“Slow Horses,” the much-loved espionage series that follows a group of outcast intelligence agents relegated to the dilapidated Slough House, returns with its fourth season on Apple TV+. This season, comprising six meticulously crafted episodes, promises a storyline that’s more closely intertwined with the enigmatic Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman) and his motley crew of misfit spies than ever before.
A Game-Changing Finale: Last Season’s Explosive Conclusion
The last season of “Slow Horses” concluded with an explosive finale that left viewers on the edge of their seats. The high-octane shootout was more than just a climactic moment; it was a seismic event that sent shockwaves through the entire MI5 organization. The sheer body count from that chaotic confrontation would have been impossible to cover up, even for someone as calculating and resourceful as Diana Taverner (Kristen Scott Thomas), the ever-scheming Second Desk at MI5.
This catastrophic event has had far-reaching consequences as the show embarks on its fourth season. The aftermath of the debacle has forced MI5 to reevaluate its strategies and leadership, leading to significant changes within the ranks. New characters are introduced, each with the daunting task of repairing the tarnished image of the Park, MI5’s prestigious headquarters. However, just as this process of rehabilitation begins, a new crisis erupts—a terror attack in the heart of London, directly tied to the disgraced Slough House. This connection thrusts the “slow horses” back into the spotlight, complicating the Park’s efforts to clean up its image and placing the entire organization under intense scrutiny.
The Brutal Reality of Spy Life: No One Is Safe
One of the hallmarks of “Slow Horses” is its unflinching portrayal of the brutal realities of life as a spy. From the very beginning, the series has made it clear that no character is truly safe. Fans still mourn the loss of Min Harper, whose untimely death in earlier seasons served as a stark reminder of the high stakes these spies face. The show’s willingness to kill off characters adds a layer of unpredictability that keeps viewers constantly on edge, wondering who might be next.
Season four continues this tradition with what is arguably the most significant cast overhaul the show has seen to date. Freddie Fox’s character, Spider, who somehow managed to outlast Russian operatives in the previous season, meets an ironic and ignoble end—defeated not by a sophisticated plot, but by something as mundane as an SUV window. This unexpected demise underscores the show’s commitment to defying audience expectations and maintaining its gritty, realistic tone.
Also departing are two of the series’ most menacing figures: Duffy (Chris Reilly), the cold-blooded Head of the Dogs, and his deranged subordinate Hobbs (Chris Coghill). Their exit comes in a darkly humorous yet brutal scene involving a booby-trapped house, reminiscent of a deadly version of “Home Alone.” Duffy’s fate is particularly poignant for fans who still harbor resentment over his ruthless elimination of the sweet-natured archive worker, Douglas (Sion Daniel Young). It’s a moment of narrative justice that’s sure to resonate with the audience.
A New Power Dynamic: Fresh Blood in MI5
With the departure of these key characters, the power dynamics within MI5 undergo a significant shift. Emma Flyte (Ruth Bradley) steps in as the new Head of the Dogs, bringing with her a starkly different leadership style compared to her predecessor. Where Duffy was all brute force and intimidation, Flyte is more calculated, though perhaps a bit too trusting for her own good. Her naiveté is most evident when she makes the critical mistake of taking Jackson Lamb at his word—a decision that could have dire consequences for her and those under her command. This shift in leadership adds a fresh layer of tension and intrigue to the season, as viewers are left to wonder how Flyte will navigate the treacherous waters of MI5 and whether she’ll survive the season with her reputation—and life—intact.
The upper echelons of MI5 are also seeing changes. Ingrid Tierney (Sophie Okonedo), a formidable force within the organization, is ousted after the devastating leak of the Footprint document. This document’s exposure not only compromised the security of MI5 but also shattered the delicate balance of power within the Park. Tierney’s departure leaves a gaping void, particularly in her complex and often antagonistic relationship with Diana Taverner. The dynamic between these two powerful women was a highlight of the previous seasons, and its absence is keenly felt.
To fill this void, Claude Whelan (James Callis) is brought in as the new First Desk. Whelan, best known to audiences as the affable best friend in “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” is a surprising choice for such a high-stakes role. His character is introduced with grand ambitions of reforming MI5 and ushering in a new era of transparency and efficiency. However, it quickly becomes apparent that Whelan is woefully out of his depth. His inexperience and overconfidence set him up as a stark contrast to Taverner, who, despite being relegated to Second Desk, continues to pull the strings from the shadows. Taverner’s frustration is palpable, as she finds herself in the unenviable position of being the true power behind the throne, all while Whelan bumbles his way through his new responsibilities. Her new look—a sleek pixie cut—mirrors her no-nonsense attitude as she navigates this complex new reality.
Slough House: A Sanctuary for the Disgraced, But Not Forgotten
While MI5 undergoes significant changes, Slough House remains a constant—a grim refuge for the spies who have fallen from grace. Yet, even here, change is inevitable. Joanna Scanlan joins the cast, stepping into the role of Catherine Standish’s (Saskia Reeves) colleague. Scanlan, known for her work on “The Thick of It,” brings a blend of dry humor and pathos to the role, reminding viewers of the show’s satirical roots. Her presence adds a new dynamic to the interactions at Slough House, particularly as she attempts to fill the void left by Standish, who remains on the periphery but is far from out of the picture.
The decision to retain core characters like Standish, despite the introduction of new faces, is a testament to the show’s understanding of its audience. Fans have developed deep connections with these characters, and their continued presence helps maintain the show’s emotional core. This careful balance between innovation and continuity ensures that “Slow Horses” retains its unique identity, even as it evolves.
Old Habits, New Challenges: The Struggles of MI5’s Misfits
Despite the changes sweeping through MI5, some things remain reassuringly familiar. River Cartwright (Jack Lowden), for example, is still grappling with his hero complex. His impulsive nature and determination to prove himself often land him in precarious situations, whether it’s sprinting through London’s tube stations or narrowly escaping danger. This season, River’s journey is particularly harrowing, as he faces both physical and emotional challenges that test his limits.
Meanwhile, Diana Taverner continues her relentless quest for power, undeterred by the setbacks she’s faced. Her ambition knows no bounds, and her strategic mind remains as sharp as ever. However, with the arrival of Claude Whelan, Taverner finds herself in an unusual position—striving for control in a system that no longer fully recognizes her authority. The tension between Taverner and Whelan adds a new layer of intrigue to the season, as viewers watch her navigate the treacherous politics of MI5 with her characteristic ruthlessness.
And then there’s Jackson Lamb, the irascible leader of Slough House, who remains as unkempt and unpredictable as ever. Lamb’s disheveled appearance and abrasive personality belie his sharp intellect and deep understanding of the espionage world. This season, Lamb is once again at the center of the action, using his unorthodox methods to protect his team and unravel the complex web of threats facing MI5. His interactions with the new characters, particularly Emma Flyte, provide some of the season’s most gripping moments, as he challenges their perceptions and forces them to confront the harsh realities of their profession.
A Poignant Farewell: David Cartwright’s Decline
One of the most emotionally charged storylines this season involves David Cartwright (Jonathan Pryce), River’s grandfather and a former MI5 legend. Once a bastion of wisdom and experience, David is now grappling with the devastating effects of dementia. His decline is portrayed with heartbreaking realism, as River struggles to come to terms with the fact that the man he once relied on for guidance and support is no longer the sharp-minded spymaster he used to be.
David’s condition introduces a new level of vulnerability to the show, as River finds himself increasingly isolated in a world where he can no longer depend on his grandfather’s expertise. This storyline adds depth to the series, highlighting the often-overlooked human cost of a life spent in the shadows of espionage. It’s a poignant reminder that even the most formidable spies are not immune to the ravages of time and that the sacrifices they make in service of their country can have lasting, deeply personal consequences.
A Masterclass in Character Evolution: Striking the Right Balance
“Slow Horses” has always excelled at balancing character development with intricate plotting, and season four is no exception. The show’s ability to introduce new characters while maintaining the integrity of its core cast is a testament to its strong writing and deep understanding of its audience. Each new addition brings something unique to the table, whether it’s Emma Flyte’s fresh perspective, Claude Whelan’s misguided ambition, or Joanna Scanlan’s wry humor. Yet, these new faces never overshadow the established characters, whose ongoing journeys continue to captivate viewers.
The series also demonstrates a keen awareness of the potential pitfalls of long-running shows. By evolving its character dynamics and avoiding repetitive storylines, “Slow Horses” keeps the narrative fresh and engaging. The decline of David Cartwright, for example, is a bold storytelling choice that adds a new layer of complexity to River’s character, pushing him into uncharted emotional territory. Similarly, the shifting power dynamics within MI5 ensure that the show remains unpredictable, with each episode offering new surprises and challenges for the characters to overcome.
The Road Ahead: What to Expect in Season Four
As “Slow Horses” moves deeper into its fourth season, the stakes continue to rise. The show’s willingness to take risks with its characters and storylines ensures that no one is safe and that every episode is filled with tension and suspense. Viewers can expect more heartbreak, more intrigue, and more of the dark humor that has become a hallmark of the series.
The season’s central mystery—the connection between the London terror attack and Slough House—promises to be a thrilling ride, with twists and turns that will keep audiences guessing until the very end. As Jackson Lamb and his team navigate this dangerous terrain, they will be forced to confront their own demons, both personal and professional, in a story that explores the true cost of loyalty, betrayal, and survival in the shadowy world of espionage.
“Slow Horses” season four is shaping up to be the series’ most compelling chapter yet. With its expertly crafted blend of new and familiar characters, high-stakes drama, and emotional depth, the show continues to set the standard for espionage thrillers. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, this season offers a gripping and unforgettable experience that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next episode.
