Summary

• Slow Horses season 4 introduces new characters and fresh storylines while resolving longstanding arcs.
• River's struggle to fit in with MI5 has shaped his character over three seasons – a conflict that needs resolution.
• Slow Horses must move River's story forward in season 4 for authentic character growth and show longevity.

every season of Slow Horses revolves around a standalone story, several elements carry over. While in many cases this helps give the show a clear sense of continuity, there's also a risk that revisiting the same arcs without any progression could leave the show feeling stale.

On one level, there seems little risk of Slow Horses season 4 feeling formulaic. Not only has there been substantial change at Slough House, with Catherine Standish having fallen out with Jackson Lamb and being replaced by Moira Tregorian, plus the arrival of enigmatic new recruit J.K. Coe, but there is plenty of scope for new dynamics to take center stage and disrupt the story. However, while these new characters are undeniably exciting, the show needs to ensure it doesn't neglect its existing protagonists. One major player in particular is at risk of treading water if one unresolved story isn't finally addressed.

River Trying To Work As A 'Real' MI5 Agent Is Slow Horses' Oldest Story

It's Been A Concern Since Episode 1

Even before the show introduced Jackson Lamb, Slow Horses introduced the theme of River's unhappy attempts to work within the "real" MI5. Throughout the show, one of his primary drivers has been to return to the Park, working alongside more respected agents having served his time at Slough House. At the end of season 1, he was clearly expecting to be reinstated after his heroism, resulting in tangible disappointment at the start of season 2.

As Slow Horses has developed, River's indecision over whether to leave Slough House versus his desire to emulate his grandfather has been one of the most important aspects of the story. He has had interviews with external employers, only to end up back where he started – seemingly unable to commit fully to a career that he considers beneath him, despite all the adventures he's experienced. This constant push and pull is one of his defining conflicts. However, four seasons in, it's time Slow Horses resolved this inner turmoil for good, finally committing him to a set course of action.

Slow Horses Can't Just Keep Repeating River's Arc Indefinitely

His So-Called Dilemma Will Quickly Become Stale

Throughout the first three Slow Horses' seasons, River has been in a constant state of uncertainty about his future at Slough House. His prickly relationship with his colleagues and perhaps a misplaced sense of his own importance has been juxtaposed against his clear commitment to the job and willingness to put himself in harm's way. It has made for some of the most engaging storylines in the entire show. However, as enjoyable as River's arc has been, it can't and shouldn't be extended forever.

As Slow Horses heads into season 4, the time has come for River to commit to a course of action. Either he accepts the value of his work alongside the other Slough House agents and recognizes that, despite their many shortcomings, his colleagues have become a pseudo-family for him, or he accepts that he can never achieve what he wants to professionally while sidelined in an MI5 off-shoot. Both choices have serious consequences. Yet, a decision must be reached.

If River is to continue being a believable main character, Slow Horses needs to demonstrate that his experiences have helped him grow.

The upshot of River continuing to fret over where his Slough House career is going is that his story will inevitably become repetitive. It's unrealistic to expect that three seasons of death-defying adventures haven't informed his perspective on working at Slough House. If River is to continue being a believable main character, Slow Horses needs to demonstrate that his experiences have helped him grow. Whether he is persuaded to stay or go is almost irrelevant – what matters is that the show allows its characters to change and mature in a way that feels authentic.

Slow Horses Season 4 Can Finally Commit River To Slough House

It's The Best Thing For The Longevity Of The Series

Given how central he's been to Slow Horses' story so far, it seems unlikely that the show will ever let River leave the confines of Slough House. However, considering how important it is that he reconciles himself to this fate, rather than continuing to rail against it, the best option for Slow Horses season 4 is to have River really commit himself to the Slough House team. Resolving the main dilemma that has hitherto driven his character in this way not only makes sense, given the strong relationships he has formed with the team over the previous three seasons, but will also prove that River's experiences really have helped him grow.

Since Slow Horses season 4 will also revolve around River's relationship with his grandfather, it's likely that he will need to lean on Slough House for emotional . As his grandfather's cognitive abilities continue to decline, he will inevitably seek solace wherever he can. This can prove to be the catalyst that cements his status at Slough House, proving that, however unglamorous it might seem, it's really the perfect place for him to be.