slow horses season 5

Slow Horses Season 5: Is the Pace Sustainable for Our Favourite Misfit Spies?

The fifth season of Slow Horses, the acclaimed spy drama featuring Gary Oldman as the slovenly but brilliant Jackson Lamb, has arrived, prompting both excitement and critical scrutiny. With a strong buzz around its return – indicated by a traffic volume of 1000 – the question on everyone’s mind is whether the show can maintain its momentum. Let's delve into what the critics are saying, how you can watch it in Australia, and what to expect from the latest instalment.

Slow Horses Returns: What's the Fuss About?

Slow Horses, based on the Mick Herron novels, follows a group of MI5 rejects relegated to Slough House, a dumping ground for agents who’ve messed up. Led by the irascible Jackson Lamb, they find themselves constantly embroiled in dangerous and complex situations, often cleaning up the messes of their more esteemed colleagues at Regent's Park. The show has garnered a loyal following for its sharp writing, compelling characters, and thrilling plotlines.

The initial buzz surrounding season 5 suggests viewers are eager to see what new challenges await the "slow horses." However, early reviews are proving to be somewhat divisive.

Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag

While some critics are praising the new season, others are less enthusiastic. Here's a snapshot of what the major publications are saying:

• AFR (Australian Financial Review): Declares that viewers will be "hooked by the return of slovenly spymaster Jackson Lamb," suggesting the show retains its captivating qualities.

• The Age: Poses the central question: "Slow Horses is back for a fifth season. But can it maintain the pace?" This hints at concerns about the show's ability to keep the quality high after several seasons.

• The Guardian: Offers a more scathing assessment, with its review title stating: "Slow Horses season five review – not even Gary Oldman can salvage this TV mess." This suggests a significant drop in quality, at least in the opinion of this particular critic.

This divergence in opinion highlights the challenge facing long-running series: maintaining consistency and freshness while staying true to the elements that made them successful in the first place. Whether Slow Horses season 5 manages to strike that balance remains to be seen, but the contrasting reviews suggest a potentially uneven season.

How to Watch Slow Horses Season 5 in Australia

For Australian viewers eager to catch the new season, Slow Horses is available exclusively on Apple TV+. Season 5 premiered on September 24, 2025, with new episodes dropping weekly.

• Premiere Date: September 24, 2025
• Streaming Platform: Apple TV+
• Episode Release: Weekly, every Wednesday (Australian time zones may vary slightly)
• Time: New episodes are typically released around 5:01 PM AEST

Seasons 1-4 are also available on Apple TV+, so if you're new to the show, you have plenty of time to catch up before diving into the latest season.

What to Expect from Season 5: Plot and Potential Developments

While specific plot details are being kept under wraps, we can glean some information from available sources and the show's established themes. Based on early information, season 5 dives into a politically charged plot involving a mass shooting.

Here are some potential storylines and questions that season 5 might explore:

• Political Intrigue: Given the mention of "political undertones" in the season's synopsis, expect a storyline that delves into the murky world of government conspiracies and hidden agendas.
• Character Development: The show is known for its well-developed characters, so season 5 will likely continue to explore their individual struggles and relationships. Expect to see more of River Cartwright's growth as an agent, and the continued evolution of Jackson Lamb's complex personality.
• High Stakes Missions: As always, the slow horses will likely find themselves in dangerous situations, forced to use their unconventional skills to outsmart their enemies.
• Unanswered Questions: As with any good spy thriller, Slow Horses often leaves viewers with lingering questions. Season 5 will likely introduce new mysteries while hopefully resolving some of the old ones. What exactly are Jackson Lamb's long-term goals? How will the events at Slough House affect the larger world of MI5?

The Enduring Appeal of Slow Horses: Why We Keep Coming Back

Despite the mixed reviews for season 5, Slow Horses has clearly struck a chord with audiences. What is it about this show that keeps viewers hooked?

• Compelling Characters: The characters are flawed, relatable, and often darkly humorous. Jackson Lamb, in particular, is a standout, a brilliant but deeply unpleasant spymaster who defies expectations.
• Intelligent Writing: The show's scripts are sharp, witty, and full of clever twists and turns. The dialogue is often laugh-out-loud funny, even in the midst of intense situations.
• Realistic Portrayal of Espionage: Unlike many glamorous spy thrillers, Slow Horses offers a more grounded and realistic portrayal of the world of espionage. The agents are often bored, frustrated, and dealing with bureaucratic red tape.
• British Humour: The show's dry, sardonic humour is a key part of its appeal, particularly for audiences who appreciate British wit.

The Future Outlook: Can Slow Horses Maintain its Edge?

The success of Slow Horses season 5 will depend on whether it can recapture the magic of the earlier seasons while also offering something new and exciting. The mixed reviews suggest that the show may be facing some challenges, but the strong performances of the cast and the quality of the writing remain significant strengths.

Here are some potential factors that could influence the show's future:

• Maintaining Originality: As with any long-running series, Slow Horses needs to find ways to keep the storylines fresh and engaging without straying too far from its core identity.
• Character Development: Continuing to develop the characters and explore their relationships will be crucial to keeping viewers invested.
• Adapting to Changing Tastes: The television landscape is constantly evolving, so Slow Horses needs to adapt to changing audience expectations while staying true to its unique style.
• Critical Reception: While not the only factor, critical reception can play a significant role in a show's success. Positive reviews can generate buzz and attract new viewers, while negative reviews can have the opposite effect.

Ultimately, the fate of Slow Horses rests in the hands of the writers, producers, and, of course, the viewers. Whether the show can maintain its pace and continue to deliver compelling stories remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: with its sharp writing, talented cast, and unique blend of humour and suspense, Slow Horses has earned its place as one of the most intriguing spy dramas on television.

So, grab your Apple TV+ subscription, settle in, and decide for yourself whether Slow Horses season 5 lives up to the hype. Just be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride. And remember, as Jackson Lamb himself might say, "Don't expect too much, and you won't be disappointed."