Slow Horses (S3): An Amazing Spy Drama?

Slow Horses (Season 3/2023) spies fight for survival in the latest season of this British espionage drama. These MI5 spies are not only battling the enemies who are inside MI5 but also those who are outside. Notably, the new season of this spy series is based on the Real Tigers book (Slough House #3) by Mick Herron.

As, once again, for the third time, we follow this British spy drama with a dark comedic touch. And, no doubt, with each of its seasons, this British intelligence drama is getting edgier and a tense and thrilling spy drama to watch.

Before we get ahead with the review of this UK MI5 spy series, check the link shared below.

Once Again, The Discarded MI5 Slow Horses (Spies) Fight For Survival, But Can They?

Series Review [Spoiler-Free]: “Slow Horses” (Season 3, UK, 2023)

The synopsis

It is a darkly funny espionage drama that follows a team of British intelligence agents who serve in a dumping ground department of MI5 due to their career-ending mistakes. In season three, a romantic liaison in Istanbul threatens to expose a buried MI5 secret in London. When Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman) and his team of misfits are dragged into the fight, they find themselves caught in a conspiracy that threatens the future not just of Slough House but of MI5 itself.

About the slow spies

So far, we have seen this dysfunctional team of MI5 agents called Slow Horses stationed at the Slough House do well enough to win our hearts and support. These (spies) rejects are led by their obnoxious boss, the notorious Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman), who is deadly with his acidic (one-liner) tongue. Even then, despite all kinds of shortcomings, these (spies) misfits continue to navigate the espionage world’s smoke and mirrors to defend England as well as themselves from the deadly conspiracies.

Basic storyline of the 3rd season

So, the story of the third season goes like this. These disgraced MI5 operatives are reassigned to spend the rest of their spy careers pushing paper at Slough House in London. But when one of these “slow horses” is kidnapped by a former soldier bent on revenge, the agents must act soon to save their colleague. However, the kidnapping is only the tip of the iceberg, as the game of cat and mouse is set afloat. These slow horses fight back to survive, but do they win? Well, let us not forget that they are led by legendary Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman), the old spymaster.

A strong & intelligent script

We learnt that it is the television series regular debut of the veteran actor Gary Oldman. And no doubt, Gary (as Jackson Lamb) is at his best playing the role of leader of the washed-up spies.

He plays the role of Lamb, who has a filthy, hygienic lifestyle, acerbic style of conversation, no-nonsense mannerisms and the brilliant mind of an old spy with aplomb. Thus, Gary leads the ensemble cast of well-etched characters played by a bunch of good actors.

We also liked the performances of Kristin Scott Thomas (Diana Taverner), Jack Lowden (River Cartwright), Saskia Reeves (Catherine Standish), Rosalind Eleazar (Louisa Guy), Christopher Chung (Roddy Ho), Sophie Okonedo (Ingrid Tearney), Aimee-Ffion Edwards (Shirley Dander), Kadiff Kirwan (Marcus Longridge), Sope Dirisu (Sean Donovan), Katherine Waterston (Alison Dunn), etc. Besides, the Lamb, most of the characters (especially the slow horses’ spies) are very well-written. They have their flaws, yet they can charm you with their funny and eccentric acts.

We know that this show is based on the CWA Gold Dagger Award-winning British espionage series called the Slough House book series.

So, they already have good content for the series. Still, we must praise its writers and directors. They have done very well to adapt these books to churn out strong and intelligent scripts for the screen.

The conclusion

In this age of speed, we liked the fact that this spy show has only six episodes in each season. Therefore, it is easy to consume in one sitting. Or should we admit that we watched its third season on a binge recently? To be honest, we thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns, the ups and downs, in this rollercoaster ride in this espionage show. We loved the comedic touch to this spy thriller, where the group of so-called losers become the ultimate winners. We are cheering for these slow horses, any day, in fact, any time. And, of course, this British spy drama is cool, riveting, thrilling and great.

Rating

Poster

Key Details

Trailer

Check out the YouTube short video link - Know when the meeting is over | Slow Horses (S3) | Apple TV+.

Spoilers Alert: Upcoming 4th Season

A bomb goes off in the middle of a busy shopping center and kills forty innocent civilians. The agents of Slough House have to figure out who is behind this act of terror before the situation escalates.

Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman): I am going back to bed.

A female (most likely an MI5 agent): Would you also consider a shower?

Jackson Lamb: Oh, well, that's a tempting offer, but I don't think that's appropriate right now. I mean, apart from anything else, one of my team just died.

 Lastly, read our FM Series Review of the first and second seasons of Slow Horses in our Focus Magazine. 

Featured Image and Poster of the Slow Horses (S3/2023) Series | Pics. Credit: Apple TV+.