Column: Viewers and Emmy voters are finally catching up: Everyone needs to see ‘Slow Horses’

As a long-time connoisseur of spy thrillers and office comedies, I must say that “Slow Horses” has been one of the most captivating experiences I’ve had in recent times. The characters are as complex as a Möbius strip, with their flaws and strengths intertwined in ways that make them incredibly relatable.

This past summer, the much-anticipated third season of “Slow Horses” garnered nine Emmy nominations it truly deserved, among them for outstanding drama series and lead actor in a drama series. My curiosity is piqued: Why did it take so long to recognize such top-notch performances?

Over the last two years, whenever someone asks me for a new show recommendation, I’ve consistently suggested “Slow Horses”. Now, I’m sharing this tip with you as the fourth season is about to debut on Apple TV+, starting this Wednesday.

In essence, it appears that the majority of my audience were unfamiliar with the show, suggesting potential issues with Apple’s marketing efforts, while also hinting at the evolving landscape of the art form itself. It wasn’t too long ago when a series featuring Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas, who previously played Winston and Clementine Churchill in the critically acclaimed “The Darkest Hour,” would have generated considerable buzz.

Currently, it’s common for television viewers in the U.S. to see actors who have won Oscars or Oliviers grace their screens. However, this is rarely seen in a series such as “Slow Horses.”

Due to the fact that no other show shares the unique blend of genres and wide appeal like “Slow Horses,” it’s hard to put into words its charm, which is both comedic and mysterious, romantic yet cynical. This show, based on Mick Herron’s novels, is quite extraordinary.

“I’d tell them to just give it a try,” I might say to those curious about my opinion. “Once you encounter Jackson Lamb, everything will fall into place. You won’t need much time.”

In a lively portrayal by Oldman, the character is an esteemed MI5 agent who, for unspecified reasons, has been exiled from the agency’s modern headquarters in the Park to a rundown, shabby office space located quite a distance away, known as Slough House.

1. Slough House is where MI5 assigns agents they’re unable to dismiss but secretly hope will resign instead; Lamb represents a chilling reminder of the fate that awaits those who persist, serving as an ominous warning for the rejects.

In a chaotic setting of unwashed socks, crumpled shirts, and an oily trench coat, Lamb is often found amidst empty whiskey bottles and decaying leftovers from Chinese takeout. He casually disregards his hardworking office manager, Catherine Standish (played brilliantly by Saskia Reeves). He once remarked to her, “It’s Saturday, don’t you have other people’s cats to steal?” His insults, reminiscent of Archie Bunker’s, are delivered with a poetic finesse and are made all the more biting due to his educated vocabulary and British accent.

The team that Lamb leads, often considered outcasts within the Park, is colloquially referred to as the “slow horses.” Lamb seldom motivates them, but when he does, it’s to reinforce their purpose: idleness. He warns them sternly that any side activities that could disrupt the tranquility of this haven might lead him to orchestrate circumstances reminiscent of a Siberian labor camp – harsh and unforgiving.

In this particular scene, he’s conversing directly with River Cartwright (Jack Lowden), whose entrance at Slough House initiates the storyline of the series. River is a star within the agency, but his luster dimmed when he made a crucial error during a significant training exercise, causing an imaginary, yet fatal explosion.

Instead of urging patience, Jonathan Pryce’s character advises restraint, but River finds this inaction irritating and manages to stir up the others into taking action. Even Lamb, with lots of humorously resentful complaints, gets involved, needing to reactivate his impressive skillset to safeguard his team from dangers coming from within and outside the agency.

Lamb’s interchanges with the cunning “second desk” of MI5, Diana Taverner (portrayed by Scott Thomas), exhibit an artful dance of strategy and counter-strategy, showcasing exceptional acting skills.

He often needs to prevent these less than perfect individuals, who are scrappy and sometimes unruly, from making mistakes. This group consists of Roddy, a self-important computer genius with an immature streak; Louisa, who is determined but emotionally unstable; Shirley, a streetwise addict; and Marcus, whose military career suffered due to gambling issues. As they enter Season Four, this team remains the same.

At one point, Lamb compares explaining things to something like trying to describe Norway to a dog, and in many ways, this comparison holds true.

As a cinephile, I must admit that “Slow Horses” doesn’t shy away from errors and the toll is heavy. Yet, it boldly confronts sacrifice, which is both startling and commendable. The dialogue crackles with wit and warmth, and the ensemble of talented actors seems endless – a special mention to Naomi Wirthner, portraying Molly, the MI5 librarian, and Samuel West as the devious politician Peter Judd. All in all, it’s a masterful blend that truly outshines its individual elements.

A blend of espionage adventure, personal redemption tale, and humorous office dynamics, hinting at office romances – “Slow Horses” offers a variety that caters to many tastes among the younger generation.

At a deeper level, the show cleverly disguises itself as a tale. The character of Lowden’s River is not only attractive and intelligent but also fundamentally good-hearted, making him an ideal candidate for a hero. He serves as the main force propelling the story forward. River’s efforts to foil different schemes uncover the seedy, often corrupt dealings within MI5, while at the same time inspiring his disheartened, resentful yet still capable colleagues in Slough House to rise above their circumstances.

“In “Slow Horses”, it’s Oldman who owns the story, not merely because his character, Lamb, is a captivating, disheveled figure with the most compelling dialogue. Instead, it’s because Oldman portrays a character who harbors a suspicion towards heroism, particularly its performative aspects. Lamb is not a former spy who has fallen from grace. Rather, he is a seasoned operative who recognizes that legends are fabricated to misdirect attention away from the underhanded actions, questionable compromises, and subsequent concealments required in attaining and preserving political power.”

He’s quite cynical and disenchanted, but mainly he’s weary. Much like many others, Lamb has worked himself to exhaustion by attempting to navigate the constantly changing landscape of “us versus them” rhetoric and moralizing, leaving him questioning the purpose. Why not opt for indifference when those who seem to win in life are just as imperfect as those who lose?

I must admit, the reluctant hero isn’t exactly a fresh face; coaxing an old warrior back into action is a common plot device in storytelling. However, in this instance, and with this particular actor and writing team, Jackson Lamb stands out as exceptionally unique. He’s more disheveled than Columbo and just as shrewd, possessing an everyman quality that places him beyond the scope of characters like James Bond or Ethan Hunt from “Mission: Impossible.” In essence, he’s a hero who operates in a league of his own.

When Lamb reluctantly makes an entrance, be it engaging in a witty verbal sparring match with Scott Thomas’ Taverner or demonstrating his skills as a spy through more action-oriented means, it’s not only unexpected, but truly inspiring.

This individual isn’t attempting to escape exile or demonstrate his abilities; rather, he acknowledges his talents. In fact, he’s so skilled that he could even use his farts as weapons! However, he merely required a reminder of the importance of striving for change, despite the overwhelming presence of arrogance, foolishness, and dishonesty in the world. The struggle may seem tiring and fruitless at times, but it’s still significant. People will continue to die, lie, and make thoughtless or reckless decisions.

But there is always good work to be done, even if it’s just clearing a little space so the slow horses can learn to run.

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2024-09-03 13:31