What Happened to Jack Lowden’s River Cartwright?


River Cartwright’s fate in Slow Horses Season 4 has sparked intense speculation among fans. The premiere episode of the latest season left viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering if River Cartwright is dead. With a shocking twist and misleading clues, the show has masterfully kept its audience guessing about his status.

So, here’s everything you need to know about what happened to Jack Lowden’s River Cartwright in Slow Horses.

Is Jack Lowden’s River Cartwright dead or alive in Slow Horses?

Despite appearances, River Cartwright is alive in Slow Horses Season 4.

The first episode’s climax suggests River’s demise, initially shocking viewers. This is also because Gary Oldman, who plays Jackson Lamb, previously hinted that a major character will die in Season 4, in an interview with Radio Times.

Given the incidents in Season 4 Episode 1, this points toward River Cartwright’s death, but this is a clever misdirection. In the final scene, he is alive, driving through the French countryside in a taxi to learn what’s going on. This reveal confirms that Jack Lowden’s character River Cartwright did not die, but survives the events of the premiere.

Who did David Cartwright kill in Slow Horses Season 4 Episode 1?

David Cartwright, River’s grandfather, kills an unidentified man in his bathroom.

This man claimed to be River, but David, seemingly confused due to his worsening dementia, shoots him. The victim’s identity remains a mystery, adding to the intrigue of Slow Horses Season 4. Jackson Lamb later identifies the body as one of his own Slow Horses, further complicating the plot.

The events of this Slow Horses episode align with themes from Mick Herron’s book “Spook Street,” on which Season 4 is based. In the book, the killed man is connected to David’s past with MI5 during the Cold War. However, the TV adaptation may diverge from the source material, leaving viewers to speculate about the true identity of the victim.

Jack Lowden’s portrayal of River Cartwright in Slow Horses continues to captivate audiences. The show’s ability to keep viewers guessing about his fate demonstrates its mastery of suspense. As the fourth season progresses, fans will undoubtedly be eager to uncover the reasons behind River’s apparent disappearance and the identity of the man killed by his grandfather.

This thrilling start to Slow Horses Season 4 sets the stage for what promises to be an intense exploration of espionage, family ties, and the consequences of a spy’s fading memory. With River Cartwright not dead but in hiding, the upcoming episodes are sure to deliver more twists and revelations in this critically acclaimed spy drama.