We’re four seasons into the spy thriller SLOW HORSES on Apple TV+ and as impossible as it may sound, the new set of six episodes is the best yet. Where most show characters would be far too predictable this long into the run, the regulars on SLOW HORSES keep mining nuance and depth. Where most espionage dramas draw distinct lines between heroes and villains, this one blends them all into multiple shades of gray. And if you think you can predict where SLOW HORSES is going from episode to episode, let alone minute to minute, you’re a far cleverer viewer than me. This exceptional series demands you pay attention every second, keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout, and quite often, pulls the rug out from under you with no warning. It’s a helluva show.
In fact, my only complaint with the fourth series is that there simply isn’t enough Gary Oldman in it this time. In seasons past, his Jackson Lamb character, the head of an MI5 group of misfits, had been the most prevalent one, but this season he’s in more of a supporting role as the members of his flock are more front and center than ever before. That’s especially true of River Cartwright (Jack Lowden), easily the best and brightest of the disgraced spies toiling at the lower-tiered facility of Slough House. The consistent idea from every season is that despite these spies being banished, they always prove to be very capable spooks. Season four continues to showcase their aptitude, bravery, and skills in the field, especially River who spends a good portion of this series’ six episodes undercover in France.
The plot kicks into high gear this season when two big events happen almost simultaneously: a terrorist bomb goes off at a London mall at Christmastime and an assassination is attempted upon retired MI5 legend David Cartwright (Jonathan Pryce). The hit is foiled when the old man blasts away his attacker with a shotgun, followed quickly by a surprise visit from his grandson River who springs into action. He hides his grandpa at the home of semi-retired Slough House office administrator Catherine Standish (Saskia Reeves) before bolting for France to discover who ordered the Frenchman to come-a-calling. Lamb covers for him while starting his own investigation.
One of the joys of this season is how many investigations are in action simultaneously. In addition to Lamb’s and River’s pursuits, the other members of Slough House start looking into both events and of course, the big muckity-mucks at Thames House are looking into them too. Kristin Scott Thomas’s deputy director Diana Taverner has her hands full trying to figure out what’s what, let alone having to do so while trying to sneak around her nosy new boss Claude Whelan (James Callis). (Known in the MI5 lingo as “First Desk.”)
The banter between all of Lamb’s minions is stellar once again, but in addition to all the snark, his underlings get to be quite physical throughout this season as well, involving numerous chases, fight scenes, and even a big shoot-out. All of the cast run with the material, and as ensembles go, few are equal to Rosalind Eleazar, Christopher Chung, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Kadiff Kerwan, Naomi Wirthner, Tom Brooks, and the other stars mentioned. Adding even more to the company this season are newcomers Ruth Bradley as an intrepid field of Diana’s, Joanna Scanlan as a new Slough House secretary, and veteran character actor Hugo Weaving as a double agent. Weaving brings so much gravitas and sly wit to the part, as does Pryce, that they should be battling it out next year for the Best Guest Actor Emmy. At the very least, this entire cast should be up for the SAG Awards television ensemble this winter.
Oldman makes the most of all of his screen time too, even adding a beard to Lamb’s scruffy mange this season, and yet, despite being such a slob, his spook is the most cunning of all. The Oscar-winning actor is so good at the funny bits, that when he turns icy and formidable, it takes your breath away. No wonder, Diana likes him despite her many protests; they’re two of a kind. I like the fact too that his name is Lamb, as it is in the series of Slough House books by British author Mick Herron. It’s a perfect misdirect of a name, as Lamb’s far more lion by far, as is this show in its edgy, angry, and volatile fourth outing. There’s already another season being shot, and Gary Oldman has expressed interest in keeping the show going as long as they’re able. With the sure hand of showrunner Will Smith, and his expert cast, writers, directors, and crew firing on all cylinders, that seems entirely possible, especially after this brilliant fourth season.
