Season 4 of Slow Horses concluded dramatically, featuring intense action and a significant loss within the Slough House crew. However, Episode 6 largely served as an anti-climax, primarily focused on setting the stage for future narratives.
This acclaimed series on Apple TV+ follows a group of MI5 rejects as they confront terrorists and national security challenges, all under the eccentric and hard-drinking leadership of Jackson Lamb, played by Gary Oldman.
This season, the primary antagonist was Frank Harkness, portrayed by Hugo Weaving. A former CIA operative turned mercenary, Harkness has insider knowledge of MI5’s buried secrets.
We’re diving into the details of that finale, so be warned: SPOILERS AHEAD…
A Tribute to Heat
The story of Episode 4 begins with River Cartwright, played by Jack Lowden, meeting with Frank Harkness, with the significant revelation that Frank is River’s father.
In a tense restaurant encounter reminiscent of the iconic diner scene featuring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino in Heat, the two discuss their troubled lives and fractured familial ties, creating palpable tension.
While Harkness attempts to vindicate his past decisions and offers River a position, Cartwright, unfazed, discreetly texts his team below the table, leading to an explosive standoff by Regent’s Canal.
Frank narrowly escapes by shoving a grenade into the hood of River’s jacket, which Cartwright manages to hurl into the water just before detonation. Following this, an exhilarating foot chase ensues, showcasing Cartwright’s remarkable speed.
Tragedy Strikes
Marcus meets a grim fate during Season 4.
Meanwhile, assassin Patrice discovers that River’s father, David Cartwright, is at Slough House, prompting him to head there with lethal intent.
Despite his earlier portrayal as a nearly unstoppable force, Patrice falters here, ending up unconscious and bound to a radiator.
However, before his incapacitation, he tragically ends Marcus’s life—his character arc this season has been notably bleak: selling a gun, redeeming it, only to be shot dead.
Back with Patrice, the enigmatic JK Coe persuades Dander not to commit cold-blooded murder, only for him to take matters into his own hands in the standout moment of the episode.
Echoes of Se7en
During the investigation, River and the Dogs find Harkness at King’s Cross St. Pancras station where Cartwright discovers his father in a restaurant.
Though armed, instead of shooting his son to flee, Frank willingly surrenders his weapon, mirroring John Doe from Se7en as he turns himself in.
However, akin to Doe, Harkness has an intricate scheme prepared, which he divulges to Tavener during his questioning. Frank reveals that he’s set up fail-safes—in the form of letters addressed to top officials, documenting when he rendered his services to the security agencies.
He gives Tavener a stark ultimatum: she has 12 hours to secure his release, or these letters will be released online. This means that the primary villain of Season 4 remains at large, positioning him for a possible return in subsequent seasons—a bit of an anti-climactic outcome.
Anticipating Slow Horses Season 5
Frank Harkness is likely to return.
Consequently, Frank Harkness roams free once more, posing a potential threat to Slough House. In a twist, Moira, played by Joanna Scanlan, returns, blackmailing Claude Whelan to regain her MI5 position, which gives the Slow Horses an insider advantage.
The season wraps up with River sorrowfully admitting his father to a nursing home before sharing a quiet drink with Jackson Lamb.
A teaser for Season 5 hints at new conflicts, adapting Mick Heron’s 2018 novel London Rules. The preview features Emma Flyte outlining a perilous “destabilizing strategy” threatening the Slow Horses as their adversary plans to “compromise an agent, attack the village, disrupt transport, seize the media, [and] assassinate a populist leader.”
Fans can look forward to this tension-filled return of Slow Horses in 2025, hoping the series resolves the ongoing saga of Frank Harkness rather than prolonging it through future narratives.
For further viewing options, explore the top 10 shows streaming on Apple TV+. If you crave more thrilling experiences, check out the 102 best action movies of all time.
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