Once again, Slow Horses proves itself a source of pure enjoyment. Its narrative is expansive, audacious, and unapologetically whimsical, immersing itself in the familiar tropes of a conventional spy drama with the gusto of a pig reveling in mud. Within this tapestry, a compelling subplot unfolds—perhaps involving a lone diamond missing from the spoils of season two. The storyline weaves through the intrigue of anonymous letters, covert meetings, and the ominous red dots signifying a sniper's watchful eye.
In the third season, the focal point is Standish's abduction following an AA meeting, intricately linked to an MI5 cover-up aiming to safeguard their secrets by eliminating their own operatives.
A key aspect of the allure in "Slow Horses" lies in Lamb and the Slough House residents retaining a semblance of moral integrity. Lamb's instances of humanity typically intertwine with his efforts to assist his spies, affectionately referred to as his "Joes"—some alive, many deceased.
If Lamb possesses a conscience, it manifests through his assistant Catherine Standish, portrayed with subtle brilliance by Saskia Reeves. Lamb harbors a soft spot for Catherine, stemming from the fact that he was responsible for the demise of her previous employer, a detail Catherine believes was a preventable suicide if she hadn't been struggling with alcoholism. Presently, she dedicates her days to attending AA meetings and attempting to prevent Lamb from sabotaging what's left of his career.
In the third season, the disparity between Slough House and its glamorous counterpart, the Park, is accentuated. At the Park, agents enjoy a reputable status, bright lights, stylish surroundings, and ample funding. However, it remains a contested realm, with Diana Taverner (Kristin Scott Thomas) and her primary adversary and superior, MI5 Director Dame Ingrid Tearney (Sophie Okonedo), vying for dominance and the backing of the unscrupulous Home Secretary Peter Judd (Samuel West).
Despite the unconventional choice of vehicles better suited for a school run than high-stakes espionage, the plot delivers ample significant twists and exhilarating chase sequences. What truly distinguishes Slow Horses is its infusion of self-deprecating humor, maintaining a lively and refreshing atmosphere. Striking a balance between wit and crudeness, while sustaining a narrative that is simultaneously tense and gripping, the result is a thoroughly entertaining and resilient spy thriller.
The first two episodes of Slow Horses season 3 are available now on AppleTV+.
