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Meet Jackson Lamb: The anti-hero of ‘Slow Horses’
Have you encountered Gary Oldman‘s portrayal of Jackson Lamb in Slow Horses? This character could easily rival Logan Roy from Succession in terms of sheer audacity and complexity.
A character like no other
Jackson Lamb is a character who defies conventional norms. Sporting a perpetually unkempt appearance, a signature beige mac, and a penchant for crude behavior, Lamb is the epitome of a curmudgeon. His disdain for social niceties is palpable, and his unapologetic demeanor is both shocking and oddly endearing. Lamb’s current predicament—banishment to Slough House by his British spy agency bosses—only adds to his grumpy disposition.
The essence of ‘Slow Horses’
Slow Horses, available on AppleTV+, is based on the spy thriller novels by Mick Herron. Contrary to what the title might suggest, the series has nothing to do with equestrian sports. Instead, it refers to Lamb and his fellow British intelligence agents who have been relegated to the fringes of the bureau. This setting provides a rich backdrop for a gripping spy thriller, elevated by Oldman’s stellar performance.
A masterclass in acting
Oldman’s portrayal of Jackson Lamb is a tour de force. Each season, he meticulously unravels the layers of this former MI5 agent, revealing a complex character who might care more than he lets on. The supporting cast, including Jack Lowden, Kristen Scott Thomas, and Saskia Reeves, adds depth to the narrative. Lamb’s seemingly indifferent exterior is often punctuated by moments of unexpected warmth and vulnerability.
For instance, in the first episode of the third season, Lamb quips to his doctor, “If you put me on a treadmill, you’ll be done for manslaughter.” When his blood tests come back normal, he retorts, “There you go, I’m a fucking titan.” These lines, delivered with Oldman’s characteristic flair, encapsulate Lamb’s unique blend of humor and grit.
A season of high stakes
This season, the stakes are higher than ever. One of the agency’s own, Catherine Standish (played by Saskia Reeves), is kidnapped, setting off a frantic race to save her. The urgency and tension are palpable as Lamb and his colleagues delve into the mystery behind the kidnapping. Oldman believes that this season touches Lamb more personally than previous ones, adding another layer of complexity to his character.
The brilliance of Mick Herron’s writing
The series’ success owes much to the sharp, well-crafted writing. Mick Herron’s novels provide a rich source of material, brimming with detail and nuance. Oldman appreciates having such a robust foundation to build upon, noting that it spares the writers from having to invent plotlines from scratch. “We’re lucky to have the books, rather than a bunch of writers sitting in a room, scratching their heads and asking, ‘Oh, what are we going to do?'” he says.
A unique experience for Oldman
For Oldman, Slow Horses marks his first opportunity to explore a character over multiple seasons. The day-to-day process of shooting the show excites him, especially when working with talented scene partners. This season, as they strive to rescue Catherine, stands out as one of the sharpest. “If you’ve got a good scene, I still get a thrill of running it through with the other actor or the other actors, especially when they’re that good,” Oldman shares.
Looking ahead
With eight books in the series and Season 5 already in production, Slow Horses offers plenty of material for future seasons. Whether you prefer to binge-watch or savor each episode, the series leaves you wanting more of Oldman’s crude yet captivating performance. Oldman himself is eager to continue portraying Jackson Lamb, likening the experience to wearing a tailored suit that becomes more comfortable over time.
A performance to remember
Oldman’s portrayal of Jackson Lamb is unforgettable and deserving of critical acclaim. As the Television Academy considers its next round of awards, Oldman’s performance in Slow Horses stands out as a strong contender for Emmy gold.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Slow Horses.
