Slow Horses season 4 episode 1 ending explained: Is River dead?

Slow Horses season 4 premiered with its first episode on September 4, 2024, on Apple TV+. The episode begins with the characteristic dry humor of Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman) as he pulls a prank on Roddy, by sending him to a fast-food chicken joint assuring him that the other Slow Horses would also gather there for a Christmas party.

The others, of course, never arrive. However, this amusing beginning to the episode soon gives way to a darker incident. As Roddy hits the road after realizing that others are not joining him, a suicide bombing occurs nearby.

Titled Identity Theft, the synopsis of Slow Horses season 4 episode 1 reads:

“A London bombing puts Taverner under pressure. When River grows concerned for his grandfather, Louisa encourages him to go for a visit.”

As the episode draws to its end, it appears that River is dead, shot by none other than his grandfather. However, the closing shots not only reveal that River is alive, but also that he is on a mission in France to find out who it was that his grandfather killed.

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Slow Horses season 4 episode 1: River is not dead

River Cartwright (Jack Lowden), one of the Slow Horses, is concerned about his grandfather David Cartwright’s (Jonathan Pryce) failing mental faculties. The latter seems to be forgetting things and taking too long to remember familiar faces.

River expresses his concerns to his colleague Louisa, who suggests that River should visit his grandfather more often and perhaps consider putting him in a care facility.

That day, a panicky David rushes to his home, suspecting he is being followed by someone. He locks himself up in his home and keeps a shotgun handy.

David falls asleep, and his slumber is interrupted by a knock at the door. At first, it seems like the person who enters the house when David opens the door is River. However, David becomes doubtful of the person's identity. As he goes to the toilet, where the newly arrived person is, David declares that the man is not his grandson and shoots him in the head.

The next morning, Lamb reaches the scene. He identifies the dead person as River. Later in the episode, David is nowhere to be found. As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that River is not dead.

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Slow Horses season 4 episode 1 ends with a twist

The closing shots of episode 1 of Slow Horses season 4 reveal that River is not dead. He is in the French countryside, sitting in a car's backseat with a woman's passport. It appears that River is on a secret mission to unearth the identity of the impersonator who visited his grandfather and find the reasons behind it.

As for David, he is hiding in Catherine Standish’s house. Lamb finds this out when he barges into her house and grills her about David's whereabouts. He then finds a sleeping David resting there.

The very first episode of Slow Horses season 4 presents several intriguing mysteries: Is River’s mission somehow connected with the suicide bombing case at took place at the beginning of the episode? And why did Lamb identify the dead person as River even though he was sure it was not him? Slow Horses season 4 will answer these questions gradually.

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Who is Robert Winters?

The mystery of Robert Winters will perhaps be the principal plot-driver in Slow Horses season 4. The intelligence agency finds out that the suicide bombing was orchestrated by Winters. In a chilling video, Winter explains his motive, saying:

“You will suffer for the years I spent imprisoned by your system. God willing I will not be the last. You will hear from my brothers soon."

Winters’ location and identity are tracked, but both his name and address turn out to be fake. When the officials reach the flat from where the video was uploaded, several of them are killed by a hidden explosive that goes off once the curtains are drawn.

One can guess, that this formidable adversary will test Lamb and his team.

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Episode 1 of Slow Horses season 4 is currently streaming on Apple TV+. The next will be released on September 11, 2024. The six-episode season will conclude on October 2, 2024.