The new season of Slow Horses hits hard right from the start. The Apple TV+ spy thriller, known for its brutal twists, opens with a double blow: a former agent is murdered, and River Cartwright loses the man who raised him.
In the premiere, we learn that Struan Loy, a character last seen in Season 1, has been killed by two mysterious assassins. It's a shocking start, but the real heartbreak comes when we discover that River's grandfather, David Cartwright, has passed away. The legendary spy, played by Jonathan Pryce, died peacefully in his assisted living facility, but his absence looms large over the episode.
A Final Goodbye
A flashback shows David's last moments with River by his side. David, ever the stoic figure, admits he always tried to give River a happy home and says he'll miss him. It's a tender, gut-wrenching scene that sets the tone for River's grief throughout the episode.
But the pain doesn't end there. River's mother ignores his calls and skips the funeral. And when he delivers a eulogy, he's forced to lie about David's true career—pretending his grandfather worked for the Department of Transportation, filling potholes, instead of being a top MI5 operative. The awkwardness is amplified when Jackson Lamb, played by Gary Oldman, can't stifle his laughter.
Family Drama and a New Threat
Things take a darker turn when River's father, the villainous Frank Harkness (Hugo Weaving), shows up at the funeral. Instead of offering comfort, Frank punches River in the throat and drives off, leaving River clinging to the car's hood before falling to the pavement. It's a brutal reminder of the fractured family dynamics that have haunted River throughout the series.
With David gone, River is left adrift. His grandfather wasn't just a parent figure; he was a mentor who understood the spy world. Without him, River faces an identity crisis, and with Lamb as his only guide, he's more isolated than ever.
Rather than taking time to grieve, River dives straight into investigating Struan's murder. The Slow Horses are being targeted, and River is determined to find out why. But burying his emotions could have serious consequences for his mental state.
As the season unfolds, it's clear River is on a difficult path. David's death will echo throughout the season, and we'll miss seeing him pop up to offer guidance. Slow Horses Season 6 is streaming now on Apple TV+, with new episodes every Wednesday.
