Slow Horses Season 2 Episode 6 Review: Old Scores
Slow Horses Season 2 Episode 6, “Old Scores,” is aptly named as we discover the reason Katinsky has targeted Jackson and Slough House. To say the reason is unexpected is an understatement, but it does make sense as to why Jackson was targeted.
Katinsky has agreed to help the FSB in exchange for information on Charles’ death and the condition that Jackson and his team would suffer. While I don’t completely grasp some of the nuances of Jackson and Katinsky’s history, Slow Horses manages to get the big picture across.
Jackson and Katinsky’s exchange probably makes a lot more sense to those who have read the books, but in the end, a slight bit of confusion on the specifics doesn’t hinder the storyline all that much. It’s just a lot of information to drop on us at once.
It’s amusing that we learned about Jackson and River’s grandfather being responsible for Charles’ death during Slow Horses Season 1 Episode 6, “Follies,” and it comes back into play in the Season 2 finale. It’s a nice bit of symmetry.
“Old Scores” is another tense episode as we watch everyone race around and try to stop the Russians. Despite Roddy’s ill-advised surveillance on the train, it is exciting to mix things up and watch him out in the field.
It is initially baffling as to why River’s still in Upshott and not racing to get back to London and help his team.
Katinsky: I wanted the professional humiliation of you and your team.
Jackson: Well that was a waste of effort. My team have already professionally humiliated themselves. That’s why they’re my team.
Of course, we don’t know how long after initially calling in the Code September he sits there before he discovers the bomb isn’t on the plane but based on everyone else’s storylines, it seems like he’s there a while and feels no urgency to head back to London.
The discovery of the bomb’s location and the threat to his grandfather eventually make his lingering presence in Upshott make sense, but not before we’re confused as to why he hadn’t left yet.
The series could’ve shuffled some storylines around or managed its time a bit better to make it seem as if River isn’t idly sitting by, doing nothing, while everyone else is in need of assistance.
It’s hard to tell at times if Jackson Lamb figures everything out himself or if he’s clued in by his team via phone calls that we don’t get to see him receive. River calling to update him on the bomb threat being a rouse wouldn’t be out of the question, but we don’t know for sure if that’s what happened.
With River’s grandfather, we at least get confirmation that Jackson figured that out on his own, most likely due to him making the connection after learning that someone signed his name when they brought Katinsky in initially.
While you could claim us not knowing for sure adds to the mysticism of Jackson Lamb, a little clarity would be nice.
River: I left you a message specifically saying not to answer the door.
David Cartwright: Yes, well he’s dead and I’m not. What more do you want? I’m going to put the kettle on, and you can tell me who I just killed.
We don’t need to witness the entire phone conversations where someone brings him up to speed, but we could see either River start to call him or Jackson accepting a call from River before cutting away to another scene.
If you weren’t sold on Slow Horses after Season 1, Slow Horses Season 2 proves that this is one of the best spy thrillers of the year. The show learned from its mistakes and managed to deliver a compelling mystery/case that kept us on the edge of our seats all season.
Knowing that it’s already been renewed for Seasons 3 and 4 allows us to breathe a little easier; this isn’t the end for our favorite misfits. I can’t wait to see what they get up to next.
Stray Thoughts
- Kelly demanding that River pay for petrol is so good. I love her.
- Marcus, you did a very good job; we’re all proud of you.
- I love the Slough House minimal funeral for Min. They break some rules to honor him and say nothing.
What did you think of the Slow Horses Season 2 finale? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Slow Horses Season 2 is now streaming on Apple TV+.
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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).