Watching television for a living isn’t always the glamorous experience people imagine. It’s a sea of forgettable programs, a blur of half-remembered dramas and fleeting reality shows. That’s why something truly exceptional stands out – and Gary Oldman’s *Slow Horses* is undeniably exceptional. The season five finale wasn’t just good; it was brilliant.
The finale, titled “Scars,” masterfully wrapped up the Libyan terrorist plot, maintaining the series’ signature wit and sharp edge. But it went further, deepening our understanding of beloved characters and delivering a satisfyingly brutal comeuppance to a particularly smug villain. It wasn’t simply about stopping a threat; it became a deeply personal quest for revenge.
The storyline cleverly transformed a grand scheme – extorting £100 million – into a high-stakes, intensely personal mission. And yes, it provided ample opportunity for River Cartwright, played by Jack Lowden, to prove his competence with a thrilling, Tom Cruise-esque display of field work. It was a welcome change to see River finally live up to his potential after a season of feeling largely ineffective.
However, the true heart of the episode lay in its character work. Jackson Lamb’s sardonic remark – “I’d take prison over dating Roddy” – was a highlight, but the real power came from the confrontations and revelations. The tension between Lamb and First Desk Claude Whelan was electric, a clash between cunning and incompetence.
Whelan’s plan to frame the Slow Horses for his own failures was audacious, but ultimately undone by his failure to heed the fundamental “London Rule”: cover your own backside. Lamb, operating by the “Moscow Rule” – watch your back – expertly blackmailed Whelan, forcing him to take the fall. Seeing Whelan’s downfall was immensely satisfying.
This confrontation offered a rare glimpse into the core of Jackson Lamb. We’ve known him as a ruthlessly effective agent, fiercely protective of his team, the “Joes.” But the finale revealed the depth of that protection, the genuine affection beneath his gruff exterior. Why else would he demand the reinstatement of Molly and Roddy? Why force Whelan’s exposure when years of blackmail could have been lucrative?
The most poignant moment arrived with the reveal of Lamb’s scarred feet. The flashback to his harrowing story – a tale of Cold War torture, of unimaginable loss – suddenly took on a visceral reality. The image of a torturer’s blowtorch, the agonizing hours spent standing, explained the man Lamb had become.
He was a man who endured horrors for his country, now forced to witness its security entrusted to those utterly incapable of protecting it. Writer Will Smith masterfully offered this glimpse into Lamb’s past without sacrificing the character’s carefully constructed mystique. It was a powerful, resonant reveal.
And thankfully, *Slow Horses* doesn’t leave viewers hanging for years between seasons. A preview of season six promises an even more intense ride for the Slow Horses team. The finale delivered everything a fan could want: humor, action, compelling characters, and the assurance of more to come. It’s a bit like stating the obvious – water is wet, air is breathable, and *Slow Horses* is simply brilliant television.
