Slow Horses Review: Follies (Season 1 Episode 6)
The first season comes to an end with Slow Horses Season 1 Episode 6, “Follies,” and it’s a bit boring.
By following around the kidnappers, we know exactly what will happen when the Dogs and Slough House catch up with them. There’s no excitement leading up to Hassan’s rescue, not that there’s ever been a time when the kidnappers’ storyline was exciting.
Usually, Slow Horses is able to get around that issue by having some tension and intrigue building in the storylines involving the people we actually care about — the Slough House group. However, there’s not much happening with them, as their sole focus is on catching up to the kidnappers and rescuing Hassan.
So, we’re left with a bit of a lackluster season finale. It’s not completely dreadful by any means, but overall, it’s nothing special. The best parts of it involve the moments that appear to be setting up mysteries for Season 2 to uncover.
Also, was anyone else surprised to see Season 2 footage at the end? Here’s hoping that means we get it soon because, yes, I enjoy the show enough to stick around to see what happens next season. Don’t you?
First up, there’s Sid not being dead and not being Sid Baker.
This is the most thrilling development. Despite her only being in two episodes, she made an impression. We care about her and are invested in her well-being — and learning more about why she was sent to Slough House. Now, there’s even more mystery involved because she went under an alias that’s been scrubbed from the hospital and The Park.
Honesty, I have zero theories as to what is going on here, but I cannot wait for River to begin his investigation. You know he’s going to do it all on his own too because that’s who he is. Hopefully, Season 2 focuses a good chunk on finding out what’s going on with Sid Baker, whoever she truly is.
The whole Charles mystery has been an annoyance. Every time Catherine would have a flashback or bring it up, I just wanted someone to tell her, so we could move on from it and focus on literally anything else.
It never seemed important enough to what is currently happening to merit the kind of focus that it got. However, the truth of Jackson killing him and his conversation in the car with River’s grandfather adds some value.
Their conversation seems to suggest that they don’t want The Park finding out about what they just did — spoiler alert, The Park or at least Diana obviously did — which is suspicious considering that’s who they work for.
None of this makes the Charles and Catherine aspect interesting, but the potential for a secret group working within The Park that has a separate agenda is definitely curious, and I want to find out more.
What did you think of the finale of Slow Horses? Will you be tuning in to Season 2? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
Slow Horses is now streaming on Apple TV+.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
Allison Nichols
Allison is in a love affair with television that doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. Slightly damaged fictional characters are her weakness. She loves to spend her free time curled up with a cat and a show to binge-watch. Allison is a Tomatometer-approved critic (Rotten Tomatoes).
One thought on “Slow Horses Review: Follies (Season 1 Episode 6)”
I enjoyed the many layers of irony at play: the show seems to enjoy holding a prism up to examine the facets of the characters, and then reversing your assumptions with a very British slap on the head. Jackson is slovenly and revolting, but cunning as a fox and despite his obnoxious manners you can’t help but like the old rogue with his taciturn pessimism and unique ability to sour every moment with a put-down. He is a cynical bastard and hard-bitten, but not without reason as is slowly revealed. You can’t help but wonder what would make a man find a career at Slough House tolerable, and his preference for keeping it, and all who inhabit it, miserable. Intriguingly and masterfully played by Gary Oldman. The irony is that over the course of 6 episodes, we come to like him, especially when he uses the same manners and irreverence on Diana. We come to prefer his cynical jibes over her cold, sophisticated glamour, perfect coiture and sharp-eyed self-interest. You feel that you may be crushed underfoot with one turn of her polished heel but kicked to the gutter by Jackson’s well-worn shoe to save your life.
Comments are closed.