In the world of television, the departure of a showrunner can often signal a significant shift in a show's trajectory. So, when Will Smith, the lead writer and executive producer of Apple TV's 'Slow Horses', decided to move on, it naturally raised questions about the future of this cult spy series.
'Slow Horses' has carved out a unique niche for itself, with its blend of wry humor and slow-burn storytelling. The show's star-studded cast, led by Gary Oldman as the iconic Jackson Lamb, has helped it gain critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. However, with Smith's exit, the creative team faced a challenge: how to maintain the show's momentum and unique tone without its de facto captain at the helm.
The Creative Foundation
Executive producer Doug Urbanski believes that the show's creative foundation, built over multiple seasons, provided a solid base to navigate this transition. He emphasizes that the absence of a traditional showrunner allowed for a more collaborative approach, where the entire team had to step up and solve the challenges presented by Smith's departure.
"Will leaving meant we had to solve it, and I think we did. Some early viewers have praised season six as the best yet, and we're excited for audiences to see it."
Awards and Recognition
The show's recent success, with nine Emmy nominations, including nods for Oldman and Lowden, has added a new layer of pressure and recognition. Urbanski acknowledges that while awards are a nice validation, they are not the primary focus. The creative team aims to maintain the show's integrity and unique tone, regardless of external accolades.
Adapting the Source Material
With nine books in the 'Slow Horses' series, the show has a rich source of material to draw from. For season six, the creative team has decided to adapt two of author Mick Herron's books into a single season, a departure from the usual one-book-per-season format. This decision was driven by a desire to maintain the character and story momentum established in previous seasons.
"Combining the sixth and seventh books made sense. Herron's novels are the creative foundation, and we wanted to ensure we did justice to his work."
The Future of 'Slow Horses'
As the show moves forward, the question of its longevity remains. With a seventh season already in production, based on the eighth novel, the creative team is committed to continuing the series as long as the delicate balance of tone and interest from all parties is maintained. The potential for more books from Herron also offers an exciting prospect for future seasons.
"We're having ongoing conversations about the future. With Herron's continued writing, we have the opportunity to keep the show going for as long as it remains a labor of love for all involved."
Conclusion
The departure of Will Smith from 'Slow Horses' presented a unique challenge, but the creative team's commitment to the show's integrity and unique tone has resulted in a promising future. With a new season on the horizon and the potential for more books, 'Slow Horses' fans can look forward to more of the show's distinctive blend of humor and espionage.
