Gary Oldman's "Slow Horses" Returns Amidst AI Comedy Experiment
The acclaimed espionage thriller continues its run with a high budget, while a new AI-generated sitcom faces criticism for its lack of human touch.
The gritty espionage thriller "Slow Horses" has returned for its sixth series on Apple TV, showcasing its high production values with an estimated budget of $15 million per episode. The series, which stars Gary Oldman as the slovenly spy Jackson Lamb, is known for its unflinching portrayal of failed agents facing dire consequences.
In the latest season, characters are depicted as targets of assassination, with the narrative hinting at internal conflict within MI5. Kristin Scott Thomas reprises her role as the formidable MI5 chief Diana, whose actions, including the apparent dismissal of an entire department, drive much of the plot. Jack Lowden returns as agent River Cartwright, dealing with personal matters while navigating the treacherous world of espionage.
Gary Oldman's performance as Jackson Lamb has been highlighted for its commitment to the character's unkempt and cynical nature, with critics noting specific scenes that emphasize the character's grubby reality. The substantial budget for "Slow Horses" allows for elaborate set pieces and character detail, contributing to its critical reception.
In stark contrast to the high-budget production of "Slow Horses," a new 25-minute sitcom titled "No Big Deal" has premiered on YouTube, notable for being entirely generated by artificial intelligence, including its cast and sets. While written by a human, the AI-generated actors have been widely criticized for robotic movements, unnatural facial expressions, and poor comic timing.
The creator, Andrew Dickinson, aimed to explore themes of venture finance, but the execution has drawn harsh reviews, with one commenter describing it as "a world where everyone's soul has been sucked out." The creators claim the AI production was a fraction of the cost of a traditional shoot, which would have been at least £300,000. Despite advancements in AI technology, critics argue that it currently fails to capture the nuance and humanity required for compelling entertainment, predicting a future surge in low-quality AI-generated content accessible to the general public.