Hugo Weaving is officially returning toSlow Horsesfor season 6, reprising his role as the sinister Frank Harkness. The hit Apple TV+ espionage drama, based on Mick Herron’sSlough Housenovels, follows the exploits of outcast agents, relegated to Slough House under the leadership of the abrasive Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman). Season 4 introduced Weaving’s Frank Harkness, a former CIA operative, whose child soldier scheme and connection to River Cartwright (Jack Lowden) added another complex issue to the show’s already tense narrative. ThoughSlow Horsesseason 5has yet to air,season 6 has already been confirmed.
According toVariety,Weaving confirmed his character’s return inSlow Horses' season 6, revealing exciting prospects for the upcoming seasons. At the end of season 4, River is revealed to be one of Frank’s sons, a child spared from Frank’s efforts to rear young boys into obedient killing machines. Here’s what Weaving had to say about the series' upcoming installment, which he will begin filming in January in London:
Each season generally is a book, but also each season departs a little bit from those books. We’re getting to the point withSlow Horseswhere the seasons are catching up to the amount of books that [Mick] Herron has written.
What Hugo Weaving’s Return To Slow Horses Means
Frank Harkness' Story Is Far From Over
Weaving’s Frank Harkness quickly became a pivotal figure bythe end of season 4 ofSlow Horses. The espionage series' fourth season explored Frank’s disturbing scheme, in which he fathered various sons with multiple women and held them at an isolated compound in France to train them as child soldiers. Frank attempts to recruit River, who refuses, becoming one of Frank’s only sons to rebel against their father. The villain’s ability to cunningly manipulate those around him while keeping his broader schemes concealedmakes Frank a compelling antagonist to revisit.
With Frank’s capture in the season 4 finale,Slow Horseshinted at unfinished business, particularly with his veiled threats against MI5. Frank’s return in season 6 could furtherexplore hisconnection with Riverand MI5’s covert dealings with his contract killers. Additionally, Weaving’s comment about the show catching up to Herron’s series—which consists of 9 novels and 5 novellas—suggestsSlow Horsesmay begin incorporating original content, giving the writers more creative freedom to delve into side characters like Frank.
Our Take On Hugo Weaving’s Return To Slow Horses
The Sinister Villain’s Return Elevates The Stakes For Season 6
Weaving’s sinister, yet charismatic portrayal of Frank stands as one of the most compelling additions toSlow Horses' characters.Frank and River’s tense father-son dynamic is ripe for a deeper exploration, especially as River continues to grapple with his moral code while facing the man responsible for his trauma. Bringing Frank back into its sixth season,Slow Horsesis also posed to unravel the corrupted power dynamics within MI5 and Slough House. With Oldman, Lowden, and Weaving returning, season 6 is shaping up to be a powerhouse continuation of one of TV’s most thrilling dramas.
Slow Horses
Cast
Slow Horses follows a dysfunctional team of MI5 agents led by the notorious Jackson Lamb. Set against the backdrop of the espionage world, the agents must navigate complex operations and defend England from sinister forces, all while dealing with internal struggles and their abrasive boss.
