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The head of MI5, Sir Ken McCallum, has openly expressed his admiration for the popular spy thriller series “Slow Horses,” declaring himself a fan of the show. The series, available on Apple TV+, has been described by some critics as a counterpoint to the classic James Bond narrative. It features Sir Gary Oldman portraying Jackson Lamb, the gruff leader of a group of flawed or disgraced MI5 operatives who have been relegated to an office known as Slough House.
In a statement made on MI5’s official Instagram platform, Sir Ken was asked about his views on the relationship with MI6, humorously referred to as “friends over the river.” Sir Ken responded by suggesting there is room for appreciation of both the suave Bond-style espionage and the more grounded portrayal found in “Slow Horses.” He explicitly identified himself as a “Slow Horses man,” indicating a preference for the series’ realistic and flawed depiction of intelligence work.
Addressing possible assumptions about rivalry between MI5 and MI6, Sir Ken emphasized the strong professional camaraderie and collaboration between the two agencies. Speaking at the National Archives, he highlighted how MI5, MI6, the police, and other organizations cooperate closely, each specializing in their own areas, with the collective goal of ensuring national security. This teamwork, he stated, is fundamental to their shared mission.
“Slow Horses” is adapted from Mick Herron’s bestseller of the same name, with the show debuting in 2022. It has garnered attention for its gritty take on espionage, and it continues to attract viewers with six seasons confirmed: the upcoming sixth season set for release in September, followed by a seventh season planned for 2027. Apart from Sir Gary Oldman’s portrayal of the scruffy but capable Jackson Lamb, the cast includes Dame Kristin Scott Thomas as MI5 Director General Diana Taverner, Jack Lowden playing agent River Cartwright, and Sir Jonathan Pryce as Cartwright’s grandfather, a retired senior intelligence official. Reflecting on the show in a 2024 BBC interview promoting the fourth season, Sir Gary described “Slow Horses” as revealing “the sort of slightly shady, dirty side of espionage,” likening it to a more accessible, everyday version of spy life
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