Gary Oldman Finds “Liberation” in ‘Slow Horses’ Character, Hints at Emotional Finale
LONDON – gary Oldman, star of the Apple TV+ espionage thriller Slow Horses, revealed a deep connection to his cynical, world-weary character, Jackson Lamb, and hinted at a poignant farewell as the series progresses toward its eventual conclusion. Speaking about the already-greenlit sixth season, Oldman expressed a bittersweet anticipation for the end of his portrayal, acknowledging the role’s profound impact.
Lamb, a disgraced MI5 agent relegated to Slough House – the dumping ground for failed spies – resonates with audiences precisely as of his flaws. As described by those involved with the series,Lamb is a man stripped bare by life: “family,he has no home,he has no future. He onyl has his job. And deep down, he still believes that catching the bad guys makes sense. It’s what keeps him alive. He’s a broken man but he gets up every morning to do the right thing,even if the world around him is rotten.” this vulnerability, hidden beneath a gruff exterior, is key to the character’s appeal. The series explores themes of redemption and the necessity of forgiveness, with one source noting, “We spend half our lives understanding who we are and what we want. We make mistakes, we fall, we do damage. But if we don’t learn to forgive, we too become like Lamb: trapped in cynicism.”
Oldman himself identifies with Lamb’s resilience. “Jackson Lamb was an extraordinary companion, a survivor, and in a way I see myself in it,” he confided, adding that saying goodbye will be “a mixture of relief and sadness.” He even joked about looking forward to shedding Lamb’s physical characteristics – ”a cleaner look,without the mustache and long hair – and maybe lose a little belly” – while acknowledging the character’s lasting impression. Slow Horses has become a flagship production for Apple TV+, and its continued success underscores the audience’s appetite for complex, character-driven narratives.
