Slow Horses S5: River Battles Inner Demons

Audiences are introduced to River Cartwright in a deeply troubled state at the start of "Slow Horses" Season 5. His father, Frank Harkness, is revealed as a sociopath leading a network of assassins, a revelation that significantly damages River. Actor Jack Lowden notes that this inherited trauma and personal struggles impact River's mental and physical state.

Lowden elaborates on River's character arc, highlighting his pride, which often leads to poor decisions, and his deep connection to his grandfather. The scenes involving his grandfather, who is suffering from dementia, are particularly moving, offering River moments of hope amid personal tragedy. River's actions are often driven by a desire to impress his hero and grandfather.

As Season 5 concludes, River believes he has earned a way out of the MI5's Slough House. However, Jackson Lamb ensures his continued presence. Despite the setbacks, the season ends with River in a considerably more hopeful state than he was at the beginning, a sentiment Lowden found important given River's unhappy disposition throughout the season.

Lowden also reflects on his personal growth alongside River's character development over the show's run. He notes the unique experience of portraying a character for an extended period and witnessing his own maturation as an actor. He expresses a desire to work with actors like Matthew Macfadyen and Martin Freeman, whom he deeply admires.