Film & TV

Slow Horses Season 3 Review

Season 3 of Slow Horses ramps up the tension as Jackson Lamb and his team of MI5 misfits face their deadliest challenges yet. Packed with sharp dialogue, dark humour, and gripping espionage, this season is a must-watch for fans of the series.

Written by George Patient
Updated: October 5, 2024

Slow Horses Season 3 raises the stakes as Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman) and his team of MI5 outcasts are thrust into their most perilous mission yet. The season explores deeper internal conflicts, power struggles within MI5, and Lamb’s leadership being tested in ways we haven’t seen before. As the team faces new adversaries and a mounting conspiracy, secrets from the past resurface, forcing the Slow Horses to confront their own vulnerabilities. With sharp dialogue, tense action, and a gripping storyline, Slow Horses Season 3 is a thrilling continuation of the series that keeps audience wanting more.

Overview

Outstanding

9.0 out of 10

9.0

👍 Good Stuff

+ Brilliant continuation of tense, character-driven plotlines.
+ Gary Oldman continues to shine as Jackson Lamb.
+ Increased stakes with intricate espionage twists.

👎 Bad Stuff

– Some plotlines feel a bit overcomplicated.
– Moments of slow pacing, especially in mid-season episodes.

Summary

Slow Horses Season 3 continues to impress with its sharp writing, complex characters, and thrilling espionage plots. With Gary Oldman leading a stellar cast, this season raises the stakes, delivering high-intensity drama and intrigue that will keep audiences hooked. The experience is top-tier for fans of the genre.

Episode-by-Episode Breakdown and Review

Episode 1: “Strange Games”

Lamb hits the panic button when one of his Slow Horses fails to show up for work.

Season 3 opens with the team scrambling to find a missing operative, and the episode is packed with tension and suspicion. The stakes are immediately high as Jackson Lamb has to balance his usual cynical demeanor with growing concern. The disappearance forces the Slow Horses to question how deep they’ve been pulled into a new web of conspiracies.

Key Moment

Jackson Lamb’s initial meeting where he realizes the stakes have risen after one of his team members goes dark.

Highlights

+ Jackson Lamb’s sardonic, tense exchanges with his team.
+ The eerie atmosphere created as the search for the missing agent intensifies.

Rating:

8.5/10

Episode 2: “Hard Lessons”

River has to steal something out of the Park to save a life. Lamb realizes a stranger game is afoot.

The stakes are raised in Episode 2, as River is tasked with an impossible mission to save a life. He must break into MI5 and retrieve sensitive information while avoiding detection. Meanwhile, Lamb is quick to suspect that there’s more to this mission than meets the eye. The episode balances tense action with further development of the larger mystery.

Key Moment

River’s daring theft inside MI5, showcasing his quick thinking under pressure.

Highlights

+ River’s tension-filled mission, balanced with subtle character development.
+ Lamb’s realization that there are bigger forces at play.

Rating:

8.6/10

Episode 3: “Negotiating with Tigers”

Marcus and Shirley face Lamb’s wrath. River discovers revenge is a dish best served cold.

Episode 3 Scene: Negotiating with Tigers

Tensions run high as Marcus and Shirley go up against Lamb’s increasingly unyielding leadership. Meanwhile, River uncovers information that could shift the balance of power within MI5, leading him to a dangerous conclusion about revenge.

Key Moment

River’s calculated confrontation with a key figure, setting the stage for an explosive twist.

Highlights

+ Marcus and Shirley’s fiery exchanges with Lamb, adding depth to their characters.
+ The unfolding of River’s strategic mind, proving he’s more than just a field agent.

Rating:

8.8/10

Episode 4: “Uninvited Guests”

Tearney makes a bold decision. Meanwhile, the Slow Horses assist the tiger team while Lamb and Ho go on a road trip.

The stakes rise when Tearney makes a bold and reckless move that puts the Slow Horses on a collision course with a dangerous new threat. Meanwhile, Lamb and Ho’s unlikely partnership grows as they embark on a journey that’s equal parts dangerous and absurd.

Key Moment

Tearney’s fateful decision that shifts the trajectory of the entire mission.

Highlights

+ The evolving relationship between Lamb and Ho, providing some comedic relief amid the tension.
+ Tearney’s increasingly reckless decision-making, pushing the story forward.

Rating:

8.6/10

Episode 5: “Cleaning Up”

Taverner and Tearney face off for control of MI5. River and Louisa find themselves caught in the crossfire.

The battle for control of MI5 comes to a head as Taverner and Tearney clash over who will seize the reins. River and Louisa, caught in the middle, must use all their wit and resourcefulness to survive as alliances are tested and enemies close in.

Key Moment

The face-off between Taverner and Tearney, a defining moment that reshapes MI5’s future.

Highlights

+ The tense buildup between Taverner and Tearney as they fight for control.
+ River and Louisa’s quick-thinking survival tactics during the chaos.

Rating:

8.7/10

Episode 6: “Footprints”

The Slow Horses fight for their lives. Lamb shares some devastating truths with Catherine.

The season finale delivers the action and emotional stakes viewers have been waiting for. The Slow Horses are forced into a life-or-death situation, while Jackson Lamb’s confession to Catherine adds layers of complexity to the characters.

Key Moment

Jackson Lamb’s confession to Catherine, altering the dynamics of the group.

Highlights

+ The high-stakes action sequences, bringing intense drama to the forefront.
+ Lamb’s emotionally charged revelation, reshaping the entire group’s future.

Rating:

8.9/10

Conclusion: Why Slow Horses Season 3 Is Worth Watching

Season 3 of Slow Horses elevates the stakes, seamlessly blending the series’ trademark dark humour, sharp dialogue, and emotionally charged performances. With Gary Oldman continuing to deliver a masterclass as Jackson Lamb, the show takes its characters deeper into the murky world of espionage, where betrayal, revenge, and survival are the only constants.

Each episode builds on the tension and intricate plotting established in the previous seasons, but Season 3 stands out for its focus on character growth. River’s personal journey becomes more prominent, and the tension between him and Lamb drives much of the narrative. Supporting characters like Shirley, Marcus, and Catherine also have their moments to shine, each playing critical roles in the team’s increasingly dangerous missions.

What makes Season 3 truly exceptional is how it maintains the delicate balance between intense spy drama and moments of levity. Lamb’s sarcastic wit and morally ambiguous leadership are perfectly juxtaposed against the very real dangers the Slow Horses face. The season also delivers a more emotionally nuanced exploration of the relationships between characters, adding depth to their backstories and motivations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes are in Slow Horses Season 3?

Slow Horses Season 3 consists of 6 episodes, following the same format as the previous seasons. Each episode continues the overarching plot, with the finale tying up most of the key storylines while leaving room for future developments.

Can I watch Slow Horses Season 3 without watching the first two seasons?

It’s recommended to watch the first two seasons before diving into Season 3, as the character development and ongoing storylines build on the previous seasons. While you may still enjoy the show without prior knowledge, you’ll miss out on important character dynamics and plot points that enhance the experience.

Is Slow Horses Season 3 based on a book?

Yes, Slow Horses is based on the Slough House book series by Mick Herron. Season 3 draws from the third book, Real Tigers, and continues to stay true to the gritty, character-driven espionage that fans of the novels love.