Slow Horses

10 Best Episodes of Slow Horses - Season 1

Are you a fan of spy dramas? If so, you're in for a thrilling ride with "Slow Horses"! This quick-witted TV show follows a dysfunctional team of MI5 agents who must navigate the murky world of espionage to protect their beloved England from sinister forces. And let's not forget their obnoxious boss, the notorious Jackson Lamb, who adds a whole new level of chaos to the mix. With three seasons already available on Apple TV+, there's plenty of intrigue and excitement to binge-watch whenever you're in the mood for some espionage action.

One of the things that sets "Slow Horses" apart from other spy dramas is its clever writing. The dialogue is sharp and filled with wit, keeping you on your toes as you try to unravel the mysteries alongside the characters. Every episode is packed with suspense, making it impossible to resist hitting that "next episode" button. And speaking of characters, you'll quickly find yourself invested in the lives of the MI5 agents, rooting for their victories and sympathizing with their struggles.

If you're looking for a thrilling and entertaining TV show to sink your teeth into, "Slow Horses" is a must-watch. With its dysfunctional team of agents, obnoxious boss, and a world filled with smoke and mirrors, this spy drama will keep you hooked from the first episode to the last. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare for an exhilarating journey into the world of espionage. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the genre or just looking for your next binge-worthy show, "Slow Horses" is sure to deliver the excitement you crave.

Written by Sophie and last updated on nov 10, 2024.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Slow Horses - S1E1

#6 - Failureโ€™s Contagious (Season 1 - Episode 1)

In the first episode of Slow Horses, titled "Failure's Contagious," we meet River Cartwright, a former MI5 agent who finds himself in a less-than-ideal situation. After being ousted from MI5, River ends up in Slough House, a dumping ground for failed spies. The episode sets the stage for the show's premise, offering a glimpse into the world of terrorism from the perspective of the lowest level of MI5.

Although the first sequence of the episode is tense and gripping, some viewers found the overall delivery to be anti-climactic. However, the standout performance of Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb, an old and grumpy boss, steals the show. With a talented cast and promising plot material, there is hope that the show will improve in subsequent episodes.

While the plot may not immediately reel you in, the intriguing characters are what keep viewers engaged. Despite mixed reviews, fans of spy dramas may want to give Slow Horses another chance, hoping that it picks up in the upcoming episodes. With a rating of 66.54, there is room for improvement, but the potential for an exciting and captivating series is there. Directed by James Hawes and written by Kornelius Harda Wicaksana, Slow Horses has the ingredients for an intriguing spy thriller that may surprise us as the story unfolds.

The episode was rated 7.32 from 2327 votes.

Slow Horses - S1E2

#5 - Work Drinks (Season 1 - Episode 2)

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In the latest episode of Slow Horses, titled "Work Drinks," River and Sid find themselves teaming up to tackle a new challenge. The episode starts off strong, building on the foundation set by the well-crafted pilot. With the world already established, the pace picks up, and the show's identity shines through. Viewers can expect great tension and character development, all accompanied by gritty photography that adds to the overall atmosphere.

One viewer was particularly intrigued by the start of the episode, speculating whether a character purposely failed a test to end up in Slough House. This plot twist adds an extra layer of mystery and anticipation for the rest of the season. Despite some viewers feeling that this episode dragged a bit, the strong performances from the cast kept it enjoyable. And just when you think you have the series figured out, the last scene takes a surprising turn, setting a different tone for the show.

With a rating of 67.88, this episode delivers a compelling plot that unfolds piece by piece, revealing more about what's really happening. The director, James Hawes, brings his vision to life, while the standout performances from Olivia Cooke as Sid Baker and Jack Lowden as River Cartwright make them fan-favorite characters. Dustin Demri-Burns as Min Harper, Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb, Kristin Scott Thomas as Diana Taverner, and Brian Vernel as Curly also leave a lasting impression. However, some viewers expressed their dislike for how mean the characters are to one particular individual, adding an element of tension to the dynamic.

Overall, "Work Drinks" showcases the strengths of Slow Horses, delivering an episode that keeps viewers engaged and eager for more.

The episode was rated 7.47 from 2005 votes.

Slow Horses - S1E4

#4 - Visiting Hours (Season 1 - Episode 4)

In the latest episode of Slow Horses, titled "Visiting Hours," tension runs high as Taverner sends the Dogs to track down Lamb and the Slow Horses. However, it seems that River holds the key to saving the gang. With Lady Di causing trouble for Lamb and a sense of urgency building, this episode keeps us on the edge of our seats. As the series progresses, we can't help but appreciate the brilliant performances of the entire cast. Jackson Lamb is no longer the sole intriguing character, as the one-liner jokes seamlessly fit into this gripping crime series. Slow Horses just keeps getting better with each new episode.

With a rating of 71.29, "Visiting Hours" proves to be an intense addition to the series. The plot unfolds with a score of 1.2 in the first two parts, building up to a thrilling 1.4 in the third part, and concluding with a solid 1.3 in the fourth part. Directed by James Hawes, this episode showcases the talents of the cast, with Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb leading the pack with a rating of 1.7. Brian Vernel as Curly, Stephen Walters as Zeppo, Dustin Demri-Burns as Min Harper, Jack Lowden as River Cartwright, and Kristin Scott Thomas as Diana Taverner also deliver standout performances.

In this episode, tensions rise as the 1st and 2nd chair attempt to throw the Slow Horses under the bus. Lamb, however, seems to have anticipated this move and will do what it takes to protect his team. As the blame game plays out, it becomes clear that the higher-ups are quick to shift responsibility onto those lower down the ladder. Amidst the chaos, one-liners like "We should keep kissing in case they look in the rearview mirror" bring some much-needed humor. As the secrets unravel and the interrogations intensify, Cartwright's ill-fated decision to visit the hospital sheds light on why the man being interrogated was sent to Slow Horses in the first place.

In "Visiting Hours," Slow Horses continues to captivate viewers with its gripping storyline and stellar performances. With each passing episode, the stakes get higher, and the secrets become harder to keep. As fans eagerly await the next installment, it's clear that Slow Horses is a series that just keeps getting better.

The episode was rated 7.66 from 1783 votes.

Slow Horses - S1E3

#3 - Bad Tradecraft (Season 1 - Episode 3)

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In the latest episode of Slow Horses, titled "Bad Tradecraft," Slough House becomes an unexpected setting for a secret romance. However, things quickly take a dark turn when a dangerous encounter escalates into a deadly situation. As the episode unfolds, viewers are treated to a gritty ending and an enticing cliffhanger that leaves them wanting more.

One of the standout moments in this episode is the hilarious bench conversation and, yes, even a fart scene that had viewers in stitches. It's proof that Slow Horses knows how to blend humor with its thrilling storyline. Additionally, the episode delves into the world of politics, shedding light on the dirty tactics and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals. It's a thought-provoking exploration that adds depth to the show's overall narrative.

As always, the incomparable Jackson Lamb steals the show with his outrageous behavior and lack of manners. His antics provide plenty of laughs and elevate the quality of Slow Horses. With a rating of 71.29, this episode keeps the momentum going and leaves viewers eager for more. Directed by James Hawes, the episode showcases stellar performances from the talented cast, including Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb, Samuel West as Peter Judd, Kristin Scott Thomas as Diana Taverner, and more.

While Slow Horses continues to impress, some viewers have voiced their concerns about the portrayal of certain characters. Specifically, the kidnappers and some of the right-wing individuals come across as caricatures, which can be distracting. However, overall, the episode still manages to captivate and entertain. It's worth noting that the plot, though revealing at times, still holds surprises, ensuring that viewers are kept on their toes until the very end.

The episode was rated 7.71 from 1885 votes.

Slow Horses - S1E5

#2 - Fiasco (Season 1 - Episode 5)

In the latest episode of "Slow Horses" titled "Fiasco," the Slow Horses find themselves in a dangerous predicament - they must disappear to avoid capture by MI5. As tensions rise, Lamb and River devise a plan to outsmart Taverner at The Park.

While some viewers found this episode to be a continuation of the previous plot without much new to offer, others were captivated by the show's delivery and the ongoing battle between Lady Di and Lamb. The story progression mainly revolves around Lamb making a move against Lady Di and Curly's plot, providing continuity from the previous episode. However, it's understandable if some viewers wanted more fresh twists and turns.

Directed by James Hawes, this episode showcases the brilliant performances of the cast. Fans particularly enjoyed the characters played by Brian Vernel as Curly, Antonio Aakeel as Hassan Ahmed, and Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb. These actors brought depth and charisma to their roles, keeping audiences engaged throughout the episode.

Although some viewers found certain scenes, like the over-the-top "500 Miles" sequence, to be a bit excessive, the tension and comedic moments added a nice touch to the overall story. It's worth noting that this episode serves as a transition towards the upcoming finale, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion.

Ultimately, for many fans, the allure of "Slow Horses" lies in Gary Oldman's compelling portrayal of Jackson Lamb. His performance continues to be a major draw for viewers, reminding us why we tune in to watch this thrilling show.

The episode was rated 7.76 from 1778 votes.

Slow Horses - S1E6

#1 - Follies (Season 1 - Episode 6)

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In the latest episode of Slow Horses, titled "Follies," Taverner and the Slow Horses take different approaches in their search for the kidnappers and Hassan. Meanwhile, Ho stumbles upon a shocking discovery about Sid. As the tension rises, secrets are revealed and loyalties are tested. Will they be able to locate the kidnappers and rescue Hassan? Tune in to find out!

Fans of Slow Horses can rejoice as Season 2 has been confirmed. This gripping show has captivated audiences with its stellar performances and lovable characters. However, not everything is as it seems. The bosses at MI5 reveal their true colors, showing just how far they are willing to go to achieve their goals. In a world where even the government organization is filled with backstabbing and deceit, the Slow Horses find themselves caught in a web of conspiracy.

Slow Horses tackles the complex issue of how right-wing nationalist radicals can become terrorists. This thought-provoking show sheds light on how fanaticism and ideology can lead individuals to harm others. As the Slow Horses become pawns in the government's agenda, they must navigate treacherous waters and sometimes even pretend to be the very thing they despise. With its engaging plot and compelling characters, Slow Horses keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Don't miss out on this thrilling series!

The episode was rated 7.92 from 1753 votes.

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