Slow Horses Season 4: Meet the Ruthless Frank Harkness

Who Is Frank Harkness In Slow Horses?

Frank Harkness is the main antagonist in Slow Horses season 4, played by Hugo Weaving, who previously served as head of MI5. This powerful, intimidating and ruthless figure serves as a constant threat to Slough House agents and the agency as he works to implement a deadly, covert plot against MI5 that involves several events. Frank appears to have a strong connection to a hidden compound, Les Arbres, located in the small French town of Lavande.

As viewers watch those events unfold and are exposed to Frank's secrets and motivations - we begin to realize this complex character has had a tumultuous history - one that highlights an era in which he recruited young individuals for a private army, even forming a plan that revolves around child soldiers and training them to carry out an intricate set of actions. Frank’s dark plan to weaken MI5 is what has ultimately placed him at odds with British intelligence. This highlights the dangerous threats that Slough House agents are expected to combat.

Who is River Cartwright and How is He Connected To Frank Harkness?

A composite image of River Cartwright walking dramatically in a train station in front of a promo image for Slow Horses featuring the cast in front of a blue backdrop Image

River Cartwright, a Slough House agent who appears as an intricate part of Slow Horses and serves as one of the main characters. River Cartwright, played by Jack Lowden, is a talented operative and has had to overcome numerous challenges - making his journey incredibly compelling. While it's been hinted in those earlier seasons, it was ultimately revealed in Season 4 that Frank had targeted River. This makes him an instrumental part of the plot as it attempts to expose Frank's longstanding plans and reveals how Frank attempted to have River assassinated.

As River begins to investigate the mysterious compound known as Les Arbres in France (located in the small town of Lavande) viewers discover the connection to Frank and how he worked with a former group of child soldiers - including those with an eerie resemblance to River Cartwright - as Frank's plot becomes increasingly intricate. However, it has not yet been revealed exactly how Frank Harkness had influence over River’s past and his ties to this group - only how the plot that was being played out would influence the world of those connected to British intelligence (those associated with MI5 ).

What Happens In Slow Horses Season 4, Episode 3?

In Slow Horses season 4, episode 3, we see how the Slough House team makes a critical move against Frank. The show has a major turn of events with the appearance of Bertrand - an individual connected to Frank and Les Arbres, a clandestine compound used by Frank to carry out his plan for training child soldiers - viewers are provided with additional details on this mysterious group of agents.

The most prolific element that comes from the third episode is an attempt to unravel just how Frank Harkness was a man obsessed with dominance. His goals: training child soldiers - this would require his sons - he took a number of young men into Les Arbres to be his "special troops." The main story was then provided by Bertrand's mother ( who is the main source of information) in her discussion with River Cartwright, in which she gives some shocking and tragic insight into the lengths that Frank went to in order to achieve his objectives. Those fans watching the Slow Horses series will see the unforeseen, surprising turn of events. Even with this episode serving as a small portion, it has helped the audience gain a deeper understanding about the main villain of this show - Frank.

Why Does Slow Horses Feature an All-Star Cast?

Slow Horses features a star-studded cast, each of them adding an incredible level of depth, intensity, and entertainment value to each role. The actors often bring a great depth of talent. Many of these actors have long established reputations in a wide range of films.

The show includes an amazing array of individuals - such as Gary Oldman, who plays Jackson Lamb , one of the most powerful and respected figures in British intelligence. It also stars Kristin Scott Thomas, playing a high-ranking MI5 agent, Diana Taverner - a powerful and determined, almost unfeeling leader, Jonathan Pryce, taking on the role of David Cartwright, a former operative with MI5, and Jack Lowden - the star of this series - playing the role of River Cartwright . With so many well-known actors (those with high reputations) taking on such key roles - the show’s cast is expected to draw in fans and those who want to enjoy their distinct and individual style.

What are The Most Compelling Moments in Slow Horses?

Those who watch Slow Horses may be fascinated by the series' characters, including Jackson Lamb , one of the most notable figures. He is the leader of Slough House - a gathering place for MI5 agents, but not just those in the top levels, instead, those who made a mistake. Often, this has meant they've been banished from the "main force" - and it is with those figures they need to show that they are still competent and capable of serving British intelligence. It’s those who have fallen from grace - but ultimately find themselves fighting those dangerous, more complex enemies such as Frank Harkness (in Slow Horses season 4). This gives viewers those action sequences, intense encounters, and showcases just how powerful these agents, sometimes seen as "outcasts", truly are.

It is a testament to how Slough House agents are often given the chance to redeem themselves as they make a choice - to take on those assignments, often facing great threats from individuals such as Robert Winters (whose true purpose may be connected to the main Slow Horses series antagonist, Frank Harkness). They also have to face down child soldiers. Those who have been raised by Harkness as a ruthless force who have a twisted view of the world. This gives viewers a more morally gray perspective as it gives us the opportunity to explore what it means to be a part of MI5 - and, in a sense, what the cost could be to serve as an MI5 agent.

What is Slow Horses About?

Those who enjoy Spy Thriller movies or Espionage stories, as well as those familiar with the Slow Horses book series - may want to take note that Apple TV+'s Slow Horses series has brought those events to life on the screen, showing a world that revolves around a disparate group of agents - all of whom have lost their way as they become pariahs in the MI5 agency.

The series revolves around an exceptional and skilled team, led by Jackson Lamb - who takes on an iconic and "eccentric" personality. In addition to those, viewers will discover just how their ability to do what’s needed is not simply the main goal but what brings those who are watching to understand the moral and sometimes questionable nature of how British intelligence functions. The story has evolved from the novel series (based on Mick Herron's stories - those which earned the CWA Gold Dagger Award ), as fans can enjoy its modern aesthetic and an intricate and powerful plot line. Those seeking a new Spy Thriller series will be captivated by how the characters of Slow Horses grapple with an endless string of enemies - in some cases their enemies take a more ruthless form.