5 things to know about the next season of Slow Horses

As a dedicated fan of the gripping and witty world of Slow Horses, I can hardly contain my excitement for Season 5! Having devoured every book by Mick Herron, I feel like a seasoned MI5 agent myself, albeit one who’s more likely to be found in the local library than Slough House.


As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on the conclusion of Slow Horses Season 4, leaving us eagerly anticipating Season 5! Here’s a glimpse into the next chapter of our favorite misfits at MI5.

Slow Horses centers around a team of spies who are considered inadequate by MI5, and as a result, they’re assigned to work at a run-down office known as ‘Slough House.’ That’s why it’s called ‘Slow Horses.’

Led by the unkempt Jackson Lamb (played by Gary Oldman), the Slow Horses are often viewed as failures and burdens by their previous associates. However, over the course of four seasons, these teams have effectively thwarted numerous potential terrorist attacks.

Although Season 4 concluded somewhat unexpectedly, you won’t have to wait long as Season 5 is slated for release in 2025. Here’s a sneak peek at what might unfold, so be cautious if you don’t want to encounter SPOILERS

Slow Horses Season 5 is based on ‘London Rules’ by Mick Herron

Each installment of Slow Horses draws inspiration from a novel penned by author Mick Herron. The upcoming season is no exception, as it adapts his 2018 book titled ‘London Rules.’

5 things to know about the next season of Slow Horses

There’s lots of additional content that could be adapted for TV, given that the literary series consists of numerous books and short novels.

Here’s what’s previously been used as well as what’s still out there:

  • Slow Horses (2010) – Season 1
  • Dead Lions (2013) – Season 2
  • The List (2015 novella)
  • Real Tigers (2016) – Season 3
  • Spook Street (2017) – Season 4
  • London Rules (2018) – Season 5
  • The Drop (2018 novella)
  • Joe Country (2019)
  • The Catch (2020 novella)
  • The Last Dead Letter (2020 novella)
  • Slough House (2021)
  • Bad Actors (2022)
  • Standing by the Wall (2022 novella)

What is ‘London Rules’ about?

The book tells a tale set after Brexit, focusing on a politician’s life that was instrumental in the vote, whose spouse frequently criticizes the head of MI5 in her newspaper columns, due to a perceived threat against them both.

The seemingly unrelated series of suspected terrorist incidents could potentially be linked to the same danger, thus intensifying the strain on Whelan and his agency.

Simultaneously, the employees at Slough House grapple with issues such as suppressed sorrow, diverse addictions, a freeze in decision-making regarding work, and an uneasy feeling that their latest coworker might be a sociopath.

Trailer teases assassination plot

5 things to know about the next season of Slow Horses

At the conclusion of Season 4, a sneak peek for Season 5 of Slow Horses is provided, hinting at a potential assassination attempt on a Member of Parliament’s life.

Emma Flyte (Ruth Bradley) refers to this tactic as a “disruptive approach,” in which terrorists aim to: undermine an agent, create chaos in a settlement, disrupt transportation systems, control the media narrative, and ultimately assassinate a popular leader.

Additionally hinted, the teaser implies that Diana Taverner from MI5 is gradually taking Jackson Lamb’s advice. She informs her team that Lamb seems to have a premonition of what’s about to happen, advising them not to disregard his insights.

Ho to play a key role in Season 5

5 things to know about the next season of Slow Horses

At Slough House, Christopher Chung, known as Roderick Ho, showcases his exceptional technical skills, serving as the go-to tech genius. His unique quirks occasionally bring a touch of humor to the team, functioning as an unintentional source of amusement.

So far, his contributions to the field haven’t been extensive, but there’s potential for more in the upcoming season since the trailer indicates that Lamb is informing Ho about enemies who aim to end his life.

In the novel ‘London Rules’, the explanation behind Ho being a Slow Horse is disclosed, which significantly contributes to the overall narrative, hinting at his potential significant part in Season 5.

The return of Frank Harkness

5 things to know about the next season of Slow Horses

In simpler terms, the main antagonist in Season 4 was a former CIA agent named Frank Harkness, with the storyline leading up to his possible arrest or demise.

However, as the previous event unfolded, Harkness held a stash of letters revealing MI5’s hidden scandals. This backup plan seemed to assure his release.

Consequently, the principal antagonist, who coincidentally is River Cartwright’s father, has resurfaced. Despite his absence in the brief trailer, it can be anticipated that we’ll see Harkness again, potentially in Season 5, or even in a subsequent series.

Read More

2024-10-09 13:48