’s More Aware Of Who Dave Really Is
Thanks to Ezra’s video,Michelle knows Dave will do whatever it takes to save himself. Even if it costs the lives of innocent animals, he’ll do anything to deter those who are on his trail from finding out the truth. Ifhe suspects Michelle knows his secret, he’ll find what’s most important to her and use it as emotional leverage.
Michelle will need to be careful going forward if she wants to bring him to justice without anything happening to her or those she cares about. SinceSmokeepisode 5 ended on a cliffhanger regarding Dave’s fate, she might just get her chance to compile more evidence. Still, Ezra’s video is a reminder of what happens if she’s not careful.
