Gary Oldman Returns as the Unpleasant yet Beloved Jackson Lamb in Season 3 of Slow Horses
ICARO Media Group
Gary Oldman reprises his role as Jackson Lamb in the highly anticipated third season of the Apple TV+ drama Slow Horses. Based on Mick Herron's Slough House novels, the series explores the lives of a group of dejected British spies known as Slow Horses. Known for his comically unpleasant demeanor, Lamb leads his band of misfit spies with a unique blend of rudeness and disregard for personal hygiene.
The success of Slow Horses has led to the renewal of the series for two more seasons after receiving rave reviews from critics. The show, which debuted in the spring of 2022, has captivated audiences with its refreshing take on the spy genre and believable characters.
Herron, the author of the Slough House novels, notes that writing about despicable characters like Lamb is more intriguing than focusing on kind and humane characters. While Lamb possesses a range of unpleasant habits and a penchant for being rude to his subordinates, Herron leaves it up to interpretation whether these traits are genuinely heartfelt or part of Lamb's strategic persona.
One constant wonder and asset to the show is Gary Oldman, who portrays Lamb with exceptional skill. Oldman took a proactive approach to understanding his character, reaching out to Herron to discuss aspects of Lamb's personality that were not explored in the books. Herron admits that anything not present in the source material is open for interpretation, allowing Oldman to add his own layers to the character, including personal history and idiosyncrasies.
Slow Horses writer and executive producer Will Smith commends Oldman's dedication to his role, stating that his portrayal brings a perfectly rounded spectacle to the screen. The actor's attention to detail, such as knowing what a character has in their fridge or their educational background, contributes to the believability and depth of his performances.
A notable fan of the Slough House novels is none other than Mick Jagger, who co-wrote the theme song for Slow Horses. Jagger expresses his enthusiasm for the project on Instagram, mentioning his enjoyment in creating the theme track and his familiarity with the dark and unsavory characters of the series.
Season 3, based on the third novel in the Slough House series titled Real Tigers, promises to continue exploring the lives of Lamb and his underdog spies. While the villains may change, the focus remains on Lamb's failings rather than his virtues. As Herron explains, he is more fascinated by the moral code that Lamb possesses, even if he may not have a heart of gold.
Fans of Slow Horses can look forward to the return of Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb when the third season premieres on November 29. The combination of Oldman's exceptional portrayal and Herron's captivating storytelling ensures that viewers are in for another thrilling and entertaining installment of this beloved Apple TV+ drama.