This Slow Horses character goes against the British spy stereotype and it's hilarious how poles apart they are

If you have watched the Apple TV spy drama Slow Horses, then you already know why the show stands out. It portrays a lousy team of spy agents in Slough House, which is basically the dumping ground of MI5. Agents who have screwed up in their fields are sent to Slough House rather than outrightly getting fired for their embarrassing mistakes. Therefore, this spy show sets up a unique, more grubby and unglamorous side of espionage. It builds comedy on the spy agents' hilarious incompetence, unlike popular spy dramas like James Bond, which showcase more "polished" and perfect spy characters.

Among all of the characters in Slow Horses, this character has given some most hilarious moments against the British spy stereotype. True fans can surely guess the name. Yes, it is none other than Jackson Lamb, a foul-mouthed, alcoholic, slovenly boss of MI5’s misfit division. Here is how.

Jackson Lamb goes against the British spy stereotype, and it's hilarious in Slow Horses

Jackson Lamb is portrayed as the grim, overweight, bitter-mouthed character who makes him almost invisible to his team and his superiors. He is often underestimated, but the catch is that it seems like the character intentionally chooses it, against the typical image of a spy, only to eventually surprise the viewers with some brilliant moves.

Jackson Lamb is one of the complex characters who is sharp, but is scarred by his past events to ever wear the polished spy suit. The show also hints that he could have been the First Desk, a top spy position equivalent to chief spy, but his life never allowed him to be. He is seen to mock his "slow horses" and people draw its comparison with Malcolm Tucker from The Thick of It, abusive and foul-mouthed but still inspiring when it comes to work.

Lamb has shown a hidden loyalty towards his slow horses despite mocking them. In Season 1, Episode 3, River Cartwright is detained near the hospital under suspicious circumstances. It was Jackson Lamb who showed up just at the right time and protected him from confinement. He doesn't hesitate to berate River for his sloppy behaviour. This shows how sharp Lamb's instincts are even under pressure.

Jackson Lamb's appearance contrasts with the polished image of an uptight spy in Slow Horses.

Impeccable suits, sleek hair, clean-shaven or perfectly kept stubble, is what comes to anyone's mind when we think of a British spy. Jackson Lamb looks nothing like that. He is portrayed as overweight, with stained clothes, always sucking on cigarettes, and grabbing whiskey.

British spies are usually portrayed as calm and smooth. A leader on whom the entire team can trust, almost a fatherly figure with a witty and confident aura. Their lifestyle is glamorous. Living in 5-star hotels, fine dining, and champagne with colleagues. On the other hand, Jackson sleeps in his filthy chair, eats greasy takeaways, and drinks the cheapest whisky.

Even when it comes to women, spies always have their easy way out. Almost always seductive with their perfect bodies and personas. While in Jackson's case, sex appeal is nonexistent. Romance isn’t even in the picture. He’s abrasive, off-putting, and far too unkempt to fit the trope of a desirable spy.

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This is what makes Jackson Lamb's character one of the best in Slow Horses, keeping in mind the show's theme, and equally different from any spy drama heroes you've ever seen.

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