עונה
פרק
שרת הנגן
Slow Horses

Slow Horses

20228
דרמהקומדיהפשע
יצא לאור
01 באפר׳ 2022
מדינה
בריטניה
הפקות
See-Saw FilmsFlying Studio PicturesSony Pictures Television
עקבו אחר צוות סוכני MI5 דיספונקציונלי — והבוס המטריד שלהם, הג'קסון לם המפורסם — כשהם נווטים בעולם הסתרה מעופף ומראות כדי להגן על אנגליה מכוחות הרשע.

About

Quick guide

A group of MI5 misfits work in the slums of espionage. A tough boss, a bungling trainee and a relentless bureaucracy drive the action.

Slow Horses follows a ragtag team of MI5 agents consigned to the “Slough House” after career‑shattering mistakes. Under the abrasive leadership of Jackson Lamb, they are tasked with routine surveillance and paperwork—until a high‑stakes case forces them to confront political conspiracies and personal betrayals that threaten Britain’s security. The series blends sharp dialogue, dry humor and tense intrigue, delivering a darker, more cynical look at spy work without sacrificing its humanity.

What to know

  • Each series adapts a book from Mick Herron’s Slough House novels.
  • Episodes run 40–53 minutes.
  • The main cast features Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, Kristin Scott Thomas, Jonathan Pryce and Hugo Weaving.
  • Jackson Lamb is known for his abrasive, cynical management style.
  • River Cartwright is a disgraced trainee thrust into the house’s chaotic environment.
  • The show balances sharp wit with tense, crime‑driven plots.
  • Political intrigue and internal MI5 politics drive many story arcs.
  • The series employs a realistic, dialogue‑heavy approach to espionage.

Watch if

If you enjoy smart, dark spy dramas with a mix of humor and political commentary, Slow Horses will keep you engaged with its complex characters and unpredictable twists.

Skip if

If you prefer light‑hearted or purely action‑packed thrillers, you might find Slow Horses’ slow‑burn pacing and cynical tone too slow and bleak.

dark tonedialogue heavyinvestigation heavymature themespolitical themespsychological elementssuspensefullanguage somelanguage strongcrime violence
Premise and Setting
Slow Horses centers on the Slough House, a dumping ground for MI5 agents who have failed missions but not been dismissed. They perform tedious surveillance and administrative work under the watchful eye of Jackson Lamb, a former operative turned abrasive head. When a high‑stakes case surfaces, the team is forced to step out of their comfort zone to protect Britain.
Main Characters
Gary Oldman stars as the curmudgeon Lamb, while Jack Lowden plays River Cartwright, a promising agent turned misfit. Kristin Scott Thomas, Jonathan Pryce, and Hugo Weaving round out the ensemble, each bringing their own quirks to the house’s dynamic.
Tone and Style
The series blends dry wit with gritty realism. Dialogue drives much of the pacing, while a cynical, dark tone underpins the narrative, offering a counterpoint to typical action‑heavy spy shows.
Political Underpinnings
Behind the espionage lies a web of internal MI5 politics and national security threats. The team often clashes with higher-ups and must navigate a complex political landscape to uncover truths.
Thematic Depth
Themes of redemption, failure, and institutional incompetence recur as characters confront past mistakes and present challenges, highlighting the psychological toll of covert operations.
Audience Takeaway
Viewers are treated to a smart, dialogue‑rich spy drama that rewards patience and attention to detail, delivering unexpected twists within a grounded narrative framework.
Episode Structure
Each episode ranges from 40 to 53 minutes, allowing for deep exploration of plot threads and character arcs while maintaining a brisk, engaging pace.

FAQ

51 Q&A
What is the job of the Slow Horses?
The Slow Horses are disgraced MI5 agents who are sent to Slough House, a dead-end department. They are given menial tasks and are expected to fail, but sometimes they stumble upon important cases and prove their worth.
Who is the villain in the first season?
The main villain in the first season is Hassan Ahmed, a young man who kidnaps children. He is part of a larger plot involving a right-wing extremist group.
Who is Sid Baker?
Sid Baker is a seemingly competent MI5 agent who is revealed to be working with a rogue group. She is a skilled operative but is caught up in a dangerous conspiracy.
How does the first season end?
The first season ends with the Slow Horses preventing a terrorist attack and exposing a conspiracy within MI5. River Cartwright manages to redeem himself somewhat by saving the day.
What is the ending of season two?
In season two, the Slow Horses stop a Russian sleeper agent from launching a devastating attack. They also deal with the fallout from a past operation and uncover secrets within their own agency.
What happens to Catherine Standish in season two?
Catherine Standish is targeted by a Russian agent in season two due to her past involvement in a mission. She faces danger but ultimately survives with the help of the other Slow Horses.
Who is Jackson Lamb?
Jackson Lamb is the brilliant but curmudgeonly boss of Slough House. He is a veteran intelligence officer who has seen it all and is known for his unconventional methods and sharp wit.
What is River Cartwright's goal?
River Cartwright's goal is to get back into Regent's Park, MI5's main headquarters. He made a mistake that got him sent to Slough House and wants to prove he is still a capable agent.
What is the secret Lamb is hiding?
Jackson Lamb is hiding a secret about a past mission that went wrong, which led to the death of a colleague. This secret haunts him and influences his actions.
Who is Catherine Standish?
Catherine Standish is a recovering alcoholic and one of the agents working at Slough House. She has a complicated past with Jackson Lamb and MI5.
Does River get back into Regent's Park?
River Cartwright does not get back into Regent's Park by the end of the first season, but he earns a measure of respect and a chance to continue working on important cases.
Who are the main characters in Slow Horses?
The main characters include Jackson Lamb, River Cartwright, Catherine Standish, Louisa Guy, Roddy Ho, and Shirley Dander. They are all agents at Slough House.
What is the name of the agency that employs the Slow Horses?
The agency that employs the Slow Horses is MI5, the British Security Service. The Slow Horses are sent to Slough House after messing up at MI5 headquarters.
Who are the new characters in season two?
New characters in season two include various Russian agents and figures connected to their plot, as well as potentially new superiors or adversaries within MI5.
What is the first mission the Slow Horses are given?
The first mission the Slow Horses are given involves investigating a kidnapping plot that turns out to be a much larger terrorist threat.
What happens to Sid Baker?
Sid Baker is killed in the first season, seemingly as a result of her involvement in the conspiracy. Her death is a shock to many.
What is the main conflict in season two?
The main conflict in season two revolves around preventing a Russian assassination plot and dealing with the internal politics and secrets of MI5.
Who is MI5's chief?
The chief of MI5 in the series is Diana Taverner, who often clashes with Jackson Lamb but sometimes needs his help.
What is Roddy Ho's role?
Roddy Ho is the IT specialist at Slough House. He is arrogant, skilled with technology, and often provides comic relief.
What is Marcus Lloyd like?
Marcus Lloyd is a seemingly quiet and unassuming agent at Slough House. He is often underestimated but proves to be capable when needed.
Who is Shirley Dander?
Shirley Dander is a feisty and often ill-tempered agent at Slough House. She is a loyal member of the team despite her gruff exterior.
What is the focus of season three?
Season three focuses on a kidnapping that pulls the Slow Horses into a dangerous conspiracy involving a former agent and powerful figures within the intelligence world.
What is the significance of the Russian agents?
The Russian agents in season two represent a credible national security threat, as they are involved in a plot to destabilize the UK through a dangerous attack.
What is Louisa Guy's background?
Louisa Guy is an agent at Slough House who previously worked at Regent's Park. She is haunted by a past operation that resulted in the death of her partner.
What is Slough House?
Slough House is a dilapidated office building where disgraced MI5 agents, known as "Slow Horses," are sent to do menial work as punishment. It is considered a dumping ground for failed agents.
How does Lamb rescue the hostage?
Lamb orchestrates a daring rescue by creating a diversion and then confronting the kidnappers directly, using a combination of cunning and brute force to save the hostage.
Is the show based on a book series?
Yes, the TV series 'Slow Horses' is based on a series of spy novels by Mick Herron.
What is expected in season four?
Season four is expected to continue the adventures of the Slow Horses as they tackle new espionage missions and face further personal and professional challenges, likely adapting another novel from the series.
Who is the rogue agent in season three?
The rogue agent in season three is believed to be a former member of the intelligence service who is manipulating events from the shadows for their own gain.
How does Jackson Lamb manage his team?
Jackson Lamb manages his team with a gruff, unconventional, and often demanding style, pushing them to their limits while relying on their unique, albeit flawed, skills.
How many seasons are planned?
While not officially confirmed with a specific number, the series is based on a multi-book series, suggesting potential for many seasons to adapt the ongoing story.
What are the character arcs for the Slow Horses?
The Slow Horses, a group of disgraced MI5 agents, have arcs focused on redemption, proving their worth, and navigating the complex and dangerous world of espionage while dealing with their personal demons.
Are there any romantic relationships in the show?
While the focus is on espionage and tension, there are subtle hints and developing dynamics that suggest potential or complicated romantic relationships between some characters.
What are the actors' real names?
Key actors include Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb, Jack Lowden as River Cartwright, Kristin Scott Thomas as Diana Taverner, Saskia Reeves as Catherine Standish, and Rosalind Eleazar as Louisa Guy.
What is the kidnapping plot about?
The kidnapping plot in season three involves the abduction of one of the agents, triggering a dangerous chain of events that forces the Slough House team to go rogue to save their colleague.
What is the ending of season three?
The ending of season three sees the immediate crisis resolved but leaves several characters in precarious positions, hinting at future conflicts and unresolved issues for the team.
What is the filming process like?
The filming process often takes place in and around London, utilizing various real-world locations to enhance the gritty and realistic atmosphere of the espionage world.
What are the main challenges faced by MI5?
MI5 faces challenges including internal politics, complex espionage threats, managing difficult agents, and maintaining secrecy while dealing with high-stakes operations.
Has the show won any awards?
Slow Horses has received critical acclaim and has been nominated for and won several awards, including BAFTA TV Awards for its performances and writing.
What happens to Louisa in season three?
In season three, Louisa is deeply affected by past events and finds herself entangled in the unfolding kidnapping plot, facing dangerous situations and difficult choices.
What is the fate of the rogue agent?
The fate of the rogue agent is often complex, with their actions leading to significant consequences, and their ultimate outcome depending on their motives and the team's intervention.
What is the critical reception of Slow Horses?
Slow Horses has received widespread critical acclaim for its sharp writing, dark humor, compelling characters, and strong performances, particularly from Gary Oldman.
What kind of humor does Slow Horses have?
The show features a distinctive dark and satirical humor, often stemming from the bleak situations, the characters' cynicism, and Lamb's caustic wit.
What are the main themes of the show?
Main themes include redemption, the consequences of failure, loyalty, the absurdity of bureaucracy, and the blurred lines between right and wrong in the world of espionage.
What are the biggest surprises in the series so far?
Surprises often involve unexpected betrayals, shocking plot twists that reframe character motives, and sudden escalations of danger for the Slough House agents.
Where is the show filmed?
The show is primarily filmed in London, with many scenes shot in various iconic and less glamorous locations around the city to depict the gritty reality of MI5 operations.
What is the budget for the show?
Specific budget details are not publicly disclosed, but as a high-profile Apple TV+ and BBC co-production, it is understood to have a significant budget allowing for quality production values.
Who are the executive producers?
Executive producers for Slow Horses include Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta, Ijeoma Nnodim, Douglas Rae, Oliver Rance, and Mick Herron, alongside Gary Oldman.
Who wrote the Slow Horses books?
The Slow Horses books were written by British author Mick Herron.
How faithful is the show to the books?
The show is generally considered to be a faithful adaptation of the books, capturing the tone, characters, and core plotlines while making necessary adjustments for the television format.
What is the future for Slough House?
Slough House is a place where spies who have made big mistakes are sent to do boring work. Despite this, the agents there often end up solving important cases. The show has been renewed for a sixth season, and it is expected that Slough House will continue to be recognized for its agents' skills, potentially changing how MI5 sees them.

שחקנים

Gary Oldman
Gary Oldman
Jackson Lamb
Jack Lowden
Jack Lowden
River Cartwright
Kristin Scott Thomas
Kristin Scott Thomas
Diana Taverner
Saskia Reeves
Saskia Reeves
Catherine Standish
Christopher Chung
Christopher Chung
Roddy Ho
Aimee-Ffion Edwards
Aimee-Ffion Edwards
Shirley Dander