In the latest season of **Slow Horses**, actor **Christopher Chung** takes audiences deeper into the turbulent world of his character, Roddy Ho. Premiering on **September 24, 2023**, this season showcases Ho’s struggles and absurdities in the backdrop of the crumbling MI5 outpost known as Slough House. The character, portrayed by Chung, is a self-centered IT professional whose antics bring both humor and tension to the series.
One of the opening scenes sets the tone for Ho’s character. He is seen dancing joyfully to **Robert Palmer’s** “Simply Irresistible,” donning a baggy tracksuit and a purple man bun. This moment of carefree abandon quickly turns chaotic as a van nearly hits him. His boss, **Jackson Lamb**, played by the renowned **Gary Oldman**, responds to the incident with sardonic wit, remarking, “I would hate to think of Ho being run over accidentally. It would rob the rest of us of the pleasure.” This lines up perfectly with Chung’s portrayal of Ho, who is both narcissistic and abrasive, and yet, as he suggests, there is a flicker of humanity beneath his tough exterior.
Chung, who hails from **Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula**, brings a unique perspective to the role. His diverse background—his mother is Irish, and his father is Malaysian Chinese—coupled with his experiences in the UK, contribute to an accent that reflects his varied influences. “I grew up in a household where the Australian accent wasn’t the typical accent,” he explains. This multifaceted upbringing resonates in his performance, allowing him to portray a character that is relatable, albeit flawed.
The series, adapted from **Mick Herron’s** Slough House book series, revolves around MI5 agents who have been relegated to Slough House due to various failings. Roddy Ho’s presence is particularly notable as he embodies the darker aspects of the group’s dysfunction. Despite his malicious tendencies, including a penchant for undermining female colleagues, this season offers him a chance at romance, presenting a girlfriend who brings both challenges and growth to his character.
Chung emphasizes the difficulty of translating Ho’s internal monologue from the books to the screen. “It’s really interesting because it’s so differentiated to how **Mick Herron** writes all the other characters,” he notes, acknowledging that capturing Ho’s essence visually requires a nuanced approach. He praises **Will Smith**, the showrunner, for successfully adapting this complexity into the series.
While **Slow Horses** has been a significant milestone in Chung’s career, he is also preparing for another high-profile role. He is set to portray **Harry Beecham** in **Netflix’s** adaptation of **Miles Franklin’s** classic novel, **My Brilliant Career**. This character, originally played by **Sam Neill** in the 1979 film, is a wealthy, charismatic figure in a romantic narrative set against the Australian outback. Chung describes his excitement about the role, emphasizing the importance of representing diverse backgrounds in leading positions.
“I feel in many ways this is the first time to see this on screen,” he reflects regarding his casting. His determination to secure this role—going directly to the casting director—demonstrates his commitment to advancing representation in media.
As for working alongside **Gary Oldman**, Chung describes the experience as both daunting and rewarding. “The first time I stepped on set with Gary, he was so open and warm,” he recalls. Oldman’s encouragement during their early interactions helped alleviate Chung’s anxieties, allowing him to focus on his performance.
**Slow Horses** continues to captivate audiences with its blend of dark humor and complex character dynamics. As the fifth season rolls out, viewers can expect to see how Chung’s portrayal of Roddy Ho evolves while navigating the intricate world of espionage and personal relationships.
