fans have been left in shock after the devastating finale of season six that saw several characters gunned down.
Season six saw the return of Olivia Cooke’s MI5 agent Sidonie Baker after a four-year absence from the hit thriller. The happy reunion with fellow spy River Cartwright (Jack Lowden) didn’t last long though, with the pair fleeing from Russian sleeper agents.
The final episode aired last night (Wednesday October 21) and saw MI5 employees Louisa, Standish, Moira and Shirley joining up with Roddy, Emma Flyte, Reese Nesmith and River in a safe house, before they’re attacked by River’s father Harkness and a couple of henchmen.
Meanwhile Slow Horses’ boss Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman) confronts Diana Taverner (Kristin Scott Thomas) about the Russian conspiracy that’s put his friends and colleagues in the crosshairs.
After a lot of plotting and double-crossing, the episode ends with Ruth Bradley’s Emma dead and Rosalind Eleazar’s Louisa shot, but with the Russian threat eliminated. Just before River gets to reunite with Sid though, he suffers a heart attack caused by a nerve agent and the last thing we see is his twitching foot through a doorway.
“ is living proof a show can be excellent AND released regularly,” wrote one fan. “ the best ever. What a fabulous season,” said another. “Season 6 of just might be the best one yet, despite the body count. Perfect mix of hilarity & tension,” added a third.
“’ season six finale was one of the best episodes so far, outstanding TV,” wrote another fan.
Slow Horses finale is thee best hour of tele this year 🍿🍿🍿 pic.twitter.com/KnuOm3fnwL
— Andrew McBride (@andrewmcb) October 21, 2026
Of course, Rivers’ cliffhanger death comes as actor Jack Lowden is heavily rumoured to be taking on the role of James Bond. Many fans are convinced that the ending of ’ season six, and his absence from the new season seven trailer, confirms he’s got the part too.
“The season six finale and season seven trailer prove that Jack Lowden will be the new James Bond,” said one fan. “Does the final scene mean Jack Lowden got the Bond gig,” asked another.
Season seven of has already been confirmed and is expected to air next September. Meanwhile, according to reports, news on the next James Bond actor will be announced in the coming weeks with Jacob Elordi and Lowden rumoured to be on the shortlist for the part.