Chris Connor reviews the second episode of Slow Horses season 4…
The opening episode of Slow Horses’ fourth season wasted no time in delivering its share of surprises and action. For much of the episode the audience is lead to believe that one of our central protagonists River Cartwright has been shot by his ailing grandfather David. This raises the question of who his grandfather actually shot and what has led River to France?
We open with a flashback of what happened upon River’s actual revival. This contains some of Jack Lowden and Jonathan Pryce’s best work as the service legend and his grandson. Not much needs to be said but this is a fully believable sequence and the slow buildup of the pair’s relationship has been laying the foundations for this moment. While David has been a more peripheral character to date as in Mick Herron’s novel it is a welcome sight to see his background explored more here with Pryce on terrific form. The opening ten minutes simply featuring the pair is no less gripping than an ensemble action sequence.
The Park meanwhile are investigating the Westacres bombing and identity of Robert Winters who it turns out may have been a service issued identity. Diana Taverner looking to keep this under wraps. The Claude/Taverner double act once again proves a delight with James Callis a a welcome addition to the cast.
This is while Lamb, Standish and Cartwright Sr are recouping at Catherine’s flat, planning their next move. River’s investigation into the French town of Lavendres leads to a fish out of water situation and is one of the few examples of the show going overseas with so much of it focused on British security. Pitting River on his own (once again) also adds an extra layer. Here we get our first glimpse at Hugo Weaving as the mysterious Frank Harkness, an American hiding out in France, how does he fit into the wider picture?
This is another terrific instalment into what is already promising to be a standout season in a highly consistent show. It may be lighter on action but it is full of suspense, answering some of the questions posed by the series opener yet raising a whole heap more.
Chris Connor
