Smoke Episode 3 Story Quietly Teases Who Freddy’s Next Victim Will Be

Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Smoke episode 3!After a tense storyline for Freddy, Smoke episode 3 quietly teases who his next victim will be when he inevitably commits another arson attack. While other characters in Smoke aren’t aware just yet, the audience knows Freddy is one of the two serial arsonists Dave and Michelle are trying to track down, targeting people for being happy with their lives.

This is mostly motivated by Freddy himself being unsatisfied as a cook at Coop’s, a fictional fast food chain specializing in chicken dishes. By the end of Smoke episode 2, though, he’s trying to elevate to a managerial position, even getting a haircut. However, the crime TV show has used his first interview to quietly tease his next victim.

Freddy Didn’t Get The Management Job At Coop’s

Despite His Efforts, He Wasn’t Qualified For The Position

Freddy spent a large amount of time in episode 2 preparing himself for the management interview at Coop’s. He was encouraged by both co-workers and Brenda, one of his best customers, who even gives him a haircut before his interview. But the show telegraphs right away how much trouble he’ll have getting the job.

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When he arrives in the interviewer’s office, he answers all of the questions in an unprepared fashion. This includes rattling off general platitudes about the company, something that clearly makes the interviewer question his capacity for the position. The episode ends with Freddy not making it to the second round of interviews, continually refreshing his emails, hoping for a chance.

While most of Smoke is inspired by true events, Freddy’s heartbreaking story is an original addition to the show. It makes the struggles he goes through bittersweet; he’s sympathetic because of his suffering, but also takes it out by harming the innocent. It’s something the show will continue to explore in upcoming episodes, with one victim seemingly already confirmed.

Freddy’s Frustration Might Lead Him To Target His Interviewer

Dave & Michelle Might Be Getting Another Lead On The Serial Arsonist

During his interview, Freddy sees a picture of the interviewer with his family, all smiling. The interviewer explains how they’d taken the photo on vacation, a stark contrast to the repetitive, stressful job Freddy is forced to contend with every day. Because he targets those who are happy, the interviewer might be next on his list.

If the interviewer is targeted, Dave could use the sketch of Freddy he has from his previous arson to catch up to his crimes. If that’s the case, Smoke might be down an arsonist quicker than expected. However, it all depends on how Freddy approaches his next crime, and how much damage he’ll do once he alights his next target.

New episodes of Smoke arrive Fridays on Apple TV+.

Smoke

7/10

Release Date

June 26, 2025

Network

Apple TV+

Directors

Kari Skogland

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  Taron Egerton

  Dave Gudsen

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