WithSlow Horsesat theend of its fourth season, showrunner Will Smith has alluded to a potential adaptation of Mick Herron’s latest book,The Secret Hours. The novel explores a covert investigation into a long-buried scandal inside British intelligence, adding new dimensions to the espionage universe established in theSlough Houseseries, which the AppleTV+ show is based on.
In a recent interview withCollider, Herron discussed the possibility of bringing the spinoff book to the screen. The book is set in the same universe asSlough Houseand takes place after the events of the eighth novel. Although given the source material, Herron toldColliderthat a TV show forThe Secret Hourswould not be the choice of medium. Read his quote below:
I do think, though, there’s a great book he wrote, the last book that came out, which is in the Slough House universe, and Slow Horses do come into it, which is called The Secret Hours. That could be a movie or a more limited number just because of the nature of that story. But in terms of the main books, I think six is the one.
What This Means For The Slow Horses Universe
The Expansion Of Herron’s Universe Could Be A Success
While the show centers on thewashed-up agents of Slough House, the spinoff novel expands on the spy-thriller lore by exploring different events and characters yet maintains the signature wit and suspense readers, and viewers, love.The Secret Hoursfollows the aftermath of the Monochrome inquiry, an investigation launched by a hostile prime minister to expose misconduct within British intelligence. Civil servants Malcolm Kyle and Griselda Fleet are given complete access to MI5’s records, only to find their efforts shut down by MI5’s First Desk, a master of evasion. Just as the investigation is about to fail, an unexpected case file reveals a tragic and scandalous 1994 Berlin operation that changed decades of history.
The standalone novel offers a captivating blend of humor and intrigue while discovering revelations tied to Herron’sSlough Houseuniverse. Adapting it as a movie would allow AppleTV+ to elevate the material with a more cinematic experience, introducing viewers to a fresh take on espionage without having to rely solely on Jackson Lamb’s team’s well-known characters. It is an opportunity to expand Herron’s universe while maintaining the show’s momentum alive between seasons.
Our Take On The Potential Adaptation
It Could Introduce Slow Horses To A New Audience
The screen adaptation ofThe Secret Hourspresents an opportunity to try out a new, faster-paced way of storytelling, which would differ fromSlow Horses' renowned complex plotting and slow-burn storytelling, and the movie could serve as an accessible entry point for viewers who have not watched the full series or read the books, to get started.
How Accurate Is Slow Horses? 6 Things The Show Gets Wrong About MI5
Based on the Slough House novels by Mick Herron, Slow Horses isn’t a totally accurate depiction of MI5, though the spy thriller nails some details.
While the show’s creators have not confirmed any production plans for the film, the possibility ofThe Secret Hourshitting the big screen has already generated buzz for readers and viewers alike.Slow Horseshas already cemented its place as one of Apple’s standout series, and this prospective movie could help demonstrate Herron’s storytelling range. Whether it serves as a bridge between seasons or an independent narrative, this possible adaptation hints at exciting developments for both the show and the audience.
Slow Horses
Cast
Slow Horses follows a dysfunctional team of MI5 agents led by the notorious Jackson Lamb. Set against the backdrop of the espionage world, the agents must navigate complex operations and defend England from sinister forces, all while dealing with internal struggles and their abrasive boss.
