Will Smith, creator of 'Slow Horses', joins Chris and Andy to discuss the show's fast production schedule, working with Gary Oldman, and the balance between future stories and current narrative. They also compare character dynamics in the book to casting choices in the show.
Each season of 'Slow Horses' brings something new to the table, exploring fresh storytelling elements while staying rooted in the world of Slough House.
The cast of 'Slow Horses' delivers impeccable performances, fully embodying their characters and making it a joy to watch.
'Slow Horses' expertly balances tone by blending genres, incorporating humor into a serious world, drawing inspiration from Le Carre, Iannucci, and American dramas like The Sopranos and The Shield.
Deep dives
The Slow Horses series provides a different sandbox each season
The Slow Horses series offers a unique creative opportunity where each season feels distinct from the previous ones. The books by Mick Herron provide a roadmap for the seasons, but each one brings something new to the table. From the different visual looks and settings to evolving character dynamics and new pairings, the show continues to explore fresh storytelling elements while staying rooted in the world of Slough House.
The commitment and enthusiasm of the cast
The cast of Slow Horses, led by Gary Oldman, brings a tremendous amount of dedication and enthusiasm to their roles. They fully embody their characters and bring them to life with impeccable performances. From the transformative physicality of Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb to the nuanced portrayals of other cast members like Saskia Reeves and Freddy Fox, the actors truly elevate the material and make it a joy to watch.
Balancing tone and blending genres
Slow Horses expertly balances tone by blending genres, incorporating humor into a serious world. The show draws inspiration from various sources, such as Le Carre's spy novels, Armando Iannucci's satirical works, and American dramas like The Sopranos and The Shield. It's this blend of drama, humor, and action that gives Slow Horses its distinct and entertaining tone.
The ever-evolving world and characters
The Slow Horses series continuously evolves, both in terms of the world it depicts and the characters it follows. Each season introduces new challenges, villains, and slow horses, keeping the story fresh and unpredictable. The presence of a high body count adds excitement and allows for new casting opportunities. The show's commitment to depicting characters with flaws and vulnerabilities adds depth and makes the storytelling even more compelling.
Clever use of London settings and fictional politics
Slow Horses cleverly uses the diverse settings of London to create an atmospheric and visually interesting backdrop for the story. The show also plays with fictional politics, commenting on contemporary events without directly replicating them. Instead, it presents its own version of political figures and events, allowing for commentary and reflection on real-world issues while maintaining its own distinct narrative.
Chris and Andy talk about the finale of 'Slow Horses' Season 3, and how the show is set up to be able to try different types of storytelling with each season (1:00). Then, they are joined by show creator Will Smith to talk about how they have been able to put out a new season every six months (17:28), and working with Gary Oldman to bring the character of Jackson Lamb to life (35:30).
