Slow Horses

Representation / casting choices

Multi-ethnic cast in contemporary UK intelligence roles with some audience-noted patterns of competent non-white agents alongside white antagonists; fits modern London without swaps or overt signaling.

Political / ideological dialogue

Satirical takes on MI5 leadership failures and populist politicians (especially right-leaning caricatures); cynical anti-establishment tone dominates over explicit progressive messaging.

Identity-driven story themes

Stories prioritize spy tradecraft, loyalty, addiction, and bureaucratic incompetence; minimal arcs centered on gender, race, or sexuality.

Institutional / cultural critique

Sharp portrayal of intelligence service rot, political interference, and populist right-wing figures as disruptive forces; classical liberal skepticism of power rather than modern activist framing of patriarchy, whiteness, or systemic oppression.