Gary Oldman plays Jackson Lamb, a gruff and mischievous secret agent in the sixth season of the critically acclaimed series Slow Horses, now available on Apple TV from September 16. The show is based on the novels by Mick Herron and centers on a group of flawed and often dysfunctional spies stationed at Slough House, a London-based intelligence unit for agents who have made career mistakes. Jackson Lamb, nearing the end of his career, is an alcoholic with a sharp tongue and a difficult leadership style, but he is deeply committed to his team, even if he rarely expresses it openly. This season, Lamb faces a new and dangerous challenge when two former members of his team are killed, leading him to discover they were marked on a hit list. To protect his remaining agents, Lamb sends them into hiding, instructing them to avoid using their phones while he tries to unravel the mystery. Oldman describes Jackson Lamb as a character who lacks political correctness but is guided by a strong sense of loyalty and morality. He explains that Lamb would go to great lengths to protect his team, even to the point of risking his own life for them. This makes him a protective, almost fatherly figure in the eyes of his squad. Over the years, Oldman notes that while Lamb is still largely shaped by the original source material, there is also a "Gary Lamb" element—a touch of the actor's own personality that has subtly influenced the character’s evolution. The actor also highlights the strong bond formed between the cast and crew over the years, describing the production as a close-knit family. He praises the series for its ability to remain relevant and attract new audiences, despite the challenges faced by long-running shows. Unlike traditional spy fiction, which often features cold, unapproachable heroes, Slow Horses offers a more grounded, human take on the spy world. Its characters are flawed, dealing with personal struggles like addiction and emotional baggage, which makes them more relatable to viewers. Oldman also jokes about a "Bowie period" in the show, referencing the famous musician David Bowie, though he clarifies it’s meant to be a lighthearted nod rather than a reflection of his own life. Despite playing the role for many years, Oldman insists he has not adopted Lamb’s negative traits in real life. He mentions he avoids confrontation and prefers to keep peace, showing that while he can portray a rough character on screen, his real-life persona remains quite different.