Adaptation of Deadline's material about the new season of the series “Slow Horses,” where Gary Oldman returns to the already iconic role of spy Jackson Lamb.
The fourth season of the series “Slow Horses” debuts on Apple TV+ on September 4. Deadline met with the main star, Emmy-nominated Gary Oldman, and executive producer Douglas Urbanski to find out what to expect from the continuation. We have translated and adapted their conversation for you.
The text contains spoilers for the third season of the series “Slow Horses”
About the First Details of the New Season
Led by Oldman, playing the stubborn (and often foul-smelling) intelligence genius Jackson Lamb, they continue their journey despite being sent to the gloomy Slough House office, far from the main MI5 headquarters in Regent's Park.
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Open materialAt the SAG event dedicated to the screening of “Slow Horses,” Oldman called working on the series “the high point of his career.” He added:
I've been luckier than many. I feel immense gratitude. I'm almost 67, and I'm incredibly happy to be part of such a good show and this team.
“Slow Horses” received nine Emmy nominations for the third season, based on the novel “Real Tigers” by Mick Herron. The fourth season will be based on the fourth book — “Spook Street.”
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Open materialOldman described the opening of the new season:
We spent the Christmas holidays. You'll notice there are bits of tinsel hanging around, a dried-out Christmas tree. Lamb is on a bender. That's how we first meet me. I've probably been drinking Christmas drinks alone for three days, most likely at my house. And you'll see where I live. This is the first time we'll fully see Lamb outside of Slough House. There's a lot of interesting stuff ahead.
At the end of the third season, Lamb revealed to Standish (Saskia Reeves) that her beloved Charles Partner, who was mysteriously shot in the bathroom, was actually a traitor. In response, Standish resigned. Oldman noted:
Remember, at the end of the third season she left. Now where is she? We're not sure. But she's definitely involved…
About New Characters
In the third season, Taverner (Kristin Scott Thomas) was ready to take the post of First Secretary, but in the fourth season her plans are disrupted by a new character played by James Callis (from “Battlestar Galactica”). Here's what Oldman said about Callis's performance:
It's unique. You think if I tried to do what James does, it would be too exaggerated or just ridiculous.
Also in the third season, the much-hated Duffy (Chris Reilly) had an “accident,” and in the fourth season his place will be taken by Emma Flight. She will be played by Ruth Bradley (from the series “Ted Lasso”).
The cast will also be joined by Hugo Weaving (franchises “The Matrix,” “The Lord of the Rings”).
About Jackson Lamb
Producer Douglas Urbanski has worked with Gary Oldman for 33 years, producing many of his films, including “Darkest Hour,” for which the actor won an Oscar. When “Slow Horses” first landed on Urbanski's desk, it seemed almost fateful: they had recently discussed what Oldman might do next.
Gary Oldman was sitting on my couch. He said, “Can I get a role where there are no prosthetics, wigs, costume changes, where I can use my accent?” I replied, “That's very difficult.” He said, “Maybe something with spies?” I said, “That's also difficult.” A week later, “Slow Horses” landed on my desk. And then I read the script on the plane.
Lamb is a character full of nuances, who seems sleepy and grumpy but always ends up several steps ahead of everyone, including MI5 management. Oldman noted:
He gives the impression that he doesn't care. In fact, he cares about everything more than those around him. When he sits with his feet on the table, everyone thinks he's dozing. In reality, that's when he's thinking and working.
Oldman also hinted that in the fifth season, which has already been filmed and is based on the fifth book “London Rules,” even more details about Lamb will be revealed.
We just finished filming the fifth season, and there is another “layer” that will be revealed. You'll learn a little more about what happened, and that information will help understand why Lamb is the way he is.
Herron has written eight books, so if the show is renewed beyond the fifth season, there is potential for continuation based on the literature.
About the Team and Production
Will Smith (not that one, but from “Veep”) is the writer and executive producer of the show and is also Emmy-nominated. Oldman and Urbanski praised Smith's work:
You have six episodes, six hours. You're trying to fit an elephant into a phone booth. You're trying to convey all the information without losing anything. And, of course, Will adds his own special style. Over four years, he has learned who plays their roles how, and can adapt the script to each actor.
Each season of the show is directed by a single director, and in the fourth season it is Adam Randall (“The Quiet Ones”). Oldman said:
I think he did an absolutely brilliant job.
As for the future of the show, Douglas Urbanski assured that they will continue to create episodes that will be true to the stories and characters:
Each season will have its own unique signature, and we will not break contact with the audience. You will learn new information about the characters, some of them will die, and others will appear.
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