Episode 1 of "Slow Horses" kicks off amidst the bustle of an airport, where a flight stands poised for takeoff towards Marrakesh. Cartwright, an alert agent, finds himself at the heart of the action, convinced he's zeroed in on a terrorist lurking within the crowds. Diana Taverner, the steely overseer of the operation, gives the decisive nod, authorizing the apprehension of their suspect. In a flurry of motion, Cartwright tackles his quarry to the ground, only to realize his mistake—the wrong man had fallen.
The true perpetrator, meanwhile, calmly awaits on the other side of the terminal, speeding through biometric passport control with an implausible ease that would make seasoned travelers raise an eyebrow. As alarms clamor, our elusive suspect darts into a bathroom near arrivals, seemingly orchestrating a swift bag swap before vanishing into the shadows.
Cartwright, in hot pursuit, charges after the phantom, their chase leading to the hustle and bustle of Stanstead International train station. Just as he corners the man, disaster strikes. With a swift tug of a string, the station erupts in a fiery blast, sending shockwaves through the air.
We're then transported to the realm of "MI-useless," or more affectionately, Slough House—a sanctuary for cast-off MI5 agents, where Jackson Lamb reigns supreme. Among this motley crew, Sid, the golden girl, stands out as Lamb's pet project, while the others simmer with restlessness, yearning for a return to the thrill of the field. For now, their duties entail the unglamorous grind of sifting through refuse and delving into endless data logs.
Their quarry: a man named Hobden, though Cartwright's personal mission intertwines with the search for information on Simmonds—a detail we'll unravel later. Sid, with cunning and finesse, lures Hobden into a diner, where a seemingly innocent spill of tea over his laptop becomes a strategic move. Seizing the opportunity, she swiftly snatches his USB stick, stealthily copying its contents, adding another piece to the intricate puzzle they're piecing together.
Cartwright eventually finds himself standing face-to-face with his past as he trudges back to Headquarters. There, an unexpected encounter awaits him in the form of Karl Unger, alias Spider, the very individual who had unwittingly misled him with erroneous information during the chaotic train station explosion. The ominous words, "Blue tee white shirt," still echo in his mind, the catalyst that sent him spiraling down to the depths of Slough House.
As the veil lifts, we realize the thrilling opening sequence was but a mere simulation, a training exercise designed to test Cartwright's mettle.
Back at the dingy confines of Slough House, Cartwright's attention is drawn to a series of videos featuring a right-wing extremist ranting about the need to confront migrant dinghies with naval force and preserve Britain's national identity. But make no mistake, this is no political pundit or government minister; it's Greg Simmonds, a sleazy businessman whose speeches, adorned with a Tory-like logo, hint at darker undercurrents. The show's subtext is as bold as day.
MI5 suspects Simmonds of funding hate groups, fueling Cartwright's relentless pursuit. However, Lamb swiftly reins him in, issuing a stern warning that post-5 pm, his meddling in office matters is strictly prohibited. Should he disobey, Lamb promises to make his life a living hell.
Returning home, Cartwright seeks solace in conversation with his grandfather, David, their discussion weaving through the labyrinth of Hobden's past. It transpires that in his youth, Hobden was a committed communist, a stark contrast to his later stance. David reveals a leaked list implicating Hobden in donations to the British Patriotic Party, a revelation Hobden believes stems from MI5's investigative prowess.
Meanwhile, that very night, a young man's life takes a terrifying turn as he's abducted by hooded assailants, bundled into a bag, and tied up like a sacrificial lamb. The following morning, he's paraded on TV, his fate in the hands of the Sons of Albion, a ruthless right-wing nationalist group that vows to sever his head by dawn's first light, a chilling testament to the dark forces at play.
Despite Slough House's earnest desire to delve into the case, convinced that Hobden holds a pivotal role, Lamb urgently implores them to abandon their ambitions and retreat to their desks, resuming their humdrum routines. Yet, Cartwright remains unyielding, defiantly choosing to venture forth into the bustling streets, undeterred by the mundane召唤.
