#reading: slow horses

[spookstreet]

“They could have Commandments,” River told her. “It wouldn’t tear him from his garden. Is it his money you’re after?”

“No, darling. I just want him to be unhappy.”

And

“River, I’ve told you. Mummy has to go away. It’s important. You want Mummy to be happy, don’t you?”

He didn’t answer. He didn’t want Mummy to be happy. He wanted Mummy to be there. That was important.

Slow Horses, Mick Herron.

These Cartwrights. River in this chapter noticeably refutes his grandfather’s belief that he takes after Isobel. (And David doesn’t really consider their shared traits to be a bad thing - he’s somewhat bemused, all things considered).

[isthatacalzone]

been rewatching S4 and thinking about the fact when River was probably at his most terrified, trying to figure out why someone was trying to kill his grandfather and how to protect him, the logical conclusion he came to was Standish. Standish is safe. he can go to France and not be preoccupied with how his ailing grandfather is faring because Catherine Standish is looking after him.

and then I start thinking how proud Standish must have felt when River turned up at her door with the most important person in his life and said "please look after him". Catherine Standish, who for so long was seen as a risk because of her addiction - someone unreliable and not to be trusted, trusted with someone that precious. no wonder she took it so seriously when Lamb turned up on her doorstep. "River asked me to look after him", and by god was she going to

[bobfloydpilled]

my copy of the first sh book arrived today, and i'm ecstatic to report:

THEY ARE EVEN MORE INSUFFERABLE

[thebeigelunatics]

it warms me a lot to imagine that the first few years of river's life, he maybe received cards that said something like 'happy birthday, young lad! best wishes, charles partner' or 'happy christmas! yours warmly, charles partner' in tandem with expensive gifts such as a toy spyglass or detective kit that were likely elegantly signed or chosen with care by catherine standish. 🥺

[brotherconstant]

Louisa Guy in every episode (9/24) Slow Horses | 3.03 "Negotiating with Tigers"

[too-many-rooks]

The Cartwright House

[hr-twink]

young River | sorry seems to be the hardest word- elton john

[snowfallnight]

My new fav photo of them, ty mama gisele 😭

[azertyrobaz]

"Working with you has been the lowest point in a disappointing career."

[oh-jackothy]

Absolutely incapable of adhering to this sign

[spookstreet]

Or had James Webb left instructions that River be kept hanging about until the obvious was hammered home: that a visitor’s pass was the best he’d ever get?

Where Spider was concerned, River easily got paranoid.

Slow Horses, Mick Herron.

Two options here: either Spider really is petty enough to keep River waiting, or he simply enjoys a rent-free space in River’s thoughts.

[mariathechosen1]

I love the idea of River crushing on Louisa next season actually.

First things first: Louisa is pulling away from the kiss. Like- I feel like that, combined with the fact that she rejected River earlier this season, is a sign that she’s probably not interested in anything beyond platonic with River ? I don’t know why people are freaking out so much over this scene ??

Despite this, I do think that River liking her has some genuine potential:

Maybe he’s just such a hot mess after going through, let’s be honest, the world’s longest fucking trauma conga line that he confuses his own feelings of trust and appreciation as romantic attraction, leading to the most awkward kiss of all time. This could be a really nice way to explore the value of their relationship as well as solidify their friendship

Ooooor alternatively: River is actually down bad. Like- c’mon! Louisa is literally the person he trusts the most (judging by the fact that he called her when he was with Harkness). They’ve been through tons of shit together, she saved his life and she’s Louisa fucking Guy!! (And frankly out of his league imo). I wouldn’t blame the guy if he actually fell for her.

I get it! I’m also tired of romance being ‘forced’ on male-female friendships, but romantic attraction can be interesting! It can bring out new sides of characters, it can make friendships more complex, it can lead to new and interesting plot lines, etc

I think no matter what happens (and I honestly think it’s just a spoof and not a real kiss), I trust that the writers know what they’re doing and that it’ll be done in a way that does both the characters justice.

(…but also it’s weird how many people are ‘grossed out’ at the idea that River might kiss Louisa idk)

[bobfloydpilled]

BEHOLD!!!! a new fic, slow horses edition! featuring river whump, river comfort, and lamb-typical snark! enjoy :D

[wishingupontheskyandstars]

After rewatching all 4 seasons of Slow Horses and immediately wanting to rewatch all of them again and reading Standish/Lamb fanfic hmm I def. found a new series to love 😌

[thestalwartheart]

Okay you've all witnessed my descent into madness over Slow Horses, but seriously, I cannot recommend it enough. A spy thriller with a main character so anti-James Bond that he gets stuck in revolving doors! An unapologetic look at the complete lack of ethics in the security services! A found family story made up of MI5's greatest fuck-ups! Gary Oldman playing the world's most repulsive character! Strong, well-developed, complex female characters! Two calculating, criminal women who have definitely fucked and now despise each other leading MI5!

Go watch it. Seriously, it's so good. It's funny, thrilling and completely fucked up.

[too-many-rooks]

Slow Horses, S4, E2; A Stranger comes to town.