Film & TV

Slow Horses Season 1 Review

Slow Horses Season 1 is a sharp, witty, and suspense-filled dive into the world of British espionage. Join us as we review the season and break down each episode.

Written by George Patient
Updated: October 1, 2024

Slow Horses is far from your typical spy show. Adapted from Mick Herron’s acclaimed book series, this Apple TV+ drama follows a group of disgraced MI5 agents exiled to Slough House, a dreary outpost for misfits. Leading the charge is the legendary Gary Oldman, famously known for his portrayal of Sirius Black in Harry Potter, who takes on the role of the foul-mouthed Jackson Lamb. This season delivers sharp dialogue, an intriguing plot, and a refreshing mix of cynicism and dark humour.

Slow Horses Season 1 doesn’t just delve into cloak-and-dagger action—it explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and the bureaucratic mess behind intelligence work. It’s not just a spy thriller; it’s a character-driven drama that leaves a lasting impression.

Overview

Great

8.8 out of 10

8.8

👍 Good Stuff

+ Sharp dialogue and character-driven plot.
+ Gary Oldman’s stellar performance as Jackson Lamb.
+ Dark humour contrasts perfectly with tense moments.

👎 Bad Stuff

– Some episodes feel slow-paced.
– The complex plot might be tough for new viewers.

Summary

Slow Horses Season 1 offers an intriguing blend of character-driven drama, suspense, and dark humour. Despite some slow moments, it’s a must-watch for fans of espionage thrillers.

Episode-by-Episode Breakdown and Review

Episode 1: “Failure’s Contagious”

River Cartwright’s failure lands him in Slough House with Jackson Lamb and the team.

The pilot episode introduces us to River Cartwright, a promising MI5 agent who botches a training exercise and is exiled to Slough House, a dumping ground for MI5’s failures. Here, we meet Jackson Lamb and his motley crew. The episode sets the tone for the series—gritty, tense, and full of razor-sharp wit.

Key Moment

River’s botched mission and his first interaction with Jackson Lamb.

Highlights

+ The atmosphere of Slough House.
+ Oldman’s brilliant entrance as Jackson Lamb.

Rating:

8.5/10

Episode 2: “Work Drinks”

Tensions rise as a high-profile kidnapping brings the Slough House team closer to danger.

In this episode, the kidnapping plot thickens, and the Slough House team finds themselves involved in a conspiracy that is far bigger than anticipated. The team dynamics start to evolve, showing signs of grudging respect and camaraderie.

Key Moment

The tense exchange during the hostage negotiations.

Highlights

+ Increasing tension between characters.
+ The unfolding mystery behind the kidnapping.

Rating:

7.5/10

Episode 3: “Bad Tradecraft”

The tension between River and Lamb rises as they investigate a potential mole within MI5.

The internal friction in Slough House intensifies as River and Lamb suspect there may be a mole within MI5. The plot thickens as River begins to suspect everyone around him.

Key Moment

River’s growing suspicion of everyone in Slough House.

Highlights

+ The evolving mystery around the potential mole.
+ Building tension between River and Lamb.

Rating:

8.3/10

Episode 4: “Visiting Hours”

The kidnapping reaches a boiling point as the Slough House team faces their biggest challenge yet.

Episode 4 Scene: Kidnapping reaches a boiling point

The stakes are raised as the team grapples with a high-pressure situation, balancing between life and death. This episode brings intense emotions and the growing realization of just how out of their depth the team really is.

Key Moment

The team’s desperate move to outmaneuver their adversaries.

Highlights

+ The high-stakes showdown during the kidnapping plot.
+ The emotional depth in the character development.

Rating:

8.5/10

Episode 5: “Fiasco”

Slough House faces a series of catastrophic events as secrets unravel.

Episode 5 Scene: Catastrophic events at Slough House

As secrets within Slough House and MI5 begin to unravel, the team finds themselves at the center of a disaster. The pressure mounts as Jackson Lamb tries to keep his team from falling apart.

Key Moment

Jackson Lamb’s decision to confront MI5’s leadership head-on.

Highlights

+ The unraveling of Slough House’s darkest secrets.
+ Lamb’s confrontation with MI5’s leadership.

Rating:

9/10

Episode 6: “Follies”

As the season finale unfolds, the Slough House team faces their greatest challenge yet.

Episode 6 Scene: Slough House team in action

The final episode delivers on the tension built throughout the season, as the Slough House team is forced to put everything on the line. Secrets are revealed, alliances are tested, and the team must rise above their failures to achieve victory.

Key Moment

The final showdown where everything comes to a head.

Highlights

+ The emotional payoff of the season’s slow burn.
+ Stellar performances from the entire cast in a high-stakes finale.

Rating:

9.5/10

Conclusion: Why Slow Horses Season 1 Is Worth Watching

Slow Horses Season 1 is a masterclass in character-driven drama, with espionage as its backdrop. The balance of intrigue, dark humour, and gritty realism makes it stand out in a crowded field of spy shows. While it may be slow in parts, the overall payoff is worth it, especially if you enjoy character studies wrapped in suspenseful plots.

Slow Horses Season 1 isn’t just about intelligence and spy games—it’s about the flawed humans behind the operations. If you’re a fan of slower-paced, intelligent dramas with a touch of cynicism, this one’s for you.