Going into episode four of “Smoke” on Apple TV, we understood that two of the three series leads might be violently psychotic. And now, we’ve got to wonder if there are any sane people on this show at all.

In episode four, we realize how much Michelle’s childhood trauma caused by her mother’s violence has hurt her. She’s all over the map here, as she circumvents therapy, discovers Gudsen’s (?) fire starting device, testifies against her mom at her parole hearing, and still finds it time to be super aunt. This after last week’s show when she invaded an underground bunker/armory/sex dungeon. Still, she’s our protagonist for the time being and Jurnee Smollett is still doing some good work.

Same for Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine as Freddy Fasano. We know for sure Freddy is seriously ill, but it hurt to watch him struggle during the job interview and continuously check his email for a hiring offer that was never going to come. He should be in a mental institution for the rest of his life, but we observe this man trying to better himself. He has no one to better himself for, but he’s attempting to claw his way out of this pit. This is a heartbreaking portrayal of mental illness and only we know all too well that he’s hurting people and needs to be stopped.

As for Taron Egerton’s Gudsen. He started another fire this week. But he’s so disturbed that he’s still floating around crime scenes seemingly oblivious at how dangerous he is. Dude couldn’t be peppier. The writing cut-scenes are fun.

Two quick notes. Why do we care about Emmett? A character that has been a jerk to every parent he has.

And goodness if Julianne Christie, who has been acting for decades doesn’t look fantastic here. Just wow.

What did you think of the episode? Let me know in the comments.