Chris Connor reviews the penultimate episode of Slow Horses season 6…
The pieces finally slot into place in the penultimate episode of Slow Horses’ sixth season. With Sid in the custody of the Russians, River is forced to hijack a civilian vehicle and give chase. It’s a breathless opening as both Sid and River are pushed to the absolute limit by a hitman who would give John Wick a run for his money. Both sides absolutely battered and bruised come the end of it but of course this being River Cartwright, he’s not out of the woods yet.
Lamb and his cohort are on the tail of Damien Cantor, finding he is a Russian stooge, keen to expand his media empire, regardless of the moral implications. Lamb and his opposite, Natasha’s first meeting and cat-and-mouse game are particularly enjoyable. The choice of meeting at a children’s ballet also gives this an old-school spy feel. Speaking of Lamb we are treated to more excellent interplay between Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas, never quite sure who has the upper hand.
The second half of the episode finally answers some of the season’s long-standing questions, with Taverner confirming she used Sid’s identity in the hit in Kazan and with the Russian’s requesting her as revenge, has agreed to hand her over to them. This of course, doesn’t sit well with River and all hell breaks loose. This leads to some of the most explosive action in this season to date in a thrilling denouement. Will this be the last we see of River and Sid together as they say their farewells?
The rest of the Slow Horses are now holed up in the safe house/Taverner’s holiday home, preparing from an onslaught from Harkness and his men (and perhaps Jane). While their role might be smaller, there are still plenty of moments to enjoy from Louis and Shirley’s continued banter and heartfelt moments between Catherine and Reece, they promise to have a larger role in the finale as all roads lead to Suffolk.
Quite how the season will come to its close and if there will be more casualties remains to be seen. Even though it has taken more liberties with Mick Herron’s novels than previous seasons, it retains the spirit of the books and has managed to continue to weave in moments of levity and humour amidst the chaos. This promises to be a truly epic finale with no one safe from the crossfire.
Chris Connor
