In the season 4 premiere of the Apple TV+ series Slow Horses, Gary Oldman’s character, Jackson Lamb, confronts what appears to be the death of fellow agent River Cartwright. Oldman, who has portrayed Lamb since 2022, explains that the scene involves Lamb quickly realizing the body isn’t really River’s. The story unfolds around a bombing and River faking his death following an attack, making this moment crucial to the plot and revealing the complexities of the MI5 unit at Slough House.
The Premise of Season 4 and the Role of River Cartwright’s Faked Death
Based on Mick Herron‘s book Spook Street, season 4 features a tense investigation after a bombing. River Cartwright, played by Jack Lowden, fakes his demise after an incident involving his grandfather, which sets the stage for drama and deception. The season premiere includes Emma Flyte, portrayed by Ruth Bradley, contacting Lamb to identify what is believed to be River’s body at a crime scene.
Jackson Lamb’s Immediate Recognition of the Situation
Oldman points out that Lamb knows immediately that the body is not River’s. Watching the scene on an iPad, he shares,
“He realizes here that he’s got an agent out in the field,”
and adds,
“He’s working out what the hell is going on, but he knows that he’s got a rogue agent out there.”
This insight sets the tone for Lamb’s sharp instincts and the unfolding conflicts within the team.
Lamb’s Dark Humor in the Face of Danger
Despite the presumed loss of a team member, Lamb faces the moment with the dry, sarcastic wit that defines him. When asked to identify the supposed body of Cartwright, Lamb quips,
“He used to have a face,”
and later jokes about office dress codes, saying,
“I make them wear clothes in the office.”
Oldman notes that delivering Lamb’s biting lines is “enormous fun,” highlighting the character’s unique blend of humor and toughness.
The Dynamic Between Lamb and Emma Flyte
The sharp, witty exchanges between Jackson Lamb and Emma Flyte also draw laughs. Oldman recalls how he reacted to their dialogue, particularly when Flyte calls Lamb’s team “rejects,” and Lamb retorts by calling them the same. He comments,
“It’s great fun to come in and play with that language,”
reflecting the clever scriptwriting that brings their interactions to life.
Incorporating Favorite Lines from the Source Material
Having studied the original novel, Oldman identified a specific line from Spook Street he hoped would make it into the script. Lamb’s brief interaction with a forensic technician—saying “Look, you missed a bit”—reminds viewers of the detailed work behind investigations. Oldman explains,
“You don’t see it in these shows. There are all the people doing all the forensic stuff, and they normally come in and say what they got. I love that little moment in the book.”
Understanding Jackson Lamb as a Father Figure in a Dysfunctional Unit
Beyond his rough exterior and blunt manner, Lamb serves as a
“father figure of a deeply dysfunctional family,”
Oldman describes. He characterizes Lamb as belonging to a generation where discipline was enforced strictly.
“He comes from a generation where you ruled with an iron rod. You didn’t praise your kids or tell them they were brilliant and could be anything they wanted — you kept them grounded,”
Oldman explains. He also emphasizes Lamb’s loyalty, saying,
“As outrageous as he can be, and as poorly as he handles social norms, he has a very strong moral compass,”
making him protective to the core.
The Unexpected Focus on Flatulence in the Production
One memorable and humorous detail from the filming involves Lamb’s characteristic fart, a bodily expression as unapologetic as his speech. Oldman finds himself deeply invested in how this moment sounds on screen, sharing,
“I never imagined I’d be emailing or calling the director saying things like, ‘I watched the assembly cut, and I think the fart should be more robust.’”
He adds,
“It’s on leather — can we make it sound more muffled, like a leather-muffled fart?”
Laughing, he admits,
“It sounds ridiculous, but those are the kinds of surreal, detailed notes you end up giving. I never thought I’d be writing such precise feedback about flatulence.”
Significance and Expectations for Slow Horses’ Continuing Storyline
Gary Oldman’s insights into Jackson Lamb‘s character deepen the understanding of the series’ complex narrative and character dynamics. River Cartwright’s faked death adds suspense and tests the loyalties within the Slough House team while Lamb’s dark humor and leadership style guide the story’s tone. With Oldman’s portrayal earning critical acclaim and awards recognition, Slow Horses promises continued intrigue and sharp dialogue as it progresses, blending espionage with moments of unexpected comedy and humanity.
