Mick Herron, the creator of the Slough House book series, has clarified his view on Gary Oldman‘s famous television portrayal of Jackson Lamb. In a recent interview, Herron explained that he sees Oldman’s version not as a replacement of his literary creation, but as a separate, equally valid character. He expresses strong support for the actor’s unique interpretation, which draws inspiration from Oldman’s own past spy roles.
The author’s perspective offers a refreshing look at the relationship between a novelist and a screen adaptation, focusing on creative collaboration rather than strict fidelity. With the show’s fifth season recently concluded and a sixth season confirmed, this insight comes as fans continue to celebrate the successful translation of Herron’s world to Apple TV+.
The Author’s View: “There Are Now Two Jacksons”
In a conversation with the Monterey Herald, Mick Herron was direct about the differences between his character and the one audiences see on screen. He did not criticize the adaptation but instead welcomed the new layer Gary Oldman has added.
“No, I think I’m aware that there are now two Jacksons, really,” Herron said. “Because there’s mine, which is just on the page, and there’s Gary’s. And I think Gary is doing really interesting things with it.”
Herron emphasized that Oldman had “every right” to bring his own ideas to the role and stated he is “very, very happy with the way it’s turned out.” He described Oldman as the best possible actor for the part. This separation allows both the books and the show to exist as their own distinct experiences, a point that may help fans who have strong attachments to the original novels.
Gary Oldman’s Unique Inspiration: Jackson Lamb as a “Failed” George Smiley
A key reason for the difference in portrayals is the specific background Gary Oldman brought to the character. Herron revealed that Oldman connected Jackson Lamb to one of his most famous prior roles: George Smiley from the 2011 film adaptation of John le Carré’s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.
“He spent, it must have been at least a year of his life, being George Smiley… And so he has the view that Jackson Lamb is George Smiley having made some wrong decisions, or something along those lines, which I think is really interesting.”
This concept was entirely Oldman’s invention. Herron admitted it was not something he had considered while writing, but he fully appreciates the actor’s insight. This approach shows Oldman building a bridge between two iconic spies—one polished and reserved, the other deliberately slovenly and offensive—using his own professional history to deepen the character.
From Page to Screen: Defining the Two Versions of Lamb
The Jackson Lamb of Mick Herron’s novels is a sharp, deeply cynical, and purposefully unpleasant man who leads a team of disgraced MI5 agents at Slough House. His humor and menace are conveyed through Herron’s prose, leaving much to the reader’s imagination.
Gary Oldman’s on-screen Lamb brings a vivid physicality to this description. The actor fully embodies the character’s reported poor hygiene, rude manners, and flatulence, making him a visceral presence. Beyond the appearance, Oldman finds a relatable core in Lamb’s liberated cynicism, suggesting the character’s appeal lies in his fearless honesty.
“He says things we all wish we could say,” Oldman has said about Lamb’s character.
The show, which adapts Herron’s novels in order, has been praised for capturing the biting wit and human drama of the books while allowing the cast room to develop their roles. Oldman has noted that the series format provides more time to explore character depth compared to a two-hour film.
A Collaborative Relationship Between Author and Actor
Unlike some authors who are deeply involved in adaptations, Mick Herron has taken a more hands-off approach. In podcast interviews, Gary Oldman has shared amusing anecdotes about Herron’s relaxed attitude, noting the author’s collaborative spirit and lack of interference when the show needed to trim or adjust book material for television.
This dynamic has created a positive environment for the production. Oldman has expressed his gratitude for the role, calling it a “wonderful thing” Herron has achieved by injecting sharp humor into the spy genre. He also enjoys the collaborative process on set, likening acting with co-stars like Jack Lowden to a compelling tennis match.
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The Future of Slough House
The television series Slow Horses has proven to be a major success for Apple TV+. The show’s fifth season, which adapted Herron’s novel London Rules, finished airing in October 2025. Fans can look forward to more, as the show has been officially renewed for a sixth season and a seventh season. The sixth season will adapt the novels Joe Country and Slough House.
Gary Oldman has hinted that the upcoming fifth season delves deeper into Jackson Lamb’s past, revealing another layer of the character. With a steady supply of source material from Herron’s ongoing book series—which includes nine novels and several novellas—the world of Slough House is set to continue expanding on both the page and the screen.
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