As a veteran critic with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that Slow Horses is a series not to be missed. The show’s nuanced characters and intricate plotlines are a breath of fresh air in the sea of generic spy dramas we’ve grown accustomed to.
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The character known as “Low Horses” has reappeared, and a new, dangerous threat is rising from the shadowy Cold War era, potentially tarnishing the Security Service’s reputation. Can this threat be averted? This hinges significantly on a woman in her sixties, dressed in a worried cardigan, Catherine Standish – a former assistant to Jackson Lamb, who is known for his flatulence and fierce gruffness. She is also a recovering alcoholic.
Standish is the one who bears the brunt of Lamb’s harsh jests and his poor hygiene habits. Interestingly, this is a relationship that seems to hold significance for him. As Reeves puts it, “Gary and I discussed this right from the start. They each know about the other’s past and understand each other on a deeper level. I see them as more ‘analog’ characters rather than digital ones. They may not be equally intelligent, but Standish has a strong emotional intelligence.”
Previously, I found myself freed from abductors and unveiled a startling truth – my ex-supervisor at MI5, Charles Partner, whom I admired immensely, had secretly worked for the Soviets during the Cold War and met an untimely death at the hands of my current superior, Lamb. Contrary to his on-screen portrayal, Oldman appears less menacing in real life, according to Reeves. “No, he’s not physically unappealing,” says Reeves, known for his work on BBC’s ‘Wolf Hall’ and ‘Shetland’. “There are instances when I read the script and think, ‘They wouldn’t dare go there?'” remarks Reeves. “Gary is showing remarkable courage in it. He’s not hiding behind padding; he’s laying himself bare, and that motivates me as well.”
It’s hard, as a woman of a certain age, to get your voice heard
Despite Oldman having a pleasant aroma in person, Slough House, the headquarters of Slow Horses, hardly exudes the same charm. As Reeves discloses, the attention to detail in the production design is remarkable. There are cobwebs on the window ledge, the radiators are corroded, the kitchen is filthy and the fridge reeks – it’s truly outstanding.
At the age of 63 (August), Reeves is three years younger than Oldman, and he has recognized his exceptional talent since the start of his career. “Gary was a contemporary of mine when he was based in London. I saw him at the Royal Court. I followed all his early TV work. I knew him to be this dynamic, distinct, daring, fearless actor, and I admired his spirit of liberation. He didn’t appear to be constrained by the other challenges we were facing as aspiring actors.” (Paraphrased)
Her character Standish is reserved and quiet, yet possesses an unwavering sense of moral integrity – traits that some of the male characters in the show undervalue. Reeves comments, “I think it’s a common trait for women of her era when their hair turns gray, they become somewhat overlooked.” There are instances where Roddy Ho (a resident computer geek and sexist character) dismisses Catherine so carelessly that one wonders, “If she weren’t plagued by self-doubt and personal struggles, she’d likely be a superior spy to all of you.” I admire this aspect of her character. The feats she achieves and the thrill she derives from being involved in the action make her a truly intriguing figure.
In the show “Slow Horses,” the character played by Kristin Scott Thomas, who is in her mid-60s, faces challenges often encountered by women and older individuals in various industries. Despite these hurdles, she manages to shine against the backdrop of ageism and sexism. This series, however, does not shy away from showcasing its mature characters. Alongside Jack Lowden as River Cartwright, key figures include Gary Oldman, 64, David, played by Jonathan Pryce at 77 years old, and Kristin Scott Thomas herself.
She implies that names like those attached to “Slow Horses” are usually indicative of a successful show. “I learned that Gary and Kristin were involved, just as we entered lockdown in 2020,” she recalls. “It was the summer, and I felt uneasy about what lay ahead; our financial situation and uncertain future. But then, my inner voice suggested, ‘Saskia, you’ve been cast alongside Gary Oldman. They’ll ensure its success. They won’t let him go. Don’t worry, it will be alright.'”
Four seasons into the show, everything continues to be top-notch, largely due to the exceptional chemistry between Reeves and Oldman. It’s rare to find a series that maintains its freshness and originality, but this one certainly does. As I watched it, I was pleasantly surprised, thinking, “Wow, this is exceptional! They’ve managed to keep things unpredictable.”
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2024-08-30 16:35