The latest season of Slow Horses, streaming on Apple TV+, has quickly garnered praise as possibly the best yet. Following the previous seasons of this espionage drama—based on the acclaimed novels by Mick Herron—the fourth installment has shifted the spotlight back onto classic themes of intrigue and betrayal, deepening character arcs and intertwining past and present narratives.
The season kicked off with episode one, titled "Identity Theft," which established the stakes by unraveling the personal struggles of the main character, River Cartwright, played by Jack Lowden. River finds himself caught between the immediate dangers posed by his family and his failing mental faculties. His focus on his grandfather, David Cartwright (Jonathan Pryce), who suffers from dementia, complicates his missions as the urgency of their situation drives him to make desperate decisions. The climax of the first episode leaves viewers questioning River's fate as he battles against overwhelming odds to support his grandfather against sinister forces.
Episode two, "A Stranger Comes to Town," picks up thrillingly right where the first left off. Here, River’s encounter with the aftermath of past choices quickly darkens, as he becomes embroiled in family secrets and undercover mafia-like enterprises tied to his grandfather's precarious situation. The tension is palpable when River discovers his grandfather has killed someone, driving him to cover up the incident against his instincts.
One of the noteworthy elements of this season is how it plunges deep not just within the espionage itself, but also the personal turmoil experienced by characters caught within it. There’s significant exploration of familial relationships, particularly between River and David. River is tasked with manipulating the crime scene, ensuring it appears he was the one slain and managing to convince his grandfather of this false narrative. This manipulation transcends mere deception; it’s portrayed as deeply emotional, illustrating River’s protective instincts over the only family member he has left.
Meanwhile, the character of Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman), head of the dysfunctional MI5 team, wields unpredictable authority with humor and disdain for protocol. Lamb, fiercely loyal yet often abrasive, embodies the quintessential characteristics of espionage figures within storytelling—where morally gray decisions must be made quickly. Oldman’s performance has been highlighted as not just entertaining, but also as pivotal to the show’s overall darkly comedic tone.
Oldman himself noted the enjoyment he derives from playing such direct and unapologetically flawed characters. He likened Lamb’s unapologetic nature to “weaponized” directness, which fuels the story's punchy dialogue and engaging plots. This leaves audiences eagerly anticipating how Lamb will evolve alongside River as the stakes escalate throughout the season.
Episode two elaborates on Lamb’s decreasing patience as he faces threats to national security. His interactions with other characters, such as Moira Tregorian, reveal his historical connections to MI5 and offer glimpses of the maze-like bureaucracy which often stymies effective action. With Moira having recently come to Slough House, the dynamic between experienced operatives and fresh-faced agents forms another layer of intrigue within the storytelling.
Another significant character is Diana Taverner (Kristin Scott Thomas). Taverner is shown as someone who submits to the pressure surrounding the investigation significantly, and she operates largely off the radar of normal procedures. Her manipulative decisions raise questions around the ethical boundaries present within her role and the overarching moral narrative of the Slow Horses universe.
Remarkably, this season also sees Taverner dealing with Robert Winters, whose dubious identity raises significant stakes within MI5. Giti Rahman (Kiran Sonia Sawar) unveils hints of honed tactical danger as she discovers Winters was likely created by MI5. Taverner’s reaction to this discovery is especially insightful, demonstrating her awareness of the deep-rooted corruption and potential fallout from such actions should they become public. The tension lies not just within the missions themselves but within the ramifications of personal connections as MI5 operatives grapple with secrecy overshadowing their actions.
Through River’s exploration of Lavande, France—where he believes the connections leading to the attempts on his grandfather’s life exist—the scenes play out like exhilarating detective work tinged with emotional turmoil. River stumbles upon the eerie house, Les Arbres, which becomes symbolic of not just old ghosts but also the hidden truths about his family legacy. Examining the items left behind, River begins to unravel secrets connected to his grandfather’s past, leading to revelations tying these events back to recent atrocities within England.
Critiques of the season herald it as seamlessly blending humor, despair, and sheer excitement. An articulated sense of urgency drives the pace, creating urgency as tensions mount throughout episodes. The performances by Oldman, Lowden, and the supporting cast have struck chords with both critics and viewers, contributing significantly to the show’s acclaim.
This fourth season has already set several records for streaming, including achieving a perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics from The Metro and Forbes have lauded the show for its engaging storytelling and complex characterization, solidifying Slow Horses as among the premier offerings of current television. Acknowledging the previous seasons' establishment, this season is viewed as the series' pinnacle, merging dark humor with suspenseful drama, accessible to both existing fans and newcomers alike.
What's next for River, Lamb, and the rest of the Slough House guardians? With the season's commitment to rich storytelling and deeply human conflicts intertwined with high-stakes espionage, audiences have plenty to look forward to as unresolved actions and intrigue keep the narrative twists and turns riveting.
For dedicated viewers, Slow Horses promises continual exploration of its complex narrative—combining structural espionage themes with rich character analysis and unexpected encounters. Each episode reveals not just action-packed dramas but emotional layers enriched by the sophisticated scripts and stellar performances. With newfound revelations and thrilling pursuits, it’s clear: season four reaffirms Slow Horses as one of the best shows streaming today.
