'Slow' and steady: Compelling characters drive darkly humorous espionage drama

Words seemingly arrive quickly for writer Will Smith.

It’s a craft he’s worked his whole life at.

Smith is both writer and executive producer of the Apple TV+ series “Slow Horses.”

On Sept. 15, Smith picked up an Emmy for his writing on the show. The fourth season premiered on Sept. 4, on Apple TV+ and will have its season finale begin to stream on Wednesday, Oct. 2.

'Slow' and steady: Compelling characters drive darkly humorous espionage drama

“Slow Horses” is based on the series of award-winning books by author Mick Herron.

The darkly humorous espionage drama series follows the misfits, screw-ups and self-proclaimed losers who have ended up in a form of spy purgatory at Slough House.

The brilliant but misanthropic leader of these spies is Jackson Lamb, played by Gary Oldman.

The third season of the award-winning series recently earned nine Emmy Award nominations, starting with Outstanding Drama Series, as well as an acting nods for Oldman for Lead Actor in a Drama Series, Jack Lowden for Supporting Actor, and Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for Jonathan Pryce. The series was also nominated for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series, Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series, Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, Outstanding Picture Editing for a Drama Series, and Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score).

Since the show’s launch, audiences around the world have only grown more passionate about the compelling characters and immersive world of “Slow Horses” with each new season.

“The books were a word-of-mouth hit because of the characters, and I think it is the same with the show,” Smith said. “The plots are great, the set pieces are terrific, but what hooked me on the books — and keeps me looking forward to the next one — is that I like spending time with these characters. I’m invested in them and they feel very real to me. The humor is also part of the success of both the books and the show, but again that is rooted in character. If we get it right, the humor never feels imposed, it comes organically out of the situations, all of which help you believe in these characters despite the extreme situations they often find themselves in.”

As a writer, Smith said his team is blessed with an abundance of wonderful characters and outstanding actors who have joined the show for the fourth season.

“Jo Scanlan plays Moira Tregorian who is (British Intelligence Administrator) Catherine (Standish’s) replacement at Slough House,” Smith said. “As a character, Moira upsets the apple cart. She sees herself as above the Slow Horses and reminds Lamb just how much he needs Catherine. As an actor, Jo fitted in seamlessly. She has an incredible talent for finding humor in the smallest of moments without ever pulling focus. She always enhances a scene in the most generous and empathetic way. I adore her. We also have Tom Brooke as JK Coe, a new Slow Horse who is getting over a horrific incident in his recent past. He’s a man of few words, so we knew we would need an actor who was confident and talented enough to be set in the background but still have a presence.”

Smith said the new season sees new villains, which are played by Tom Wozniczka and Hugo Weaving .

“I don’t think I need to say anything about Hugo other than, ‘Oh my god, I can’t believe we got Hugo Weaving!’ ”

As Smith read the series, he kept a running list of who he would like to cast in the show.

He said from the moment he read the book, he felt that Weaving would be great to play Frank Harkness.

“Apart from his sheer brilliance there’s an obvious reason, but that would be a spoiler, so I can’t say any more right now,” Smith said. “Then there was a hidden reason, which is that we’re actually related. He’s my mother’s cousin. So he was a big deal for me growing up. He was my awesome, famous relative, and I thought it would be amazing if we got to work together one day. And we did and it was beautiful. I also immediately thought of Jo Scanlan when I first read the book as well. We worked together on ‘The Thick of It’ and I think the world of her. She is an amazing talent and a wonderful person. I knew everyone would love her and they did!”