Slow Horses Review: Fiasco (Season 1 Episode 5)

On Slow Horses Season 1 Episode 5, “Fiasco,” River may have something that can prevent Diana from placing the blame on Slough House, but, naturally, getting that piece of evidence is easier said than done.

Admittedly, Jackson and River pull together a pretty impressive plan to break into The Park. There are multiple distractions as well as an element of surprise. Slough House manages to pull one over on the fancy Park employees, which I’d love to see happen on every episode.

River strolling into Diana’s office with the photos after she thinks he’s been apprehended is applause-worthy. I have watched that moment three times now. Diana and the cocky Park employees deserve to be knocked down a peg or two, and River and Jackson are more than willing to be the ones to do it.

Jackson provides so much comedic relief during “Fiasco,” which helps break up the tension that is prevalent throughout the episode. Also, it honestly makes me like him even more. From him blaring The Proclaimers as he strolls up to The Park to his banter with Diana, he is on top of his game, both spy-wise and sarcasm-wise.

His sarcasm is so much more enjoyable now that we know him a bit better. Jackson still maintains his grouchy vibe, as evident in his speech to his Slough House team, but we know him well enough now to see past it and realize he isn’t simply being malicious.

Also, it helps that we also dislike Diana and her various employees at The Park, so watching Jackson mess with them is beyond amusing.

Unfortunately for all of us, the kidnapper storyline takes up a good chunk of “Fiasco.” We’re forced to follow them around, not learning anything more about them other than the self-proclaimed leader is still completely unhinged.

The point of their storyline is a bit murky. Occasionally there is a bit of tension, such as at the petrol station when Hassan is forced to be the one to fill up the tank, but we don’t gain anything from spending time with them.

It would’ve been more beneficial to focus on Catherine’s section of Slough House as they work towards rescuing Hassan. We barely spend time with them during the episode, and focusing on them would’ve been more entertaining and worthwhile.

It’s always interesting when the group dynamics shift due to something, and in this case, it’s the fact that Jackson and River are gone. They both usually take charge of the situation, and so without them, there’s a power vacuum and Catherine steps up.

Hopefully, we get to see more of this section of Slough House a bit during the finale, Slow Horses Season 1 Episode 6, “Follies,” before they re-group with Jackson and River.

Top Tier Jackson Lamb Quotes from “Fiasco:”

• “I don’t normally do these kinds of speeches, but this feels like a big moment, and if this all turns to shit, I might not see any of you again. You’re fucking useless, the lot of you. Working with you has been the lowest point in a disappointing career.”
• “You pulled a gun on me.” “No, I delegated that, and any court of law will tell you there’s a difference.”
• “Fuck, I’ve just remembered. There was something I meant to tell you as soon as I walked in. The car that I returned, the one that is parked in the basement? It’s got a bomb in the boot.”
• “Who the fuck have you just sent to the basement?”

What did you think of this episode of Slow Horses? Is anyone else in denial about Sid being dead? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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New episodes of Slow Horses premiere Fridays on Apple TV+.

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