Episode 2 of Slow Horses' sophomore season kicks off with a bang, as Jackson Lamb steps into the fray to confront Nikolai, his veil of serving Demetrio shattering to smithereens when Nikolai pierces the charade, revealing the fictional nature of his benefactor. "So, Jackson Lamb, what brings you here?" Nikolai finally inquires, his tone heavy with intrigue.
Nikolai, a treacherous figure in his homeland's eyes, was privy to whispers that had circulated among the exiled circle, Jackson Lamb's name being a prominent one. These whispers spoke of cicadas, their whispers carried by none other than Popov himself. Nikolai overheard a cryptic exchange between two figures, a transaction of funds for the cicadas, and a directive echoing from Popov's lips—to keep them operational in the field. And who was this mysterious figure issuing the orders? Nikolai's cryptic response unveiled a name: Andrei Chernitsky, a behemoth of a man, bald as a cue ball, exuding an aura of deadly intent. Could this be the same individual?
Back at Slough House, River embarks on a fact-finding mission, heading to the Cotswold and engaging in a fruitless exchange with Shirley and Roddy, their intel pool as dry as the Sahara. They've dispensed with all they knew, but fate intervenes in the most unlikely form—a taxi driver's recollection. This forgotten hero of the night remembered the passenger vividly, the last fare of his shift, requesting a swift return to Oxford Parkway.
River's investigation deepens as he cross-examines Kenny, the driver in question. A twist emerges—upon entering the cab, the passenger changed his destination, opting for an airfield instead, a ploy to throw pursuers off guard. It seems this shadowy figure, whoever he may be, had escaped on wings, winging his way to Estonia, as Ho's phone tracing unravels the number's digital trail.
Meanwhile, Louisa and Min man the security front, meticulously tightening every loose end. Louisa assumes command of the meeting's safekeeping, but an unease lingers amidst the Russian guards. Min, his spy game not exactly subtle, mounts a bicycle pursuit, his two-wheeled shadowing betrayed only by his conspicuous presence. Despite this, he catches a glimpse of their devious detour—a stop at an Import/Export zone, then a lost trail amidst a swarm of taxis on the busy roads. The mystery deepens, and the stakes rise, as the dance of deception and discovery continues to unfold.
As Louisa scrutinizes the enigmatic Nevsky, Min embarks on a perilous escape, unaware that her investigation uncovers a man consumed by paranoia. Jackson convenes with Diana, relaying their chilling discoveries: the fate of cicadas and Dickie hangs in the balance, with whispers of their potential demise echoing. Adding fuel to the fire, he divulges Webb's underhanded tactics of poaching agents, yet Diana's intervention with Webb seems to quell the stormy waters with a deft conversation.
River's triumphant return to Jackson's side finds him spilling over with insights garnered, but Jackson Lamb, the ever-prescient strategist, has already orchestrated a meticulous plan. A gleaming dossier, complete with a fresh alias, identities, and all the trimmings, awaits, positioning River for a new mission: to delve deeper into the mysteries of Upshott and unravel the cicadas' secrets. Equipped with a sleek, new identity, River sets forth on his quest.
Meanwhile, Min dares to soar too close to the fiery sun, his pursuit of a suspicious bald figure leading him to the brink of disaster. With a gun coldly pressed against the nape of his neck, mere seconds from a fatal pull of the trigger, the scene abruptly plunges into darkness, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats, anticipation thick as midnight.
