The sixth season of the critically acclaimed MI5 drama Slow Horses is generating significant buzz, with many reviewers hailing it as the series’ finest installment to date. Set to premiere on Apple TV on September 16, the new season adapts Joe Country and Slough House, the sixth and seventh novels in Mick Herron’s acclaimed series. This season marks a significant behind-the-scenes transition, with Gaby Chiappe stepping in as head writer, taking over from original showrunner Will Smith.
A Darker, More Dangerous MI5 Landscape
Despite the change in creative leadership, season six promises a return to familiar faces and the signature blend of espionage, dark humor, and character-driven drama that has defined the show. The plot reportedly kicks off with a shocking death, targeting individuals connected to the notorious Slough House, the dumping ground for MI5 agents who have failed spectacularly. Adding to the chaos, the team finds their paychecks inexplicably delayed, a situation that escalates when their leader, Jackson Lamb, played by Gary Oldman, discovers they have all been mysteriously erased from the MI5 database.
Critical Acclaim for Season Six
Early reviews suggest that the new season not only maintains the high standards of its predecessors but potentially surpasses them. Ben Dowell of The Times described the season as potentially “the best yet,” acknowledging its “decidedly gloomy” mood while praising its “thrilling storytelling and some deftly applied comedy.” Dowell also highlighted the introduction of a “new character” named Reece Nesmith, portrayed by Lenny Rush, as a standout addition.
Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com echoed this sentiment, calling season six “its best outing to date” and commending the show’s exceptional pacing. “There’s no 6-episode anything on television this year that hums like the sixth season of Slow Horses, an outing that’s entertaining, suspenseful, and honestly moving,” Tallerico stated. He added a note of relief, mentioning a prior concern that the series might be losing its rhythm after season five, but now feels optimistic about its longevity.
Nicole Gallucci, writing for Decider.com, pointed to the production strategy of filming back-to-back seasons as a key factor in the current season’s success. This approach, where writers worked on scripts for the upcoming season while filming the current one, appears to have paid off handsomely. Gallucci asserted that Slow Horses “consistently cements itself as one of television’s most compelling, high-quality shows,” labeling season six “another masterpiece that raises the bar with sharp writing, standout performances, and deliciously dark humor.”
Rewarding Loyal Viewers
Carly Lane of Collider noted the strategic decision to reintroduce beloved characters from previous seasons, viewing it as a deliberate reward for the show’s dedicated fanbase. “Season 6’s resurrection of past fan-favorites is one of the reasons it’s both thrilling and surprisingly comforting to watch,” Lane explained. She further elaborated that these narrative choices are “inextricably connected to some of the show’s biggest moments to date,” suggesting that while new viewers might need to catch up on prior seasons, this approach deeply resonates with long-term followers.
Lane also singled out Jack Lowden, whose performance as River Cartwright was described as “as terrific as ever,” and hailed the role as “one of his best-ever.” David Brown of Radio Times awarded the season four stars, characterizing it as a “high-wire act of laughs and thrills.” He particularly appreciated the show’s ability to balance high-stakes action with its quieter moments, where character dynamics and Jackson Lamb’s often abrasive interactions with his team make it “the funniest workplace comedy on television.”
What to Expect in Season Six
The upcoming season of Slow Horses will consist of six episodes, with new installments premiering weekly on Apple TV from September 16 through October 21. The narrative appears poised to delve deeper into the internal machinations of MI5 and the precarious existence of its most disgraced agents, all under the watchful, cynical eye of Jackson Lamb. The combination of a high-stakes mystery, the return of fan-favorite characters, and the introduction of new talent suggests that season six is set to deliver another compelling chapter in this highly regarded spy drama.
The series, based on Mick Herron’s novels, has consistently been praised for its sharp dialogue, complex plotting, and the magnetic performance of its ensemble cast, led by Gary Oldman. The critical reception for season six indicates that Slow Horses continues to be a benchmark for intelligent, character-driven television, offering a unique blend of suspense and dark humor that keeps audiences eagerly anticipating each new release.
