Slow Horses Season 5 Episode 2 Review – ‘Incommunicado’

      Chris Connor reviews the second episode of Slow Horses season 5…

      Slow Horses has made its return for a fifth season with an explosive premiere, featuring the Abbotsfield shooting and its aftermath. It's evident that the Slough House team has their work cut out for them once again, and with Roddy Ho involved, the case is more connected to Aldersgate than they might have anticipated.

      In the opening scenes of episode two, Shirley is in a race against time to reach Ho before the adversaries do, although their motives remain unclear at this stage. Roddy is blissfully unaware of the danger looming over him, with Chris Chung expertly portraying his ignorance. In one of the longest pre-credits sequences the show has featured, Lamb arrives before Ho and Roddy, managing to outsmart their attackers. Why are they targeting Roddy specifically?

      As with the first episode, the Slough House team is more united than in previous seasons, resulting in new dynamics and interactions. JK Coe and River, in particular, are a constant source of enjoyment as they embark on a search for Ho’s enigmatic girlfriend. The contrasting personalities of Lamb and Ho create engaging exchanges, both at Ho’s apartment and a stylish London restaurant.

      Diana, who reconnects with former Home Secretary Peter Judd, last seen in Season 3, uncovers potential sources of the weapons used in the Abbotsfield incident. We also get our first glimpse of the interactions between Lamb and Taverner this season, as The Park puts Slough House under lockdown.

      Even though the setting is limited to a few locations, ‘Incommunicado’ starts to unravel some unresolved issues from the season and highlights the threat facing The Park and Slough House. Lamb remains a source of sharp one-liners, and the team's chemistry continues to be a pleasure to witness.

      The fifth season of Slow Horses remains an action-packed installment filled with suspense, intrigue, and biting commentary. It builds on the premiere and sets the stage for what looks to be yet another memorable season. The concluding moments hint at an explosive episode to come with even higher stakes.

      Chris Connor