These 7 underrated Slow Horses characters definitely deserved the spotlight more 

Watch Slow Horses on Apple TV | Image via Apple TV
Watch Slow Horses on Apple TV | Image via Apple TV

Slow Horses is full of action and dry lines, yet certain characters steal the scene unannounced. Despite their limited screen time, they are notable because of their bravery, loyalty, and emotional depth. These characters provide heart, comedy, and courage to the narrative in a way that is easy to miss. They leave a wonderful impression in their quiet times, brave choices, or enduring connections.

This list identifies the characters that made the show unique and contributed to its emotional core. They proved that being in the background does not equate to being unimportant by utilizing their personal problems and technological prowess. These underdogs deserve more attention.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the author's opinions. Reader discretion is advised.


Here is the list of the 7 underrated Slow Horses characters who definitely deserved the spotlight more:

7. J.K. Coe

Tom Brooke as J.K. Coe (Right) in Slow Horses | Image via Apple TV
Tom Brooke as J.K. Coe (Right) in Slow Horses | Image via Apple TV

J.K. Coe is one of Slow Horses' most enigmatic and underrated characters. Coe (portrayed by Tom Brooke) is distinguished by his secure behavior, MI5 experience, and trauma that profoundly affects his conduct. Coe's unwillingness to talk and tendency to isolate are shown vividly in Season 4, when he pretends to be playing the piano as a symptom of PTSD. This scene not only displays his sensitivity, but it also reveals the possibility to expound on his deeper and richer history.

Writer Mick Herron additionally claimed that Coe is the character with whom he most identifies, boosting Coe's importance in the plot. Viewers have applauded Brooke's understated portrayal, while Coe has been described as "ideally cast" on social media. His role in Slow Horses is underappreciated, yet his restrained & traumatic past reveals that he deserves much more attention and character development.


6. Min Harper

Dustin Demri-Burns as Min Harper (Left) in Slow Horses | Image via Apple TV
Dustin Demri-Burns as Min Harper (Left) in Slow Horses | Image via Apple TV

Min Harper is a kindhearted and underrated Slow Horses character. Dustin Demri-Burns played the role with warmth and sincerity. Min becomes entangled in the chaos of Slough House because of his genuine personality and uncomfortable manner. In Season 2 of Slow Horses, Min's courage shines through as he puts his own life at risk while defending Louisa Guy from a deadly gunfight, albeit at the tragic cost of giving up his own life. His charming and arrogant personality didn't always represent the depth of his courage and loyalty that emerged from this moment.

Min's connection with the gang, particularly Louisa, is handled with quiet care, making his death a significant emotional story point in the series. On socials, fans posted that Min's death was

"One of the saddest of the series,"

a testament to how much his character captured their attention with a limited tenure. Min is an underrated Slow Horses character who deserves more recognition and publicity for his selflessness and kindness.


5. Marcus Longride

Kadiff Kirwan as Marcus Longride (Left) in Slow Horses | Image via Apple TV
Kadiff Kirwan as Marcus Longride (Left) in Slow Horses | Image via Apple TV

Marcus Longridge is an underrated Slow Horses character who adds humor, warmth, and grit to the TV series. Kadiff Kirwan played the role brilliantly. Marcus is unique in the sense that he is practical in his approach towards accepting challenges and also in his involvement with personal demons like gambling. In Season 3, audiences have witnessed a memorable scene when Marcus comes to the rescue during a difficult situation and uses his wit and courage to help calm down a possibly lethal crisis.

This act revealed that he can do much more than his ill-fated reputation implies. Kirwan has been credited with adding an extra dimension and a likable quality to the role, and fans refer to Marcus as a budding star. Marcus received no attention during the series. However, he is very loyal & shows real courage in important moments. His multi-layered image gave the show a comedic and human touch.


4. Roddy Ho

Christopher Chung as Roddy Ho in Slow Horses | Image via Apple TV
Christopher Chung as Roddy Ho in Slow Horses | Image via Apple TV

Roddy Ho, played by Christopher Chung, is the technical wizard of Slough House and a frequent source of comic relief with his clueless self-assurance. Despite his bluster, Roddy is an indispensable member of the group whose hacking skills have rescued the group more than once. In the Season 3 bus tragedy scene, we see Roddy driving, and his actions accidentally seal the group's fate while also displaying his eccentricities.

Roddy's abilities are priceless despite these humorous gaffes, and the scenes in which he deciphers a code or compromises a system reveal how much more useful he is than people realize. Chung said he enjoyed their experience of portraying Roddy's contactless character and has been acclaimed online for making the character iconic. Fans have pointed out Roddy's contribution, stating his "hacks are vital," yet he isn't often accorded the recognition he deserves. Roddy is an underrated character whose input is vital yet frequently undervalued.


3. Catherine Standish

Saskia Reeves as Catherine Standish in Slow Horses | Image via Apple TV
Saskia Reeves as Catherine Standish in Slow Horses | Image via Apple TV

Catherine Standish, played by Saskia Reeves, is the cornerstone of Slough House and is often overlooked despite being the group's secretary. Throughout Season 4, Catherine's character exemplifies institutional knowledge and inner strength by maintaining the group's cohesiveness in the face of chaos and displaying competence under duress. Her ability to support and focus on others is best revealed in a quiet, intense moment where she calmly welcomed Roddy after the bus disaster.

Instagram fans refer to hers as a "brilliant, somewhat underrated role" and wonder at her steady countenance. Catherine is never the focus of attention, but her tenacity, interpersonal skills, and loyalty set her apart from her peers. She is an underrated character that deserves much more recognition for the stable and caring influence she brings to the group.


2. Shirley Dander

Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Shirley Dander (Right) in Slow Horses | Image via Apple TV
Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Shirley Dander (Right) in Slow Horses | Image via Apple TV

Shirley Dander, played by Aimee-Ffion Edwards, is a person with a hard exterior and a vulnerable inside, a very faithful and blunt character in Slow Horses. Shirley has an addiction problem, and anger management issues, which were key aspects of her growth in Season 5. The most impactful scene is her heart-to-heart conversation with River Cartwright in which she discusses her sobriety and mental well-being. The moment reveals that she is more than her hotheaded reputation. Edwards has already discussed how the platonic relationship between Shirley and River is a refreshing change of pace, as it avoids romance and focuses more on genuine friendship.

Shirley is a remarkable character, despite not receiving much narrative attention. Her followers appreciate her complexity and find it intriguing how her anger contrasts with her kind heart. She goes through a journey of self-acceptance & builds strong friendships. This shows that she is an underrated Slow Horses character who deserves more time on screen.


1. Louisa Guy

Rosalind Eleazar as Louisa Guy (Right) in Slow Horses | Image via Apple TV
Rosalind Eleazar as Louisa Guy (Right) in Slow Horses | Image via Apple TV

Louisa Guy, characterized as professional and aggressive, is a member of Slow Horses whose labor frequently goes unnoticed in comparison to the group's more vocal members. Rosalind Eleazar played this role. In Season 2 of Slow Horses, Louisa stays strong after Min Harper's death. She continues to lead and protect her troops despite her personal pain. When she takes River Cartwright to task regarding irresponsible heroics, we see her composed authority and empathy, a balanced presence that centers the group. A popular dialogue of Louisa from the series:

"You always run off by yourself trying to be a hero"

reflects her grounded and loving personality. Viewers regard Louisa as "strong but so underrated" and automatically want more of her screen time. Louisa stays calm & reliable when things go wrong in the show. This proves that she is an underrated Slow Horses character who should be given more attention.


These seven characters gave Slow Horses an emotional depth and a touch of humanity. They were fearless, humorous, loyal, and complex, even when they were not the focus of the story. Each of them had moments that showed how important they were to the group and the audience.

Fans saw their strength and wanted to see more of their stories. They contributed to the heart of the show, whether through simple encouragement or by taking bold actions. Though their roles might have been small, their impact was large. These characters proved that being underestimated doesn't mean being forgettable. They deserved more space and more love.

Edited by Ayesha Mendonca