Summary
Catherine Standish’s explosive row with Jackson Lamb inSlow Horsesseason 3 means she will have a very different role in the upcoming series, but whatever path her story takes, I think I’ve figured out who is taking her place – and it’s perfect. WhileSlow Horsesis, at its heart, a spy story, the show’s biggest strength is its cast and characters. Jackson Lamb, River Cartwright, andevery other member of Slough Househave become integral to the show’s ongoing success. As such, replacing any team member is no easy task, with any change subject to intense scrutiny.
While manycharacter introductions inSlow Horseshave come about as a result of dramatic on-screen deaths, Standish’s replacement is in a slightly awkward position. A beloved and central Slough House resident,Standish has been central to the team’s previous missions. The fact that she isn’t dead and is instead waiting in the wings following her bust-up with Jackson puts any new arrival in the spotlight. Fortunately fromSlow Horses' perspective, the actor I think has been chosen is an ideal choice – not because of herSlow Horsescharacter, but because of a previous role.
Joanna Scanlon Seems To Be Replacing Catherine Standish
Although the only evidence provided so far aboutSlow Horsesseason 4’s new characters is a series of still photographs, the evidence suggests thatJoanna Scanlon seems to be playing Catherine Standish’s replacement, Moira Tregorian. An image of Scanlon shows her clutching a folder in a dingy corridor – presumably Slough House – with pursed lips indicative of a particularly frustrating meeting. While the evidence is circumstantial, I believe it all points towards Tregorian stepping into Standish’s shoes, with her frustration possibly a consequence of an interaction with a flatulent Jackson Lamb.
The argument for Scanlon playing a Standish replacement is bolstered further by theSlow Horsesbooks. In Mick Herron’s novels, Tregorian is an administrator who seems continually “bewildered she’s been sent to live with the slow horses” (viaSpy Write). Although the show differs substantially from the book series, the fact thatStandish’s absence leaves a gaping administrative void at Slough Housemakes the case for Scanlon playing her stand-in all the more compelling.
Scanlon’s The Thick Of It Experience Is Perfect For Slow Horses
As a long-term fan of the show, seeing any new arrivals introduced to freshen up theSlow Horsesline-up is very welcome. However, Scanlon’s casting is particularly exciting because of her track record. Specifically,Scanlon stole the show as gloriously dead-pan Terri Coverleyin the iconic British satire,The Thick Of It. As director of communications in the show’s chaotic Department of Social Affairs and Citizenship, Coverley negotiates the caustic wit of Malcolm Tucker as well as the bumbling ineptitude of other employees, maintaining a steady course despite the carnage around her – all while being consistently hilarious.
Jackson Lamb is just as unpleasant as Malcolm Tucker, andSlow Horses' rapier sharp dialog has many similarities with the earlier show.
This role as part ofThe Thick Of It’s core team is perfect preparation for a show that centers around an organization as dysfunctional as Slough House. Jackson Lamb is just as unpleasant as Malcolm Tucker, andSlow Horses' rapier sharp dialog has many similarities with the earlier show (unsurprising, given that writer Will Smith worked on both projects). Scanlon’s history of bringing nuance to characters who have to negotiate difficult bosses makes her the perfect choice forSlow Horsesseason 4, and I can’t wait to see what she does with the role.
