Slow Horses - what am I missing?

[Nugg]

I’m really unwell and off work sick and I keep trying this but I’m missing something. Maybe I’m not paying enough attention maybe in my concentration is lapsing but I want to love it because there are so many seasons and I love British TV…

Has anyone else just not loved it?!

I have to say it was the same with this city is ours but I watched it again and absolutely loved it so maybe I need to try a third time with slow horses!

I persevered for several episodes because it was said to be ‘excellent’, but I couldn’t see the attraction or watch anymore.

How strange, I honestly can’t understand how anyone couldn’t bloody love this show. Funny, action-packed, great script, great actors, great filming, great production values… apart from that though, yeah, what’s all the fuss about?

You need to be of good intelligence to watch it and understand it imo 🤷‍♀️😂

Oh that’s clearly why I failed and never got past the first episode.

I read the first book and could not get in to it at all, so haven’t bothered with the tv series.
My DH enjoys both.

Strangely I love the Strike books/tv series but he wasn’t keen on the the books and thought the tv series was just ok.

It’s brilliant imo but we started it three times before it finally clicked. Now I think it’s there with one of the best. Series 2 of this city is ours is superb too but my all time favourite is Peaky fucking blinders.

You need to suspend your disbelief and enjoy the comedy of it

If you spend time thinking "well that would never happen in real life" then it's probably not the series for you.

The series 6 finale was a wild ride!

I agree with 'enjoy the comedy'; for me the characters' interplay and constant insulting of each other is the best bit.

I think all action/spy things are far-fetched, so that part doesn't bother me.
I have to say though, IMO the first couple of seasons are by far the best in terms of crackling dialogue and moments of comedy. The next few lost their way and the most recent one, while better, isn't up to the standards of 1 and 2, I don't think.
I'm still watching it though, albeit largely for the cinematography, particularly of London, and for Diana Taverner.

we have just seen series 4
seen all the others
i really enjoy it

Love it. Read all the books. Loved S6.

Happy to suspend my belief. Black Doves fits the characteristics you describe. I just find Slow Horses doesn’t work for me

I enjoy it but I think its overrated. There's a dearth of excellent programmes for a long time, so as soon as one comes along that's pretty good everyone loses their minds.

Slow Horses is made as good as it is by the cast - it has some excellent actors in key roles.

Love the cast. I think the scripting is really shoddy in a 90s The Bill kind of way. You're not alone!

I too fail to appreciate this series OP.

Best thing I’ve ever watched pretty much.

Each to their own. Love Slow Horses, gave up on Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad.

'I'm still watching it though, albeit largely for the cinematography, particularly of London, and for Diana Taverner.'

Same here. Absolutely love Kristin Scott Thomas and she's just great in this. Gary Oldman is great too but I find Jackson pretty wearing and a very contrived character

I think it's a good show but massively over hyped

Oooh, I loved Breaking Bad

Read all the books. Love the TV show. It is different to other shows that are good in their own right in terms of being good in a formulaic sense. Slow Horses can seem a little jarring in that sense as all the characters are flawed - successful and corrupt or failures with a good heart. I love the dark humour and also the unemotional killing of long standing characters. There one minute and dead the next. No sentimentality or foreshadowing or drawn out death scenes.

Unlike the rest of the world I really hate the Jackson Lamb character – Gary Oldman is a great actor but I find the whole "disgusting, unkind slob is actually incredibly capable spy with a secret heart!" schtick very wearing (and, at times, genuinely nauseating). I also find most of the side characters fairly unpleasant too. But it is extremely well-made and compelling regardless. Also, let's face it: River is v. hot.

S6 was a highlight for me, actually – I thought it was a return to form.

'Unlike the rest of the world I really hate the Jackson Lamb character – Gary Oldman is a great actor but I find the whole "disgusting, unkind slob is actually incredibly capable spy with a secret heart!" schtick very wearing (and, at times, genuinely nauseating)'

I agree totally. He's genuinely disgusting and it's all very contrived. I don't need to like characters to find them interesting but he's just too revolting

Moira was a great addition in season 4

Oh my God, this literally is probably why I can’t get my head round it!

Thank you!

However, having binged black doves and loved it, I’m gonna try again with slow horses. I’ve also bought the first book today.

Like you, I love Black Doves, for which we have to suspend our disbelief. Still can’t see the attraction to Slow Horses.

I’ve read the books and just love it. The characters are spot on. Gary Oldman is brilliant.