Slow Horses Season 6: Apple TV’s Top Spy Thriller Delivers Again!

In the world we live in, the only sure things are death, taxes, and Slow Horses.

Since its premiere on Apple TV in 2022, the critically-acclaimed spy drama Slow Horses has released five seasons, with the sixth scheduled for a September 16 debut and a seventh already in the can. In today’s unpredictable streaming landscape, where annual new releases are a rare feat, Slow Horses not only regularly meets this challenge but continues to establish itself as a top-tier television series. Thus, it comes as no surprise that shortly after the close of Season 5, Season 6 emerges as yet another brilliant installment, elevating the series with its sharp scripts, standout performances, and its trademark dark humor.

Light spoilers for Slow Horses Season 6 follow.

Breaking from its usual format, Season 6 of Slow Horses combines two of Mick Herron’s novels — Joe Country and Slough House — to weave a narrative around Jackson Lamb (played by Academy Award winner Sir Gary Oldman) and a group of both current and former MI5 misfits. They find themselves pursued by two enigmatic assassins (Kyle Soller and MyAnna Buring) and the ever-present Frank Harkness (Hugo Weaving), River’s estranged father. Following the series’ lightest and most humorous season yet, Season 6 veers into darker territory, ramping up the grief, violence, and casualties as the characters are embroiled in a complex revenge plot orchestrated by Diana Taverner (Kristin Scott Thomas).

With Taverner now wielding unprecedented power and influence as First Desk, it’s unsettling to see her flounder against adversaries like the sleazy Peter Judd (Samuel West) and media mogul Damien Cantor (Harry Lloyd). As she tackles the challenges of Season 6 alone, displaying a shocking disregard for the safety of the Slow Horses, Scott Thomas delivers a nuanced performance, while Oldman’s portrayal of the disheveled, outspoken Jackson Lamb remains a high point of the series.

As we reconnect with River (Jack Lowden), his morale is as dreary as the cold, rain-soaked British weather setting the scene in early episodes. Despite his personal turmoil and frustration at being stuck at Slough House, Season 6 thankfully introduces a romantic interest for Slough House’s most eligible bachelor. While keeping the details under wraps, it’s safe to say River’s new relationship spells good things for Lowden’s upcoming portrayal of Mr. Darcy in Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice adaptation. This season also showcases his action prowess, bolstering his case as a potential James Bond, though his current role as an ever-reluctant underdog might just be more intriguing. Lowden also expertly handles new emotional complexities, especially those stemming from his tense relationship with his father, a smooth yet ruthless hitman, brought chillingly to life by Weaving’s dynamic interactions with both Lowden and Oldman.

By thrusting the Slough House team into the field, Season 6 explores new character dynamics and pushes the ensemble cast, including a corporate Louisa (Rosalind Eleazar) and a mourning Shirley (Aimee-Ffion Edwards), out of their comfort zones. Familiar faces return, and the season introduces a scene-stealer in Lenny Rush, who plays Reece Nesmith, a young murder witness whose sass and comedic timing will undoubtedly captivate audiences.

Season 6 not only tackles the ambitious task of adapting two books but also marks a significant behind-the-scenes change. After five highly successful seasons, Emmy-winning creator, showrunner, and head writer Will Smith stepped down to pursue other projects, leaving fans concerned about the show’s future. However, new showrunner Gaby Chiappe has admirably filled those shoes, maintaining the established essence, pace, and heart of Slow Horses while also elevating the stakes.

Some of the season’s most striking plot points, like shocking deaths of key characters and the return of Season 1’s Sidonie “Sid” Baker (Olivia Cook), trace back to Herron’s novels. However, the show’s continued excellence owes much to the adept direction and execution by the team behind the scenes.

Adam Randall, who directed Season 4, returns to ensure stylistic continuity while enhancing everything from action sequences to the series’ visual style. Season 6 features a series of stunning chase and fight scenes set in unique locations, from a bowling alley to a sleek, glass-walled safe house. Along with clever twists and suspenseful cliffhangers, these elements keep viewers riveted right up until the final moments, which set the stage perfectly for Season 7.

With only nine novels in Herron’s Slough House series, fans like me hope for many more seasons of Slow Horses. Season 6 is yet another extraordinary achievement for television, confirming that this brilliant thriller remains at the peak of its game.

Slow Horses Season 6 premieres September 16 on Apple TV.