11 Little-Known Facts About Slow Horses
Slow Horses has proved a hit with critics and audiences since the show premiered in 2022, with seasons two and four earning a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Apple TV+ series, based on Mick Herron’s nine-book saga Slough House, has earned multiple award nominations during its run. For example, it has received nine Primetime Emmy Award nominations, four BAFTAs, and three Golden Globes.
Despite the show’s audience and critical acclaim, you might feel you know little about it. If so, read the following eleven little-known facts about Slow Horses.
1. Jackson Lamb is Darker in the 9-Book Saga
While it might be impossible to believe, the TV version of Jackson Lamb is nicer and less repellent than the character in the 9-book saga.
In the Slough House novels, Jackson Lamb is a tougher, darker, and more verbally abusive leader, while his portrayal on screen is softer and more likable.
2. Mummy Pig is a Writer on Slow Horses
Morwenna Banks attends the UK Premiere of ”Peppa Pig: The Golden Boots” at Odeon Leciester Square.
Your jaw might drop when you learn that Peppa Pig’s Mummy Pig is a writer on the show.
Morwenna Banks, who voices Mummy Pig, is a writer on Slow Horses, penning various episodes since the Apple TV series premiered in 2022. So, now you know what Mummy Pig has been doing on her computer all this time.
3. It is Filmed Two Seasons at a Time
While fans often need to wait at least a year for the next instalment, the cast and crew tend to film two seasons of Slow Horses back-to-back.
It’s a rare production schedule for a TV show, but the schedule provides audiences with a shorter waiting time between seasons, ensuring last year’s plot and twists remain fresh in their minds.
4. River Cartwright’s Career Mistake Differs in the Book
If you have read the Slough House novels, you may know that River Cartwright’s career mistake is different from the hit TV series.
In the acclaimed novel, River misidentifies a target during a training exercise. However, the TV series shows that he was deliberately targeted by Spider Webb, another MI5 agent.
As a result, the audience will have more sympathy for his character, as he is a victim of jealousy and internal politics.
5. The Political Villains Are Based on Public Figures
Mike Herron, who wrote Slough House, confirmed that many of the characters in the show are based on public figures and current events.
For instance, the fictional politician Peter Judd is reportedly based on a mix of real-life, high-profile British politicians.
6. Min Harper’s Backstory is Inspired by a Real MI5 Blunder
If you cast your mind back to earlier seasons of Slow Horses, you may remember that Min Harper was demoted as a British MI5 agent after leaving a disc containing top-secret documents on a train.
His backstory was inspired by a real MI5 blunder, which was an international embarrassment for the British intelligence service.
7. The Theme Song is by Mick Jagger
It might shock you to learn that Slow Horse’s theme song “Strange Game” was co-written and performed by none other than Mick Jagger, the Rolling Stones’ frontman.
Apparently, Jagger didn’t hesitate to write and perform the theme song, as he is a huge fan of the Slough House book series.
Due to his fandom, he had a good understanding of the story and “knew he vibe really well,” resulting in him penning a song that reflects the unglamorous and slightly eerie world.
8. The Glasshouse HQ is a Mix of Real Buildings
The MI5 Glasshouse headquarters is a highly polished, modern building, highlighting the differences between the HQ and the shabby Slough House.
Yet, the sleek building isn’t a single building you can find in London, as the exterior shots are a combination of various luxury London skyscrapers, including 100 Bishopsgate and Leadenhall Building.
9. Jackson Lamb’s Trench Coat Was Deliberately Aged
Gary Oldman’s trench coat is a staple in almost every outdoor scene. While you might think the costume designers found it in a charity shop, it is a bespoke prop coat that the crew deliberately aged with cigarette burns, oil splatters, and sandpaper.
10. Gary Oldman Accepted the Role to Avoid Movies
Gary Oldham stated the main reason he joined Slow Horses was that he was growing increasingly tired of his film roles.
The role of Jackson Lamb was attractive to Oldham, as it meant he could avoid accents, prosthetic makeup, and elaborate costumes.
As the accent is close to his own, it allowed the Oscar-winning actor to showcase his extensive acting skills without transforming many aspectts of his appearance and personality.
11. Roddy Ho’s Moon Landing Conspiracy Theory was Improvised
Avid fans of the hit show might remember Roddy Ho’s moon landing conspiracy theory, which left Jackson Lamb uncharacteristically speechless.
However, what you might not know is that it was improvised by Christopher Chung, who plays the IT whizz.
Gary Oldham’s reaction to the conspiracy theory was genuine, as he displayed disgust and amusement, while it validated his character that the Slough House team is useless.
