The fifth outing of Apple TV+'s acclaimed spy series Slow Horses has stumbled badly, delivering what can only be described as a television misfire that even the considerable talents of Gary Oldman cannot redeem.
A Promising Premise Derailed
Based on Mick Herron's popular novel series, this season finds the dysfunctional MI5 rejects of Slough House navigating their most complex mission yet. However, the intricate plotting that once made the series compelling has descended into utter confusion.
The narrative threads unravel faster than they can be woven, leaving viewers struggling to maintain interest in a story that seems determined to sabotage its own strengths.
Gary Oldman's Wasted Brilliance
Gary Oldman continues to deliver a masterclass in character acting as the grotesque yet brilliant Jackson Lamb. His performance remains the solitary bright spot in an otherwise dreary landscape.
"Oldman's Lamb is still magnetic to watch—a perfectly pitched portrayal of intelligence buried beneath layers of self-loathing and cheap whisky. It's criminal that the material surrounding him fails to match his caliber."
Where Did It All Go Wrong?
- Convoluted Plotting: The storyline becomes increasingly impenetrable, sacrificing clarity for complexity
- Wasted Ensemble: Supporting characters who previously shone are given little meaningful to do
- Pacing Problems: The season drags where it should thrill, becoming bogged down in unnecessary subplots
- Diminished Tension: The signature wit and suspense that defined earlier seasons have largely evaporated
A Disappointing Departure from Form
Previous seasons successfully balanced dark humour with genuine tension, creating a unique niche in the spy genre. Season five, however, feels like a pale imitation of its former self.
The chemistry between the Slough House agents, once the series' backbone, has been sidelined in favour of a messy central narrative that fails to engage. What should be gripping television instead becomes a chore to watch.
For devoted fans of the series, this season represents a particularly bitter pill to swallow. The foundation remains strong, but the execution has catastrophically failed. One can only hope this is a temporary stumble rather than a permanent decline for what was once must-watch television.
