I still can quite tell you what didn’t jive with me about the first season of Slow Horses, but four seasons later and I know I will be really sad whenever this show ends. But there is a sixth season slated for later this year, so I don’t have to worry about it yet!
I do like how each season of this show can pretty much be its own self-contained thing. Yes, you might want to know a little more about these agents if you picked up somewhere in the middle, but the central conflict each season starts and ends within itself, which I really like. It probably helps that they have several books to source plot points from. In any case, last season saw River meet his biological assassin father, who manages to get out of custody because MI5 has hired him as a mercenary countless times in the past. And on top of that, River puts his grandfather in a care home by the end of the season. It’s clear he’s distressed, but he’s also trying to use these decisions as a way to get out of Slough House. His goal since we first met him.
Slightly more tragically is Shirley, who witnessed the killing of Marcus and is still being haunted by it in present day. As sad as it is to say, I think it’s making her a better agent. She’s stopped doing cocaine and her paranoia has her religiously watching the backs of her teammates. And that includes Roddy Ho, who almost gets mowed over by a van in the opening minutes of the series. He seems unconcerned, but the details Shirley picked up seem to pique Lamb’s interest, who quietly starts setting some steps into motion. Of course, as Slough House typically operates, it’s under the noses of MI5 and the wholly incompetant First Desk. This guy is a total clown. One who seems to have himself mixed up in a slew of scandals, including some leaning a little political.
But politics is the name of the game this season, and it’s still crazy to me how this season seems to parallel with the crap going on here. I know Englad also has their fair share of crap, but it’s almost uncanny. A Lybian group is out for revenge and is using MI5’s old tactics to make it happen. Only they are doing it better. It’s deadly and scary, and it seems like at least the main house is maybe more than one step behind. Luckily, Lamb, in his wealth of experience, is about half a step ahead once he learns just enough information. Despite the set backs his team cause, as well as some serious damage, Lamb does begrudgingly have their backs. Each episode was really exciting, and I don’t want to spoil how everything came together, so you’re just going to have to watch to enjoy if for yourself!
I thought it was interesting that Louisa was barely in the first episode and then totally absent for the rest of the season on a “mental break” that might end up being a permanent one. The fact that River tried to kiss her though leads me to believe we likely haven’t seen the last of her yet. Who really impressed me this season were Shirley and Coe. The former for doing almost a complete 180 from last season, and Coe for being the perfect comedic relief in this series. Don’t get it twisted. Gary Oldman as Lamb is and always will be sublime, but I was glad to see more from the others. Please start watching this show if you haven’t done so already!