Fast Paced SLOW HORSES is a Spy Thriller that Thrills

The spy thriller series SLOW HORSES based on the Mark Herron novel is brilliantly cast and totally captivating. The British series stars the irrepressible Gary Oldman as a slovenly M15 agent Jack Lamb and Kristin Scott Thomas as Diane Taverner, the unflappable Deputy Gen. Director of M15.  Lamb in charge of "Slough House" dubbed for being M15's purgatory punishment for agents who've messed up.  Lamb is a lush who relishes assigning tedious tasks to his misfit cast who possess skills that belie their banishment to Slough House.  Meanwhile, there's murderous subterfuge amidst a major fiasco brewing under Taverner's watch at M15.  Could the measly, motley staff subjected to Lamb's abuse assemble into an ace team of espionage agents and bring down the duplicitous M15 Goliath?  One doesn't have to be a sleuth to deduce the outcomes but you should come along for the roller coaster ride of sinister intrigue.  Thomas is in top form as the icy Director who keeps everything running at race horse pace.  Goldman playing the washed up detective who still has game will win you over.  The supporting ensemble cast include Jack Lowden, the latest casualty sentenced to Slough House along with Saskia Reeves as Lamb's perpetually abased assistant Catherine Standish are sensational. The rest of cast is uncommonly good whether playing deranged assassins or innocent pawns.  The late night London hours lend a glossy look to this slick production. The indubitable game of chess in SLOW HORSES is checkmate.