Slow Horses is an espionage series that revolves around MI5 agents who face setbacks in their careers and are relegated to a department called Slough House. The members of this section are only called upon for mundane tasks and all the high-stakes action is deliberately kept away from them. So, what kind of real events and facts does the show portray, and is Slow Horses based on a true story at all?
Is Slow Horses based on a true story?
No, Slow Horses is not based on a true story, and it is inspired by Mick Herron’s eponymous novel which belongs to his Slough House series. The show is a work of fiction and it might draw inspiration from real-world spies and secret service concepts, but the characters, events, and plotlines are all fictional. The author created the Slough House series and brought a contemporary spy thriller to life, adding a dash of dark humor, suspense, and character-driven narratives to keep the viewers hooked.
Slow Horses’ real events and facts explained
Mick Herron’s background as an established crime thriller writer and his impeccable research likely influenced the authenticity and realism of the show. He has a keen understanding of bureaucrats and spies in intelligence organizations, and he is well aware of the challenges faced by them.
The show also explores themes of betrayal, covert operations, and consequentialism, which resonates with actual people who’ve worked in this industry. So, even though it’s not based on a true story, the show offers a creative exploration of espionage themes.
The real people behind Slow Horses’ characters
Slow Horses is fictional, which allows the author to invent and shape characters that fit the story’s demand. Most of the character development in the series happens due to Herron’s objective of storytelling, so none of the personas in Slow Horses are representations of real individuals.
Is Jackson Lamb a real person?
Jackson Lamb is the head of Slough House, and the fictional character is known for his rude demeanor, slovenly appearance, and drunk look. However, he retains his experience as an experienced intelligence officer and possesses a smart and devious mind.
Is River Cartwright a real person?
No, River Cartwright is a fictional character who’s an up-and-coming MI5 agent. He gets demoted to Slough House due to a mistake he made during the public training exercise. River is central to the plot as he’s the one who overcomes the challenges and faces new assignments.
Is Diana Taverner a real person?
Diana Taverner is a created person, who happens to be the deputy director-general of M15 and head of operations. She is designated as Second Desk and she plays a significant role in the intelligence hierarchy.
Is Catherine Standish a real person?
Catherine Standish is not a real person. The character is the office administrator at Slough House and an alcoholic in recovery. Catherine’s character is loved by many as she adds depth to the dynamics.
