Episode 3 of Season 3 of "Slow Horses" kicks off with Ingrid under intense scrutiny from Judd regarding the ongoing Tiger Team operation. Her discontent is palpable as MI5's latest test falls flat, reinforcing the folly of River's reckless intrusion into Park's domain and Jackson's insistence on River's extraction. Duffy, unyielding in his wrath, vents his fury on River, delivering a brutal headbutt that leaves the Slough House operative sprawled on the floor, a grimy testament to Duffy's wrath.
Meanwhile, Sean Donovan weaves a treacherous web, abducting the individual intended for Standish's handover. As if fate weren't already playing a cruel game, Shirley and Marcus's partnership unravels during a stakeout at Donovan's apartment. Shirley's on-the-job drug use clashes with Marcus's gambling addiction-fueled decision to remortgage, igniting a tense standoff. Breaking into the flat uncovers a sinister second phase, dubbed "Grey Books," a catalog of conspiracies spanning decades.
The connection to Jackson Lamb and Catherine unfolds as they receive the images, prompting Jackson to hastily recall his operatives to base for Ho's perusal. However, their covert activities are foiled when a tip-off alerts the police, who arrive on the scene. Officer Mosely of the Metropolitan Police, upon discovering drugs in Shirley's possession, phones Jackson with a terse message: "You're fired," albeit delivered with Jackson's trademark flamboyance.
John masterfully secures the Chieftain's man and transmits a chilling image of him at gunpoint, setting the stage for a power play involving Sean and his team, who harbor their own designs—chiefly, acquiring the Grey Books. These enigmatic volumes, now sheltered in Diana's clandestine warehouse, shed light on her earlier enigmatic actions. Jackson's call to Diana underscores his urgency: he demands River Cartright's return, unaware that River is enduring Duffy's brutal wrath, his body a battered testament to the dangers they all face.
Amidst his battered condition, Cartright is eventually liberated and escorted back to Jackson Lamb's custody, yet Lamb's stern refusal to allow River to accompany him in the taxi, despite their shared destination, underscores the gravity of the tasks at hand. Lamb's priorities are heavily influenced by Ingrid's sudden appearance at MI5, intruding upon a pivotal security operation where tensions were already heightened. Diana, eavesdropping on Ingrid's revelation of a comprehensive security review in the wake of Cartright's breach, privately confides to her that her allegiance lies solely with Ingrid, not with Peter Judd.
Meanwhile, Jackson engages in a confidential conversation with Sly, the private security executive, detailing the intricacies surrounding Donovan and the enigmatic Grey Books. He emphasizes the urgency of unraveling these mysteries for the benefit of both their interests. As Jackson departs, River and Louisa's paths cross, leading them to an unexpected encounter with Spider at Carlton House. Spider assures Louisa of his family's well-being, but the news is far from reassuring for Standish. Moreover, Spider grants Louisa absolution for her inadvertent role in his shooting, extending a heartfelt apology for her loss as well.
In a dramatic turn of events, Spider's true identity as the Command in Control Executive Officer at their location is revealed, casting a sinister shadow over proceedings. Not only that, but he has orchestrated the entire bridge threat as a ruse, with aspirations to join Peter Judd's advisory board to overhaul MI5. His immediate objective: to dismantle Slough House.
Louisa's discontent with River's actions mirrors Sly's fury upon Spider's arrival, who exerts pressure on him to secure the hostages' release and denies him the opportunity to dine with Judd. Spider's flashy arrival to meet Sean Donovan is met with confusion as he tosses a bag filled with cash, oblivious to Donovan's motivations. Mentioning Alison only elicits a violent response from Sean, who strikes Spider, knocking him unconscious and smearing the car's rear window with a crimson smear.
Jackson Lamb's timely intervention at Judd's lunch with Sly underscores his determination to expedite the resolution of this volatile situation. Lamb's words carry a weighty sense of urgency, his time now abundant, and he seeks swift closure. Just as tensions reach a boiling point, Judd receives a call from the Tiger Team, adding yet another layer of complexity to this already tangled web of intrigue.
