Apple TV+ continues to deliver with Slow Horses, a British spy thriller that has captured the attention of fans since its premiere in 2022. Based on a series of highly-regarded books, this show offers a compelling narrative with complex characters and plenty of intrigue. With Season 4 in full swing, Episode 2 dropped on September 4th, 2024, and while it keeps the story moving, it’s not without its flaws. Let’s dive into the details of Slow Horses Season 4, Episode 2.
Another Decent Episode
Titled A Stranger Comes to Town, this episode focuses on River Cartwright, whose life is saved by a mysterious figure named Jean D’Eau. This unknown character pulls River from a burning building, leaving us with more questions than answers about who he really is. While we don’t get much on Jean D’Eau yet, the show hints that danger is looming for Jackson Lamb (played by Gary Oldman), though Lamb seems characteristically unphased.
Another Decent Episode
Credits: Apple TV+
The show drops clues that Lamb may have crossed paths with his potential attacker during his days in the field, suggesting that this could be a personal vendetta. Lamb’s rough-around-the-edges personality has likely earned him a long list of enemies, so the idea that someone from his past could be after him adds a layer of suspense.
A Shaky Ending
While Episode 2 has its highlights, it doesn’t quite pack the same punch as the season’s first episode. The narrative introduces new subplots and characters, like Moira Tregorian, who mysteriously finds herself part of Slough House. Her presence raises questions about her background and what she could bring to the table in future episodes.
A Shaky Ending
Credits: Apple TV+
One of the key moments of the episode involves Giti Rahman discovering that the explosives were planted by someone with MI5 connections. The use of an MI5 ID hints at deep, dangerous ties within the organization, but Taverner decides to keep this explosive (pun intended) information under wraps, likely to avoid the chaos it could cause.
Meanwhile, back at Slough House, the team believes River is dead, causing a ripple of panic among the characters. Though there are several intriguing subplots in play, the pacing of the episode feels a bit off, with a rushed ending that doesn’t hit as hard as expected.
Conclusion
Overall, Slow Horses Season 4 Episode 2 offers a solid continuation of the story, but it falls short of the thrill delivered in the first episode. The plot developments surrounding the mysterious Jean D’Eau, the looming danger for Lamb, and the MI5 connection keep things interesting, but the episode’s ending feels rushed and a bit mundane. While it’s still an enjoyable watch, it’s not the standout moment many fans might have hoped for. Hopefully, the upcoming episodes will bring back the high stakes and tension we’ve come to expect from Slow Horses.