In the fourth episode of Slow Horses Season 6, titled “Lost and Found,” assassins Jim (Kyle Soller) and Jane (MyAnna Buring) finally track down the Slow Horses, who have just lost a vital member of their Slough House team.
The body count in the Apple TV show has been on the rise since the first season, and it faithfully follows Mick Herron’s book series, which doesn’t shy away from eliminating key characters—even when it’s hard to watch.
Initially, we thought Sid Baker (Olivia Cooke) was lost in Season 1. Then we actually lost Min Harper (Dustin Demri-Burns) in Season 2, and Marcus Longridge (Kadiff Kirwan) in Season 4. In the Season 6 premiere, we discovered that David Cartwright (Jonathan Pryce) had died. But sad as it is, River’s (Jack Lowden) granddad isn’t the only significant character we say goodbye to this season.
This episode concluded on a heartbreaking note, marking the end of a beloved character. Even if you’ve read the books, this departure is tough. Who meets their end in Slow Horses Season 6, Episode 4? Grab some tissues as we dive into it.
Spoilers for Slow Horses Season 6, Episode 4 ahead.
Ending Explained: Who Dies in Slow Horses Season 6, Episode 4?
As shown in an exclusive clip from Decider, Episode 4 picks up right where Episode 3 finished. Sid and River make their way into the Nova Bowl bowling alley looking for a payphone to call Taverner (Kristin Scott Thomas), while Jim and Jane follow behind, armed and ready to strike. An excruciating back-and-forth with the obstinate cashier Phil (Leon Annor) follows, but their attempt to use the payphone is disrupted by Jane firing her weapon. Meanwhile, Jim is busy taking shots at Coe’s flashy car in the parking lot.
Jane successfully injures River’s hand but struggles to locate him and Sid among the distractions of the bowling alley’s glowing lights and arcade sounds. Just then, Coe makes a surprise appearance, and Jim isn’t too far behind. Although Coe almost stabs Jim with a push knife, Jane intervenes and drives him away. Thanks to some quick thinking and a dash from Coe, the three of them manage to escape, but Jim and Jane soon track them down to a crowded rest stop.
After Sid helps River tend to his injury, some tension arises between them, leading them to separate for food. Coe, meanwhile, gets caught up in a racing game at the arcade, only to realize Jim and Jane are closing in. The next moment, Jim finds himself alone in the men’s room, where Coe is waiting for him.
“Are you FSB?” Coe asks. Jim replies with “GRU.” After a brief exchange about Jim’s “good pension,” Coe, knife in hand, challenges him. In a nod to a memorable scene from Season 5, Jim quips, “That a push knife?” Coe affirms, grinning. Jim responds with “Nice,” and pulls out a larger knife, leading to an intense confrontation between the two. But Coe isn’t the only character in danger.
In a classic Slow Horses moment, River is busy enjoying a snack while chaos erupts around him. The episode skillfully cuts between the brawl between Coe and Jim, Sid struggling against Jane, and River casually sipping a drink. Unfortunately, one of the five characters is not going to survive to Episode 5.
As the end credits approach, River sees the assassins’ car speeding away with Sid inside, with Jane behind the wheel and Jim pointing a gun at Sid, hinting at dire consequences.
Did Coe Die in Slow Horses? If So, How?
The confrontation between Jim and Coe escalates dramatically, with both tearing through the bathroom, sending hand dryers and mirrors crashing. Although Coe shows impressive resilience, Jim ultimately stabs him in the gut.
When River finally checks the men’s room for his friend, he discovers a wounded Coe slumped against the wall, still true to his character—hood up, headphones blasting rap music. J.K. Coe remained his quirky self until the end, and honestly, I’m going to miss that endearing oddball so much.
Why Did Tom Brooke Leave Slow Horses? Does Coe Die in the Books?
If you’re curious about J.K. Coe’s departure, the character dies in the sixth book, Joe Country. Whether or not you saw this coming, it’s still a tough loss—Coe was an invaluable member of the Slow Horses, and Brooke’s portrayal of this socially awkward, deeply introspective character was simply outstanding.
Coe, largely silent, was a testament to Brooke’s acting skills. His subtle choices and physicality gave Coe real depth. He rocked that hoodie and wired earbuds effortlessly, and even in serious moments, Brooke brought the show’s signature dark humor to life. I often replay the paint pot scene from Season 5 in my mind, alongside Coe munching on cherries in the car.
Was Coe a psychopath? Maybe! But he was our unique psychopath, complete with a compelling backstory. Brooke, in a chat about Coe’s journey, expressed his willingness to explore the character’s past in a prequel series that showcases a time before Coe faced trauma.
“He’s so eccentric due to what he’s endured, and I’d love for people to understand that,” Brooke shared, highlighting the opportunity to portray a pre-torture Coe.
While Coe will surely be missed, Brooke’s excellent performance has greatly contributed to Slow Horses’ success. Hopefully, this isn’t the last we see of Coe’s storyline. It has been a real joy to witness his character grow over three seasons and to see Brooke’s dedication to this intricate role.
