Gary Oldman’s Slow Horses Character Now Has The Power To Change The Show Forever

by

Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Slow Horses season 5, episode 5.

In season 5 of Slow Horses, Gary Oldman’s character, Jackson Lamb, finds himself with the ability to drastically alter the status quo. A key element of the show is its examination of how power operates within a very influential organization.

MI5 is a leading security service, both in the UK and internationally, but the show depicts it as plagued by internal conflicts and corruption. The organization, from its leaders down to individual teams, clearly needs significant reform, and Jackson Lamb is now in a position to deliver it.

MI5 Appears To Be Incredibly Disorganized In Slow Horses

When the show started in 2022, Diana Taverner was the Deputy Chief of MI5, known as Second Desk. She reported to Ingrid Tearney, the Chief, but Tearney prioritized public image over national security.

Taverner, like Tearney, seems overly concerned with appearances and often makes decisions to benefit herself. When Tearney resigned – a result of actions by Taverner and Lamb – Taverner anticipated she would be promoted.

I was so disappointed to see Tearney replaced by Claude Whelan. Honestly, it felt like a huge step backwards – Whelan seemed completely out of his depth when it came to running a security agency. He started with good intentions, promising honesty and openness, but that all changed quickly when secrets from his own past started to surface. It was clear he was more concerned with protecting himself than doing his job.

Jackson Lamb Now Has The Key To Expose MI5’s Leadership

Image via Apple TV+

Claude Whelan seems like a respectable family man, but he’s kept several past affairs secret. When a tabloid reporter, Dodie Gimball – whose husband is running for mayor – threatens to reveal them, he takes action to stop her.

Claude exploited his position at MI5 to obtain confidential details about Dodie and Dennis Gimball. He then visited their home and intimidated them, causing significant damage to their relationship and potentially ruining their personal and professional futures.

Dennis fortunately recorded the meeting, and after River Cartwright and J.K. Coe became unintentionally linked to his death, they found the recording, which contained proof of their interaction with Gimball around the time he died. Now, Jackson Lamb has the tape, as River gave it to him.

With Claude Whelan Out Of MI5, It Makes Sense For Diana Taverner To Step Up

If Lamb releases the recording publicly, it could cause serious problems for many people. But if he uses it strategically, as he usually does, he might be able to bring about significant reforms within MI5.

Lamb could use Whelan’s secrets to force the head of MI5 to step down, or to get his team at Slough House better treatment. If Whelan were to resign, Taverner might take his place, unless she’s passed over for a promotion again.

Diana Taverner might not be an ideal MI5 leader, but her good working relationship with Lamb – built on mutual respect and a desire to avoid conflict – could benefit Lamb and the team at Slough House. Whether this will actually happen is a key question as Slow Horses continues into season 5 and beyond.

Read More

2025-10-22 23:20