Episode Guide
The failure of a company is often contagious, and the employees who work there are often the ones who suffer the most. The tradecraft of a company is also often suspect, and it can be difficult to get past the bad habits of those in charge. The visiting hours for a company are also often short, and this can lead to problems with communication. Finally, the Fiasco or Follies of a company are always worth noting.
Based on the book of the same name, Slow Horses gallops out the traps at a decent pace and despite a few wobbles along the way, finishes it 6 episode run on a high. Sure, the show may be a little simple and at times you do need to suspend your disbelief, but sometimes the simplest plans are the ones that work the best – and that much is especially true here.
Slow Horses is a darkly funny espionage drama that takes a motley band of misfits and throws them together and allows them to explore the dark underbelly of London in a single case that spans the entire show’s run-time. It’s not particularly imaginative, but it is very effective when it comes to getting the job done.
The story follows River Cartwright as he conducts a big operation early on that goes completely awry. Off the back of this, he’s dumped from the MI5 ranks and thrown into Slough House, the proverbial dead-end for a career-ending mistake. There, he meets the notorious, no-nonsense Jackson Lamb. Joined by several other rejected agents and scruffy characters, the group are thrown into the middle of a big mission involving a terrorist group known as the Sons of Albion.
British Muslims are kidnapped by a group of white supremacists and threatened with beheading on live television. The MI5 is in competition with the current leader of the agency, Diana Taverner, to track down the kidnappers before they carry out their threat. If they fail, a potential war could result. ..
Slow Horses is a well-done series that keeps the surprises coming right to the end. The writers have enough wherewithal here to keep the twists and surprises coming right down to the finale. In fact, there’s a lovely little reveal right at the end of season 1 (no spoilers here!) which helps to add some context to one of the characters we’ve been following across the story, haunted by the past.
Slow Horses is a good show with a strong ensemble. Gary Oldman is great as Jackson Lamb, and Jack Lowden is likable as River Cartwright. The supporting cast is colorful and well-rounded, making for an entertaining crime drama. ..
The showrunners have made some choices that could have been more effective, but the finale is a satisfying end to an excellent season.
Slow Horses is a well-done show that combines all the elements you’d expect from this genre. It has its flaws, but the show makes good use of its ensemble and story to make it stand out as one of the better offerings on AppleTV.
