Idly perusing ‘Coming Soon’ on Apple TV+, I was really excited that they are doing an adaptation of ‘Slow Horses’, Mick Herron’s series of darkly comedic thrillers about the MI5 rejects in Slough House. The trailer looks good, so I’m hopeful it will do the books justice 🤞
@bsag So "Slow Horses" is worth a read, then? I started it but got distracted. Sounds like it's worth picking up again. Or maybe just wait for the TV show :)
@jack I think so - I’ve read several books in the series now and they get better and better. Perhaps I just like rooting for the unglamorous underdogs? I doubt that they will have the courage to make Jackson Lamb as repellent as he is in the books though 😏
@bsag I half think Gary Oldman, aside from being a fine actor, was cast to give the Jackson Lamb character a little bit of ... dimension? I'm reading the books out of order, only now starting the first. So far, halfway through the first book, I don't know much of anything about Lamb. And I don't understand why people don't hit him with a broom whenever he opens his mouth.
One thing about the books that may be just the ticket for serial TV is that nearly all scenes are short. I mean really short. It's great for keeping the reader on seat's edge.
@rogerscrafford I think wanting to hit Lamb with a broom is entirely appropriate (and the writer’s intention). From the first book, I had very clear ideas about casting of a few of the chatcters. Lamb will always be Philip Jackson in my mind, and ‘Lady’ Di will be Anna Chancellor. Jackson can do deadpan obnoxious like no other, and Chancellor would have the chilly, steely qualities needed for Diana. I’m sure that Gary Oldman will be brilliant (he always is) but I can’t get Philip Jackson out of my head as Lamb.
@bsag I hadn't though of Phillip Jackson, but you are correct. (Though I might find myself occasionally wondering how Chief Inspector Japp got on set.) Chancellor would be a terrifying 'Lady Di', and much more believable than, say, Tilda Swinton. But we must make do with what has been done.
@rogerscrafford I did think that Kristin Scott-Thomas was a good choice for Diana though (and a terrific actor of course).
