A dysfunctional team of MI5 agents navigate the espionage world's smoke and mirrors to defend England from sinister forces.A dysfunctional team of MI5 agents navigate the espionage world's smoke and mirrors to defend England from sinister forces.A dysfunctional team of MI5 agents navigate the espionage world's smoke and mirrors to defend England from sinister forces.
- Won 1 Primetime Emmy
- 15 wins & 77 nominations total
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Summary
Reviewers say 'Slow Horses' is lauded for its fresh espionage approach, focusing on imperfect MI5 agents, and standout performances, particularly Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb. The series is celebrated for its complex plot, dark humor, and character growth. However, some critics argue it becomes predictable, relies too much on clichés, and features unrealistic characters and plot points. There are also mixed views on its political themes and character representation. Despite these issues, many find the series captivating and recommendable.
Featured reviews
I watched this because I'd been watching foreign series and was tired of subtitles. So glad I did!
Great cast of true characters - Gary Oldman - you can't go wrong with him. And same with all the rest. Finally a series that isn't polished and pretty, but it has a lot of grit and history.
Binged all of Season 1 in one evening. Am anxious for Season 2.
Something interesting to look forward to!!
Great cast of true characters - Gary Oldman - you can't go wrong with him. And same with all the rest. Finally a series that isn't polished and pretty, but it has a lot of grit and history.
Binged all of Season 1 in one evening. Am anxious for Season 2.
Something interesting to look forward to!!
Slow Horses is a pretty good spy thriller that's definitely worth watching. I never read the books so I didn't know much about it but the reviews have been great so I gave it a chance. Gary Oldman is as terrific as ever and leads a very talented cast. Oldman has been so great in so many movies/shows that it's hard to keep track but this is absolutely one of his best performances yet! I have to admit that the first 2 episodes started a little slow and it was hard to get into but by the end of episode 2 it really picks up and from there on out it will keep you entertained and guessing what's going to happen next! It's already been renewed for another 3 seasons (through season 4) which is pretty much unheard of so that right there should tell you how good this show is. If you're looking for a new show to watch and you're into spy thrillers then give this a try...you won't be disappointed!
Gary Oldman plays the quintessential crusty old curmudgeon, an MI5 spy left over from the Cold War (and ostracised to Slough House), still parrying at shadows, and seeing real threats before anyone else.
This is stylised Cold War spy craft in a modern setting - and it's a very satisfying watch. Another well-realised show that creates its immediate world with details of environment, character (and subterfuge) - the indispensable building blocks of good story telling.
If you're just coming upon this show now that season 2 is released you should do yourself a favour and binge season 1 first - it's a good yarn and will offer a depth of character and situation that will add to your enjoyment
Season 2 appears to have lifted the game in terms of production design and cinematography - it's really paid off and elevated the show above the usual weekly episodic grind TV.
Highly recommended - Oldman and Kristin Scott-Thomas are terrific, as are Jack Lowden and Saskia Reeves.
This is stylised Cold War spy craft in a modern setting - and it's a very satisfying watch. Another well-realised show that creates its immediate world with details of environment, character (and subterfuge) - the indispensable building blocks of good story telling.
If you're just coming upon this show now that season 2 is released you should do yourself a favour and binge season 1 first - it's a good yarn and will offer a depth of character and situation that will add to your enjoyment
Season 2 appears to have lifted the game in terms of production design and cinematography - it's really paid off and elevated the show above the usual weekly episodic grind TV.
Highly recommended - Oldman and Kristin Scott-Thomas are terrific, as are Jack Lowden and Saskia Reeves.
In my mind Jackson Lamb was Timothy Spall and Katherine Standish was Olivia Coleman and I think they'd have nailed it.
That said the casting is spot on, everyone is great. Also there should be a massive shout out to the location scouts, Slough House is exactly as I imagined it.
The mood, intrigue and pace are as good as Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy.
I have loved the books so much and am so happy that this has not had the over the top Hollywood treatment that these things often do. It's kept the grime and the humour that have made the books so enjoyable.
I'm episode four in and can't stop..
That said the casting is spot on, everyone is great. Also there should be a massive shout out to the location scouts, Slough House is exactly as I imagined it.
The mood, intrigue and pace are as good as Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy.
I have loved the books so much and am so happy that this has not had the over the top Hollywood treatment that these things often do. It's kept the grime and the humour that have made the books so enjoyable.
I'm episode four in and can't stop..
Ignore most of the reviews here; either they didn't actually watch it long enough to understand what was going on or they were not bright enough.
If you liked the books you'll probably enjoy it even though the characters were not quite as I imagined them.
This is not a series to watch if you want a lot of action (The first episode may be misleading).
This is not a series to watch if you want a handsome hero to ride of into the sunset with the girl (swap genders to whatever rocks your boat).
This is a series to watch if you want geat characters and story.
If you liked the books you'll probably enjoy it even though the characters were not quite as I imagined them.
This is not a series to watch if you want a lot of action (The first episode may be misleading).
This is not a series to watch if you want a handsome hero to ride of into the sunset with the girl (swap genders to whatever rocks your boat).
This is a series to watch if you want geat characters and story.
Did you know
- TriviaIn the books Jackson Lamb is said to resemble Gary Oldman's Remembrance (1982) co-star Timothy Spall "gone to seed" and "with worse teeth."
- Quotes
Diana Taverner: You really care about them, don't you?
Jackson Lamb: Nah; I think they're a bunch of f***ing losers... . But they are my losers.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Mick Jagger: Strange Game (2022)
- How many seasons does Slow Horses have?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Кульгаві коні
- Filming locations
- Mews, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London, England, UK(location, Mews, MI5 headquarters, exterior scenes)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
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