!! Spoilers for series six, episode three of Slow Horses. Nothing beyond this episode. Only read on if you've seen it!

One thing that makes Slow Horses stand out in a crowded espionage market, is the old-fashioned feel of it, clinging onto the coat-tails of the Cold War. This episode leaned into this in two distinct ways.

Firstly, Sid and River were on the run from the hit squad twins. It was a masterclass of suspense, as they were chased across the rural countryside - threatening headlights in the night, revving engines as the bumpers crept closer, steam wafting in front of piles of tyres they were hiding behind. It also included the most tense scene I think there has ever been in a cow shed.

They ended up in an elderly woman’s house. It was like they went back in time... an old car, a very ancient computer, a Fray Bentos pie. Later they searched for a payphone because they’ve been told to stay dark and keep their mobiles in their pockets. It’s all so gloriously old-school and could have been set decades ago.

Secondly, the dastardly duo were revealed to speak Russian, bringing echoes of the Cold War right into the present day. River didn’t have long to reconnect with Sid, but they did have just enough time for us to learn that she, too, speaks fluent Russian. That can’t be a coincidence. Sid was also desperate to get in touch with Taverner, saying: “There are things about Taverner that I know and you don’t.” So either she’s after the head of MI5 for nefarious reasons, or Taverner has more knowledge of what’s going on than she’s willing to admit.

Taverner’s been acting out of character for a few episodes, letting herself be blackmailed into a television appearance, and now effectively firing top employee Flyte. This is a loose thread I’m keeping a close eye on, hell hath no fury like a scorned security agent.

Thankfully, no Slow Horses were killed in the making of this episode. My suspicions that Moira was still alive turned out to be true. It was lovely when she had a scene with Standish. Moira was naturally terrified by her recent experiences and that allowed Standish, who is usually the slightly scatty secretary, to show a bit of her own spy skills. Shirley remains alive and well, and now my concern shifts to Coe, left alone in the car just as the hit squad arrive. How do they manage to keep finding where our team are? It’s either a leak in the team, or they have a tracker on someone.

Going into the second half of the series, the danger is closing in on our main gang. They haven’t managed to regroup yet, so that must be next. Lamb and Ho were busy chasing down Reece Nesmith, and there was a bit of the head-butting I had wished for, but I hope there is more to come on that front. For now, though, my only concern is whether Coe survives the early scenes of episode four, and thankfully there is not long to wait to find out.