slow horses

Slow Horses Gallop Back Onto Screens: Is Season Five a Winner?

Gary Oldman returns as the perpetually dishevelled and brilliantly cynical Jackson Lamb in the fifth season of Slow Horses, the acclaimed spy thriller series. But is this season a triumph, or has the glue finally come unstuck? As the team of MI5 misfits at Slough House stumble their way through another murky case, critics are divided on whether the show can maintain its initial spark.

The Return of Jackson Lamb: A Slovenly Spymaster We Can't Get Enough Of

Based on Mick Herron's popular Slough House novels, Slow Horses follows a group of MI5 agents who have been relegated to the department for their career-ending mistakes. Overseen by the flatulent and seemingly incompetent Jackson Lamb, played with characteristic brilliance by Gary Oldman, they are tasked with handling the intelligence service's unwanted tasks. As reported by The Australian Financial Review (AFR), viewers will be hooked by the return of Jackson Lamb.

Season Five: High Stakes, Divided Opinions

The fifth season of Slow Horses premiered on Apple TV+ on September 24th, with new episodes dropping weekly. While some critics are hailing it as the best season since the first, others are less enthusiastic. The Age questions whether the show can maintain its pace, while The Guardian declares that not even Gary Oldman can salvage what they consider a "TV mess." This divergence of opinion has ignited a debate amongst fans: has Slow Horses jumped the shark, or is it still delivering top-tier espionage entertainment?

Recent Updates: What You Need to Know About Season Five

• Release Date: September 24, 2025, on Apple TV+
• Streaming Platform: Apple TV+ (subscription required)
• Starring: Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, Kristin Scott Thomas
• Episodes: New episodes released weekly

Contextual Background: From Page to Screen

Mick Herron's Slough House novels have garnered a dedicated following for their darkly humorous and intricately plotted espionage stories. The television adaptation, created by Will Smith (not that Will Smith), has brought the world of Slough House to a wider audience. The series distinguishes itself from typical spy thrillers with its focus on the failures and misfits of the intelligence world, offering a more grounded and realistic portrayal of espionage.

Slow Horses benefits from a stellar cast, including Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, and Kristin Scott Thomas, who bring depth and nuance to their roles. The show's success lies in its ability to blend suspenseful plotlines with sharp wit and compelling character development.

Immediate Effects: A Streaming Hit

Slow Horses has become a flagship series for Apple TV+, attracting viewers with its high production values, strong performances, and engaging storylines. The show's popularity has also boosted interest in Mick Herron's novels, further solidifying the franchise's success. With its mix of action, intrigue, and dark humour, Slow Horses appeals to a broad audience, making it a valuable asset for the streaming platform.

The Dark Humor of Intelligence Work

One of the defining characteristics of Slow Horses is its dark humour, which stems from the absurd realities of intelligence work. The show doesn't rely on traditional jokes, but rather on the black humour that arises from the characters' situations and their interactions. The incompetence and cynicism of Jackson Lamb, combined with the hapless nature of the Slow Horses, create a comedic tension that sets the show apart from more serious spy dramas.

Future Outlook: Can Slow Horses Maintain the Pace?

The future of Slow Horses beyond season five remains uncertain. While the show has a dedicated fanbase and a wealth of source material to draw from, the mixed reviews for the latest season raise questions about its long-term viability. Whether the series can continue to deliver compelling storylines and maintain its unique blend of humour and suspense will depend on the quality of future seasons.

Despite the mixed reviews, the enduring appeal of Gary Oldman's Jackson Lamb and the strong performances of the ensemble cast suggest that Slow Horses still has plenty to offer. As long as the show can stay true to its source material and maintain its sharp wit, it has the potential to remain a popular and critically acclaimed series. Only time will tell if Slow Horses can continue to outrun its critics and maintain its position as one of the best spy thrillers on television.

How to Watch Slow Horses in Australia

Slow Horses is available exclusively on Apple TV+. To watch the series, you'll need an Apple TV+ subscription. New episodes of season five are released weekly.

Is Season 5 the Best or Worst? Critics Can't Agree

The critical reception to Slow Horses season five is remarkably divided. Some critics are praising it as a return to form, highlighting its concise storytelling and focus on character development. Others are less impressed, arguing that the season is too silly or that the plot fails to deliver. This divergence of opinion suggests that season five may be more divisive than previous seasons, with some viewers loving its quirks and others finding them off-putting.

One positive review stated, "This is its best season since the first. It narrows its scope and reduces the action to its constituent parts again: the Slow Horses use their unorthodox ways to get deep into the shadows of London, making a terrible mess along the way. It has a winning conciseness that is pitifully rare in the streaming age." This suggests that some viewers appreciate the season's focus on character-driven storytelling and its willingness to embrace the messiness of intelligence work.

What to Expect From Season Five

Season five of Slow Horses promises more of the same darkly humorous and suspenseful espionage action that fans have come to expect. Expect to see Jackson Lamb and his team of misfits navigate a complex web of intrigue, facing danger and betrayal at every turn. The season is likely to explore the themes of redemption, loyalty, and the moral ambiguities of the intelligence world.

The Characters We Love (and Love to Hate)

• Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman): The slovenly and cynical head of Slough House, Lamb is a brilliant but deeply flawed character.
• River Cartwright (Jack Lowden): A disgraced MI5 agent seeking redemption, Cartwright is determined to prove himself despite his mistakes.
• Diana Taverner (Kristin Scott Thomas): The ambitious and ruthless Deputy Director-General of MI5, Taverner is a formidable force to be reckoned with.

The Importance of River Cartwright

Some critics argue that Slow Horses needs more River Cartwright, highlighting the character's importance to the show's dynamic. As a relatively grounded and idealistic agent, Cartwright provides a counterpoint to the cynicism and incompetence of the other characters. His determination to do the right thing, even in the face of adversity, makes him a compelling and relatable protagonist.

Slow Horses: More Than Just a Spy Thriller

Slow Horses is more than just a spy thriller; it's a character-driven drama that explores the complexities of human nature. The show's success lies in its ability to blend suspenseful plotlines with sharp wit and compelling character development. Whether season five lives up to the high expectations set by previous seasons remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Slow Horses is a unique and engaging series that deserves a place on every espionage fan's watchlist.

By focusing on the failures and misfits of the intelligence world, Slow Horses offers a fresh and original perspective on the genre. The show's darkly humorous tone and its willingness to embrace the absurdities of espionage make it a truly unique and entertaining experience. As long as it can maintain its sharp wit and compelling character development, Slow Horses has the potential to remain a popular and critically acclaimed series for years to come.