Slow Horses (Season 4) series continues to charm and fascinate us with thrilling spy tales about British MI5 agents. Fantastic Gary Oldman plays weird Jackson Lamb with aplomb.
It is worth repeating that “Slow Horses” is the regular debut of Gary Oldman for an OTT series. Also, please note that in each of the three seasons, we are treated to a fresh set of MI5 spy tales. In case, you have not seen the first three seasons of this Apple TV+ series, then check out the articles and reviews of the same.
Slow Horses (Season 1 & Season 2) Series | Focus Magazine
Slow Horses (Season 3) Series | Focus Magazine
“Slow Horses (Season 4)” Continues To Gallop Hard, With Its Total Package Of Engrossing Brainy & Brawny Spy Tales
Spoiler Free Review: Slow Horses (Season 4/UK) Series
The trailer
The synopsis
The Slow Horses series narrative focuses on a team of British intelligence agents who have been assigned to a department within MI5, often regarded as a repository for those whose careers have been marred by critical mistakes. Thus Slow House (or Slough House) is a place for intelligence service members who have made critical mistakes while working as British spies. These individuals are seen as the service’s less fortunate. Furthermore, this dysfunctional cadre of MI5 agents, under the command of the infamous Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman), manoeuvres through the labyrinth of espionage to shield England from sinister threats.
Once again, the Writers have done a great job
This unorthodox spy series is based on the “Spook Street” novel by Mick Herron. No doubt, the source material is very good. Moreover, the writers, namely, Will Smith, Mark Denton, Jonny Stockwood, Morwenna Banks and Mick Herron, have done a great job. Even in this tense and mysterious spy thriller, their dark (British) humour kept us hooked.
Led by Gary Oldman’s character irascible Jackson Lamb, almost each of the spy characters brings something unique to this entertaining show. In season 4, perhaps for the first time, the story takes a closer look at the personal (family) life of a spy family. Additionally, one of the heart-breaking aspects of this spy tale is that we continue to lose spy(s) in each season. So, this latest series is no different.
Gary Oldman leads a talented bunch of ensemble cast, once more
In this season, besides the boss-man Gary Oldman (Jackson Lamb), we get to see more of Jack Lowden (River Cartwright) and Jonathan Pryce (David Cartwright), as the story delves into the Cartwright family secrets. These have been superbly supported by Kristin Scott Thomas (Diana Taverner), Rosalind Eleazar (Louisa Guy), Saskia Reeves (Catherine Standish), Christopher Chung (Roddy Ho), Aimee-Ffion Edwards (Shirley Dander), Kadiff Kirwan (Marcus Longridge), and others. Almost all of them made their presence felt in their respective roles. The series director Adam Randall has given another intriguing spy tale.
Key details
| Genre | Drama, Mystery, Spy, & Thriller |
| Original language | English (UK) |
| Season | Season Four (S4) |
| Episodes | Episodes Six (6) |
| Writers | Will Smith, Mick Herron, Jonny Stockwood, Mark Denton, & Morwenna Banks |
| Director | Adam Randall |
| Cast | Gary Oldman (Jackson Lamb), Jack Lowden (River Cartwright), Kristin Scott Thomas (Diana Taverner), Rosalind Eleazar (Louisa Guy), Saskia Reeves (Catherine Standish), Christopher Chung (Roddy Ho), Aimee-Ffion Edwards (Shirley Dander), Kadiff Kirwan (Marcus Longridge), Jonathan Pryce (David Cartwright), Hugo Weaving (Frank Harkness), Ruth Bradley (Emma Flyte), Joanna Scanlan (Moira Tregorian), Naomi Wirthner (Molly Doran), etc. |
| Network | Apple TV+ |
The poster
Spoilers alert – Episodes (official) Summary
Summary of six episodes of season 4 of the MI5 operative series
Identity Theft (S4, E1)
A London bombing puts Taverner under pressure. When River grows concerned for his grandfather, Louisa encourages him to go for a visit.
A Stranger Comes to Town (S4, E2)
A naive agent discovers the Westacres bomber. Lamb suspects that David knows more than he’s letting on.
Penny for Your Thoughts (S4, E3)
River is trapped in France; at Slough House, the Dogs have come for Lamb.
Returns (S4, E4)
Taverner is desperate to hide dangerous secrets. River seeks answers at his grandfather’s house.
Grave Danger (S4, E5)
Lamb questions David about France as River comes face to face with the enemy.
Hello Goodbye (S4, E6)
Impossible decisions are faced and sacrifices are made.
The rating
| FM Rating | 4.25/5 |
The conclusion
It is heartening to note that in its fourth season, the Slow Horses is anything but slow. It continues to gallop hard, with its total package of engrossing brainy and brawny spy tales.
Featured Image – Gary Oldman (Jackson Lamb) and Kristin Scott Thomas (Diana Taverner)
Poster, Featured & Other Images of Slow Horses (Season 4/UK) | Pictures Credit: Apple TV+