Discovering a protagonist’s true origins can transform a series’ story, especially when it changes our understanding of the character. These revelations can offer a new perspective on the hero, altering everything we thought we knew.
Consider the famous reveal of Luke Skywalker’s villainous parentage in Return of the Jedi or Strider/Aragorn’s royal heritage in The Lord of the Rings. These secrets play a crucial role in spy thrillers, like in Skyfall where we learn that James Bond’s enemy Ernst Blofeld is actually his foster brother.
Now, it’s time for Slow Horses to reveal something about its protagonist, River Cartwright. In Season 4, the hidden history of the Cartwright family unfolds, leading to an intense and suspenseful search for the truth.
Plot of ‘Slow Horses’ Season 4
Season 4 of Slow Horses begins with a literal explosion: a bomb goes off, and the person responsible is found using a secret MI5 identity. This creates a major problem for MI5’s new First Desk, Claude Whelan, who struggles to manage the situation.
At the same time, River Cartwright discovers that his grandfather, David Cartwright, an MI5 legend with declining mental health, is being targeted for assassination. This sets off a series of threats and investigations, with Frank Harkness, a dangerous and mysterious antagonist, at the center.
As the season progresses, these plotlines come together, building toward a grand finale with significant implications for River and the rest of the team.
Season 4 centers around past sins catching up with the characters, both personally and within the agency. Slow Horses is known for its twists and ability to balance multiple storylines, and this season continues that tradition.
It offers an exciting mix of action and revelations, shedding new light on past events while setting the stage for future developments. Despite Slough House being a place for MI5’s misfits and failures, Slow Horses continues to find new and intriguing stories within this setting.
A Dark and Tense Season Full of Secrets
Season 4 balances dangerous situations with moments of well-timed comedy. Gary Oldman delivers Jackson Lamb’s sharp wit, along with his usual quirky habits, including flatulence and heavy drinking.
When a team member appears to have died, computer expert Roddy quickly claims their computer, adding humor to the tense atmosphere.
As the story shifts back to Slough House, these interactions add charm and lighten the mood. However, the season focuses mainly on River and his grandfather David, and their connection to long-hidden, dark secrets.
The high point of the season is the investigation into the attempt on David Cartwright’s life. David played a key role in raising River, so the emotional stakes are high for the protagonist.
Jack Lowden effectively portrays River’s seriousness and emotional depth, while Jonathan Pryce brings emotional weight to David’s moments of confusion, frustration, and determination to protect River.
The season’s antagonist, Frank Harkness, is a truly menacing figure leading a disturbing network of assassins and mercenaries. Hugo Weaving delivers a powerful performance, adding to the sense of danger that builds throughout the season.
While the central mystery around the Cartwrights provides a compelling story, the season’s biggest flaw is that the rest of the Slough House team often feels sidelined. Characters like Louisa and others have their moments, but the focus remains primarily on River and David’s backstory.
While this makes for great television, the interactions between the slow horses are always a welcome part of each new chapter. The season can feel a bit unbalanced, especially with only six episodes, but it still delivers an exciting and surprising installment of the show.
Strong Additions to the Cast Enhance ‘Slow Horses’ Season 4
Slow Horses Season 4 shows that there are still many layers to uncover in MI5 and its characters, setting the stage for an intriguing fifth season. Gary Oldman remains as delightful as ever, while Jack Lowden handles the season’s complexities with skill.
Jonathan Pryce excels as the story delves into his character’s past in MI5, and Hugo Weaving’s presence adds a heavy sense of threat over the team. Frank Harkness feels like he’s always ahead of the team, and this looming danger adds to the tension.
Despite the drama, Slow Horses maintains its ability to find humor in tough situations, keeping fans entertained. The season struggles a bit to balance new threats and characters with the existing world, and some plotlines seem to linger too long.
Unfortunately, several slow horses are often pushed to the background, a fact that becomes clear whenever the team is shown. However, it remains a strong season with plenty of surprises for both new and returning viewers. Slow Horses Season 4 delivers a compelling mix of tension, mystery, and dark humor, making it a standout installment in the series.
The scheme of River Cartwright’s family history adds depth to the character, while the introduction of Frank Harkness as a formidable antagonist heightens the stakes. The season effectively balances its serious moments with well-placed comedic relief, particularly through Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Jackson Lamb.
However, the focus on River and David Cartwright means some team members are pushed to the background, creating a slight imbalance in the storytelling. Despite this, the season succeeds in keeping viewers engaged with its twists, intense plotlines, and strong performances.
As Slow Horses continues to uncover the hidden layers of MI5 and its characters, the groundwork is laid for an exciting and unpredictable fifth season that promises to build on the momentum of Season 4.
Slow Horses Season 4 premieres on Apple TV+ on September 4.
