The fifth episode of ‘Slow Horses,’ titled ‘Fiasco,’ sees Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman) in top form and in command of his Slow Horses from Slough House. River Cartwright finally contributes something helpful, and his grizzled superior wastes no time in stepping right into the lion’s den and facing Diana Taverner, the chief of MI5. Meanwhile, the kidnappers are still on the run following Curly’s surprise and vicious attack on Moe. Things are as frantic as they have always been, but the tide may be shifting for the Slough House agents. Let’s take a deeper look at Episode 5 of ‘Slow Horses.’ WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD.

Recap of Slow Horses Episode 5

River eventually remembers where he’s seen Alan Black before the episode begins with the rest of the Slow Horses meeting up with Jackson and Catherine. He tells the group that he has a photograph of Alan and Diana Taverner meeting in secret, blaming the MI5 chief for the current issue. When Jackson learns of this, he reluctantly orders River to join him and warns the rest of his squad to remain out of the clutches of the “dogs,” as MI5 agents are commonly referred to.

Meanwhile, the kidnappers continue their frenzied, blood-splattered escape, with Hassan still imprisoned in the rear. Curly insists on killing the captive, but the tables are turned as Zeppo pulls out a revolver and takes command of the situation. They then want to leave the nation via boat, but are forced to stop for gasoline. A tense pause develops, during which Hassan must exit and refill his prisoners’ automobile. Despite his thoughts, he does not flee and gets back into the automobile.

Meanwhile, Jackson smuggles Rives into the MI5 offices, where he finally meets Diana. She tries to coerce Jackson into signing a false confession and promises him he will not be charged but will be fired, thinking she has the upper hand. River, on the other hand, locates the damning photos in a folder labeled “Fiasco” (thus the episode’s title) and confronts Diana just in time.

Curly Kills Zeppo in Slow Horses Episode 5: Why?

Diana is in a pickle after being confronted with evidence of her ties to Alan Black. Jackson then urges her to concentrate on rescuing Hassan and to stop trying to implicate the Slow Horses. The MI5 boss reports that all of the cars suspected of being involved in the kidnapping have vanished, leaving Hassan’s fate dangling by a thread.

Back in the kidnappers’ car, the crooks, impressed by Hassan’s assistance and refusal to go, lighten the mood. They request that their young hostage recite some of the jokes from his stand-up comedy routine, which he does. The kidnappers become more hysterical as the jokes become more insulting, until Curly suddenly takes up the unattended gun and murders Zeppo. The episode concludes with a foreboding quiet in the automobile.

As a result, another ‘Slow Horses’ episode concludes with a horrible murder, this time committed by Curly. The kidnapper who is the youngest and has the least experience appears to be the most bloodthirsty. Furthermore, after murdering Alan Black, who is actually an MI5 agent, Curly realizes he is doomed if he is detected. On another occasion, when discussing killing Hassan, he stated that because he has already done a horrific crime, committing another murder would make little difference. Curly, in essence, has nothing to lose.

Curly is, however, the only one who is fully dedicated to the kidnappers’ foreboding pledge to kill Hassan. While his two other accomplices beg him to let Hassan free and flee the country, Curly is keen about beheading the young college student. As a result, when Zeppo attempts to seize power by threatening Curly with a gun, he underestimates the latter.

Even though he pretends to be persuaded by Zeppo’s proposal, Curly never intends to change his mind and instead waits for the time to retake leadership of the organization. While they are distracted by Hassan’s jokes, Curly seizes the opportunity and murders Zeppo, establishing unequivocally who is in command.

What Do River’s Diana Taverner Photographs Show?

River’s snapshot of Diana, taken during his training, turns out to be far more damaging than the young spy could have imagined. River is confined to Slough House when he overhears Diana conversing with Alan Black. The photograph essentially proves that Alan was complicit in Hassan’s kidnapping on Diana’s orders, implicating the MI5 leader in a major felony.

Of course, Diana has her own motivations for assisting in the kidnapping. She recognizes, however, that her involvement in the crime will never be disclosed. With Jackson and River now in possession of the photos, Diana is in a bind and will almost certainly have to do what they say or risk losing her profession and potentially facing legal repercussions.