The countdown is almost over for Slow Horses series 5! The latest instalment of the beloved Apple TV+ spy series lands on our screens this Wednesday 24th September and, much like the rest of the nation, we can't wait to get reacquainted with Slough House's gang of misfit spies, headed up by the foul-mouthed Jackson Lamb (played by the brilliant Gary Oldman).
However, there a few things we think every Slow Horses fan should know before tuning into what's set to be a pretty epic new series - not least the fact that it's "more comic" than ever (Gary Oldman's words, not ours). So, before you begin your binge-fest, read on for 6 "insider" details that will give you some clues as to what's in store. You can thank us later!
Series 5 veers away from the book... quite a lot
You may already know that series 5 is based on Mick Herron’s 2018 book, London Rules, and to date the author has had a heavy involvement in the TV adaptations of his books - which have been pretty faithful to his writing. At a screening of the series at the BFI, however, Mick was asked if anything had surprised him, and he responded: “Not a surprise because I’ve been involved in the adaptation and as such I discussed any changes they were making. But there are a lot of interesting departures from the book which I enjoyed. Some of which I instigated…” Very intriguing indeed!
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Series 5 is the funniest series yet
That’s right - we’re in for plenty more comedic antics! Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Gary Oldman said there would be “a few more laughs in it than usual”. The actor - who plays the ever-flatulent Jackson Lamb - explained that the instalment was “more Roddy Ho-centric. And features very big storyline involving Roddy. So by its nature, it’s a little more comic. Still keeping the spirit of the Slow Horses, but I think we lean into the comedy a little more than we have been, just because he’s so ridiculous as a character.”
Love is in the air!
…or is it? The series’ main plot line kicks off when Roddy Ho (played by Christopher Chung) gets a glamorous and mysterious girlfriend - played by Promethea’s Hiba Bennani. The news arouses immediate suspicion in Slough House - Roddy fancies himself as a ladies’ man but, in reality, that isn’t exactly the case - causing Jackson Lamb and co to suspect that something fishy is going on…
The mac is back (and we want it!)
We all know that spies and macs go hand in hand - and by now, we've learnt that the ever-unflappable ‘Second Desk’ of MI5, Diana Tavener (played by Kristin Scott Thomas), is a style icon. In series 5, she’s back clad in a sharp camel mac - which contrasts perfectly with Jackson Lamb’s grubby, stained coat. Want to get the Regent’s Park look? Shop our pick of the coolest classic trenches to help you nail espionage chic.
It’s set in strangely familiar times
In a strange echo of our current times - and despite London Rules having been written back in 2018 - the new instalment sees a vicious battle playing out between the political left and right, which ramps up ahead of the London Mayoral election. Amid all this chaos, an armed man opens fire in a crowded London street, and one of the Slow Horses is caught up in the midst of it.
There's an “explosive” finale in store
So far, each Slow Horses series has treated us to a finale that goes out with a bang. We’re expecting no less from series 5 - as confirmed by Ted Lasso’s Nick Mohammed, who joins the cast as Mayor of London Zahar Jaffrey. Speaking at a screening of the series at the BFI, Nick said: “I think everyone will appreciate that Slow Horses ends in quite an explosive way and there are lots of twists and turns. And this season definitely does do that as well. There’s a pretty intense action sequence at the end.” Consider us officially excited!
Slow Horses series 5 will be available to watch on Apple TV+ from Wednesday 24th September. The series will launch with the first two episodes, followed by one episode weekly until 22nd October.
