Slow Horsesseason 4 star Gary Oldman explains why Jackson Lamb is such an effective spy. Based on the novels by Mick Herron, the hit Apple TV+ espionage thriller series follows the agents working in Slough House, an MI5 dumping ground for screw-ups and those who have made powerful enemies inside the British government.Slow Horsesseason 4, episode 1brought the show back earlier this month, following Oldman’s Lamb, Jack Lowden’s River Cartwright, and the rest of Slough House as they track a dangerous figure connected to a devastating London bombing.
In a recent interview withCollider, Oldman dives deep into Lamb’s personality and work ethic, explaining what makes his character a surprisingly effective spy despite his slovenly appearance and lack of manners. According to the actor,one of Lamb’s secrets is that the persona he shows the world allows him to do much of his best work right under people’s noses, particularly the higher-ups at MI5, who Oldman stresses are the show’s overarching villains. Check out his comment below:
I think he probably does his best work when he’s got his feet up on his desk and his eyes are closed. Again, they talk about him being slovenly and lazy: he’s up there snoozing, phoning it in, but actually, he’s working probably harder than they are. He gives the appearance, a persona, in a way, he’s put together.
He’s sort of created this character, in a sense. It’s almost like he’s found the way to do his job better. What better way to say, “I’m off to this place, Slough House, I’m kind of really taking a back seat, and I’m packing it all in.” And, in fact, you’re really not taking a back seat, and you’re up against the machine.
Oddly, yes, these events happen, and there’s an adversary and a villain that comes through each time, but who is the bad guy that he seems to always be up against every season? It’s MI-5. It’s the bureaucracy, it’s the corruption. It’s the narcissism of all of that, which he, in a way, has turned his back on… and in his own weird, small, smelly way, he can sort of chip away at it… or at least piss them off. At least he could get some joy from winding [Taverner] up. It might even appear childish and petty, but I think he takes great pride in ruining her day.
What Oldman’s Comment Means For Slow Horses' Future
Jackson Lamb Probably Won’t Be Evolving Drastically As A Character
Slow Horsesseason 5is now confirmed (and has already been filmed), and Oldman’s comment speaks to how Lamb will factor into the show moving forward. While many characters experience larger character arcs over the course of a show,Lamb essentially remains, as Oldman says elsewhere in the interview above, “a constant.” Audiences seemingly shouldn’t expect Lamb to become a drastically different figure as the show progresses, even if otherSlough House agentsdo.
How Accurate Is Slow Horses? 6 Things The Show Gets Wrong About MI5
Based on the Slough House novels by Mick Herron, Slow Horses isn’t a totally accurate depiction of MI5, though the spy thriller nails some details.
What’s more, Oldman’s comment suggests thatthe turbulent dynamic between Slough House and MI5 also isn’t going anywhere. Hugo Weaving’s Frank Harkness may serve as the primary antagonist in season 4, but MI5 bureaucracy and Kristin Scott Thomas' Diana Taverner will remain overbearing antagonists in a more macro sense. Keeping these constants is probably for the best, as reviews forSlow Horseshave been glowing since season 1.
Slow Horsesseason 4 currently boasts a perfect 100% score onRotten Tomatoesfrom critics.
Our Take On Jackson Lamb In Slow Horses
Gary Oldman’s Character Remains A Highlight
Oldman’s Lamb is the source of much ofSlow Horses' comedy, and his uncaring attitude and flatulence are often hilariously at odds with the extremely serious domestic security threats that form the basis of each season’s story. With season 4 proving to be a hit so far, it’s clear that the Apple TV+ show has found a winning formula with its writing and cast, and it’s evidently for the best that certain dynamics continue moving forward. It’s not clear exactly how much longerSlow Horseswill run for, but it certainly seems like there’s still plenty of road ahead.
New episodes ofSlow Horsesseason 4 release on Wednesdays on Apple TV+.
Slow Horses
Cast
Slow Horses follows a dysfunctional team of MI5 agents led by the notorious Jackson Lamb. Set against the backdrop of the espionage world, the agents must navigate complex operations and defend England from sinister forces, all while dealing with internal struggles and their abrasive boss.
