Slow Horses season four

Apple TV+’s Slow Horses has made a name for itself for its taut espionage action, gripping plotlines and slyly dark sense of humour. Much like the veteran leader of the titular team of washed-up MI5 agents (played by Gary Oldman), the show hasn’t lost any of its edge into its fourth season. If anything, the latest offering is the finest it has ever been.

The first episodes don’t waste any time throwing audiences straight into the action when a bomb goes off at a London shopping centre and the team at Slough House are put on the case. That same night, a former spymaster now suffering with dementia (Johnathan Pryce), guns down an intruder posing as his grandson, River Cartwright (Jack Lawrence). Although the series tries to trick viewers into thinking that the star has been unceremoniously axed (something that nobody is going to believe), it’s soon revealed that River has set off on his own mission to France to get to the bottom of his grandfather’s would-be assassin.

As both sides of the ensuing investigation unfold over the course of the season’s six episodes, a steady stream of unexpected revelations and heart-pounding sequences make for thoroughly gripping viewing throughout. Each instalment is expertly paced to squeeze as much intrigue and suspense from each scene, with tantalising cliffhangers ensuring that viewers will remain hooked until the exhilarating finale. Even when it looks like the dust has finally settled, there are still plenty more surprises to come.

While the Horses’ pursuit of the bomber plays out like previous storylines, River’s personal mission injects an emotional side that gives this season an extra layer of depth to it. This more sentimental streak likewise spreads to friendships between the rest of his team, giving rise to some genuinely heartfelt moments, especially in the final episode. Whenever it looks like the show is about to fall into the conventional genre trappings, the humour and chemistry of its core team keep things interesting.

From its explosive opening scene to its high-octane climax, the fourth season of Slow Horses continues to show why it’s one of the best shows in recent years.

Andrew Murray

Slow Horses season four is released on Apple TV+ on 4^th September 2024.

Watch the trailer for Slow Horses season four here: