Slow Horses Season 4 Ending, Explained

Slow Horses Season 4 Ending, Explained

Key Takeaways

  • Slow Horses Season 4 finale was iconic, showcasing River’s tense encounter with his father.
  • Hugo Weaving’s portrayal of Frank Harkness adds immense intrigue and sets the stage for future seasons.
  • Season 5 release date expected in Spring 2025, promising an exciting story and continuation of the suspense.

As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for gripping dramas and intriguing plots, I must say that Slow Horses Season 4 finale was nothing short of captivating. The twist about Frank Harkness being River’s biological father added an unexpected layer to the storyline, making me eagerly anticipate what lies ahead in the next season.


As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my excitement over the thrilling finale of Slow Horses Season 4, now streaming on Apple TV+. The intricate plot twists and suspenseful moments have left viewers eagerly speculating about the show’s future direction as we gear up for its fifth season. In this analysis, let’s unravel the mystery of the last episode and explore why the ending is poised to become a defining moment in television history.

Slow Horses has risen to become one of the most-watched and widely acclaimed series on Apple TV+. Its third season garnered an impressive nine Emmy nominations, with Gary Oldman nominated for Lead Actor in a Drama Series and Jack Lowden for Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, among others. Moreover, it was also nominated for Best Drama Series. The momentum didn’t cease for Slow Horses Season 4, achieving an unprecedented 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is quite exceptional in today’s entertainment landscape.

What happened in Slow Horses Season 4’s finale?

Slow Horses Season 4 Ending, Explained

The television series, titled “Slow Horses,” originates from a collection of novels penned by Mick Herron. Not to be confused with the famous actor, Will Smith (different individual) was instrumental in its adaptation for TV screens. Regarding the finale of Season 4, there seems to be widespread agreement among fans, critics, and spectators that it stood out as the strongest episode yet, providing a satisfying conclusion.

In the Season 4 finale, titled ‘Hello Goodbye’, things got really intense. This episode marked the confrontation between River Cartwright (portrayed by Jack Lowden) and Frank Harkness, the main antagonist of the series. It was revealed that Frank, portrayed by the renowned Hugo Weaving, is indeed River’s biological father. This fact had been suspected by River during his journey to France.

Initially, the turn of events leaves River taken aback. Harkness proposes to mentor River into becoming a member of his band of mercenaries. His group of mercenaries are men who have essentially been groomed since birth to be lethal, and he seeks to enlist River in their ranks. However, River refuses Harkness’ offer, leading MI5 to track down both Harkness and River Cartwright, with whom a ‘shoot-to-kill’ directive has been issued by none other than MI5 itself.

In the storyline, Harkness successfully flees, and River chases him to St Pancras International Station in London. Later, using his skills as a spy, he locates his biological father. Harkness submits to being apprehended, but he’s confident of a short stay in custody due to an intricate backup plan. During interrogation by MI5’s Deputy Director General, Diana Taverner (portrayed by Kristin Scott Thomas), Harkness conveys his certainty that he won’t be kept imprisoned for long.

In the narrative that unfolds, Taverner is called for a gathering at Slough House, where Jackson Lamb (portrayed by Gary Oldman) presents him with a collection of letters penned by Harkness. These missives are directed at the top-tier officials in MI5, including Taverner himself. It appears that this was part of Harkness’ strategy, and they decide to let him go free. The series concludes with River and Lamb enjoying a drink in a neighborhood pub, leaving us speculating about the developments in Slow Horses Season 5.

Who is Frank Harkness?

Slow Horses Season 4 Ending, Explained

In the fourth season of “Slow Horses,” Hugo Weaving’s character Frank Harkness takes center stage and is undeniably captivating due to his ominous demeanor. The twist that he is River’s biological father left fans on the edge of their seats, as it opened up intriguing possibilities for the series’ future. Will viewers be treated to more of Harkness in upcoming seasons? The answer is affirmative – audiences can look forward to seeing Hugo Weaving reprise his role as River’s father in a future season. Those well-versed in the source material will recognize that Harkness does return in subsequent books, so it’s likely we’ll witness his return as River’s dad in an upcoming season.

As a gamer, I can’t quite pin down when the fifth season of Slow Horses will drop, but if the trailer is any indication, it seems like Frank Harkness won’t be making an appearance next time around. Strangely enough, he was missing from the preview, which makes me wonder – if there’s a chance that Harkness might return in Season 5, perhaps the creators are keeping his involvement under wraps until the very last moment.

How will River Cartwright react to Slow Horse Season 4’s ending?

Slow Horses Season 4 Ending, Explained

Following the final episode of Season 4 from the series “Slow Horses”, viewers may find themselves pondering: what lies ahead for River Cartwright? This character, adored by many viewers, embodies enthusiasm, kindness, and an infectious passion. Actor Jack Lowden might just give Tom Cruise a run for his money in terms of screen-running prowess.

It’s intriguing to contemplate how River will cope when he learns that his dad leads a fearsome band of mercenaries. The proposition from Frank Harkness for River to become part of his team promises to introduce more layers to River’s predicament and emotions in Season 5. Yet, the swift refusal by River towards Frank and his declaration that he’d prefer his father in prison instead of joining the crew is quite meaningful.

Furthermore, the show concludes with River and Lamb sharing a drink in a pub, which suggests unequivocally where River’s allegiance lies. Despite his disdain for MI5, River seems to hold a deep respect for Jackson Lamb. This is particularly noteworthy given Lamb’s frequent sarcastic remarks and his often unpleasant demeanor towards River and the Slough House team. However, it becomes apparent that Lamb is remarkably loyal and will stand by his agents without question.

Slow Horses Seasons 1 to 4 are available to stream on Apple TV+.

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2024-10-15 17:04