Slow Horses Season 6, Episode 1 Review — 'Circle of Life'

This review contains full spoilers for Slow Horses Season 6, Episode 1, which is streaming on Apple TV now. The sixth season of Slow Horses returns with confirmation of a new chapter, featuring two of Mick Herron's Slough House novels. Despite losing its creator and head writer, Will Smith, the show maintains its signature style, albeit perhaps a bit too self-consciously.

The opening episode, "Circle of Life," sets the stage for the central mystery, as the Slow Horses are targeted, with several MI5 agents disappearing and their paychecks ceasing. Jackson Lamb, played by Gary Oldman, goes on strike, drinking red wine at an Italian restaurant below Slough House. First Chair Diana Taverner, played by Kristin Scott Thomas, seems involved in the expungement of Slough House but isn't entirely forthcoming.

River Cartwright, portrayed by Jack Lowden, is struggling with grief over the death of his grandfather, David, played by Jonathan Pryce, as he plans the funeral. The show maintains its unique blend of wit and sentimentality, even if it may be trying a bit too hard to adhere to its own formula. The ensemble cast remains fantastic, with characters like Roddy Ho (Christopher Chung) remaining consistently amusing.

However, the series could benefit from being a bit more confident in its storytelling, without constantly looking to the audience for approval. With a lot of storylines to juggle and only five episodes left, Slow Horses must cover material from two books, creating a challenge in weaving together seemingly unrelated clues, such as the Russian finance botfarm raid, the spy killings, River's father Frank Harkness, and the secret money dealings of politician Peter Judd.