Slow Horses returns to Apple TV on September 16 and season six of the MI5 drama is receiving rave reviews.
Based on Joe Country and Slough House, the sixth and seventh in Mick Herron’s book series, the new series of episodes is the first written by Gaby Chiappe, who has taken over as head writer from original showrunner Will Smith.
While a changing of the guard takes place behind the scenes, season six sees some familiar faces return to Slough House, thanks to a dramatic, twisty storyline.
Someone is killing everyone connected to Slough House, with the first episode opening with the shocking death of a familiar face.
Meanwhile, the misfit intelligence officers who are still serving and alive are experiencing a frustrating delay in their paychecks. When Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman) investigates, he discovers that he and his team have been mysteriously erased from the MI5 database.
Write for The Times, Ben Dowell has declared that series six ‘might be the best yet, even if the mood is decidedly somber in Slough House’.
Slow Horses returns to Apple TV on September 16 and season six of the MI5 drama is receiving rave reviews
Based on Joe Country and Slough House, the sixth and seventh in Mick Herron’s book series, the new series of episodes is the first written by Gaby Chiappe. Pictured: Kristin Scott Thomas
“There are exciting stories and deftly deployed comedy, and this is always lifted whenever Oldman appears on screen,” Dowell continues before singling out “excellent new character” Reece Nesmith, played by Lenny Rush.
Brian Tallerico for RogerEbert.com agreed that this “might be the best outing yet”, and praised the show’s pacing.
“There’s no six-part episode on television this year that’s as buzzing as the sixth season of Slow Horses, an outing that’s entertaining, exciting and honestly moving.”
“After season five, I was a little concerned that ‘Horses’ was losing its cadence; now I’m ready to watch it for another ten years.’
Nicole Gallucci for Decider.com pointed out that the show’s decision to create back-to-back seasons — with the writers working on scripts for the upcoming season while filming — really makes this season worth it.
“It consistently positions itself as one of the most compelling and high-quality programs on television,” Gallucci said.
“So it should come as no surprise that less than a year after the Season 5 finale aired, Season 6 of Slow Horses is yet another masterpiece that raises the bar with sharp writing, striking performances and deliciously dark humor.”
Carly Lane for Collider praised the decision to bring back old faces as a reward for loyal, long-standing viewers.
Reviews singled out ‘excellent new character’ Reece Nesmith, played by Lenny Rush, pictured with Christopher Chung
“There are thrilling stories and deftly deployed comedy, and this is always lifted when Oldman appears on screen,” wrote one critic
“The resurrection of previous fan favorites in Season 6 is one of the reasons it’s both exciting and surprisingly comforting to watch,” Lane said, adding that these episodes are “inextricably linked to some of the show’s biggest moments yet.”
“While that means viewers will definitely have to catch up on previous seasons rather than trying to jump in from a new starting point, it’s a narrative choice that rewards the fans who have been committed to the series since the very beginning.”
She added that Jack Lowden, a frontrunner to take over the role of Bond, is “as wonderful as ever to watch, calling River Cartwright” one of his best roles ever.
The Radio TimesDavid Brown wrote a four-star review, stating that “it’s another hilarious act of laughter and suspense,” adding that “in the quieter moments, when resentment festers and Lamb abuses his subordinates, Slow Horses remains the funniest workplace comedy on television.”
Stream Slow Horses season six, episode one, starting September 16 on Apple TV. New episodes of the six-part series appear weekly until October 21.
