Warning: Spoilers for the “Slow Horses” series and the novels. Season 5 of “Slow Horses” is set to delve deeper into one of the show’s original characters. The critically acclaimed Apple TV+ spy dramedy has just released its fourth season, which revolves around River Cartwright (portrayed by Jack Lowden) staging his own demise and introduces the central mystery involving a series of bombings in London. However, in the premiere episode of Season 4, Roddy Ho (played by Christopher Chung) appears largely indifferent to River’s supposed death, despite their long-standing collaboration.
In an interview with *GamesRadar+*, Christopher Chung reveals what lies ahead for Roddy Ho in the already-confirmed fifth season. Chung, a series regular since its inception, expresses his long-standing desire for his character to take center stage, a wish that has now surpassed his initial hopes. He praises writer and executive producer Will Smith for the upcoming season’s focus on Roddy and discusses the show’s future trajectory:
“The focus on Roddy is significantly amplified, much like in the book. There’s a lot more of me, and I might even showcase a dance move or two [laughs]. Every character gets their moment in the spotlight, which is fantastic. Having read the six or seven books available when I was cast, I was eager for us to reach Season 5 due to ‘London Rules” emphasis on Roddy. When the season got the green light, it was thrilling. Will [Smith] has crafted it to be everything I wished for and more.”
“It’s a situation where you exit the party while the lights are still dim – and right now, we are very much enjoying the music in the dark. You want to leave the audience wanting more, not feeling short-changed. This show, with all its questions and adventures, provides endless opportunities for the slow horses. I’m delighted to continue.”
Slow Horses Season 5 Will Center on a Controversial Character
Roddy Has Largely Been a Supporting Character So Far
The book synopsis for “Slow Horses” Season 5 ventures into spoiler territory. The upcoming season, drawn from Mick Herron’s novel “London Rules,” involves a plot where Roddy’s life is at risk. This transition will elevate Chung’s character from a mostly supporting role, often providing comic relief, to a leading position. Below is more about “London Rules,” courtesy of Penguin Random House:
“At MI5 headquarters, Regent’s Park, First Desk Claude Whelan is navigating the complexities of his role. Charged with safeguarding a troubled prime minister, he’s besieged from all sides: by the flamboyant MP behind the Brexit vote, now eyeing Number Ten; by the MP’s wife, a sensationalist columnist, who vilifies Whelan in her writings; by the PM’s favored Muslim, set to become the West Midlands’ mayor, despite harboring a dark secret; and by his own deputy, Lady Di Taverner, ever vigilant for Whelan’s missteps. Meanwhile, the nation is reeling from a seemingly random wave of terror attacks.
At Slough House, MI5’s outpost for disgraced spies, agents wrestle with personal demons: unresolved grief, various addictions, shopping paralysis, and the unsettling suspicion that their newest colleague is unstable. And someone is targeting Roddy Ho. Yet, they are about to rediscover their unique talent: exacerbating bad situations.”
This shift adds an intriguing dynamic. The “Slow Horses” cast familiar with Roddy—be it River, Gary Oldman’s Jackson Lamb, or Rosalind Elezar’s Louisa Guy—ranges from mild tolerance to indifference towards him. The threat to his life, given this general apathy, could spark engaging conflicts.
Slow Horses True Story: Is Slough House Real?
There may be hidden depths to Roddy or opportunities for his relationships with the Slough House team to evolve. Nonetheless, with five episodes of Season 4 remaining, and a bomb threat looming, it will be interesting to see if Roddy rises to the occasion.
Source: *GamesRadar+*
Slow Horses
- Thriller
- Drama
Slow Horses is an adaptation of CWA Gold Dagger Award-winning Mick Herron’s first novel in the "Slow Horses" series, which follows a team of British intelligence agents who serve in a dumping ground department of MI5 – Slough House. Gary Oldman stars as Jackson Lamb, the brilliant but irascible leader of the spies who end up in Slough House due to their career-ending mistakes.