We did it, Joes!

After six seasons, 35 episodes, one gunshot to the head, one agonizingly awkward liplock between friends, an unexpected return from the dead, and too many other near-death experiences to track, Slow Horses gave us a kiss — the kiss — that earned screams, tears, and a standing ovation in my living room.

Slow Horses Season 6, Episode 5 spoilers ahead.

Before we dive in, let me stress the remarkable fact that Slow Horses never needed romance to be a smash hit. It’s one of the rare shows that’s so good at doing what it does best — telling compelling tales of espionage drama laced with dark humor, exploring unique Slough House dynamics, and delivering compelling performances — that I, a hopeless romantic, genuinely don’t care that people aren’t crushing or kissing.

That said, when Slow Horses has tackled feelings that weren’t platonic — be it Louisa (Rosalind Eleazar) and Min’s (Dustin Demri-Burns) relationship, the complex tension between Louisa and River (Jack Lowden), and even Roddy (Christopher Chung) getting a “girlfriend” — it’s done so spectacularly. So it was never a question, especially after their magnetic Season 1 chemistry, if Slow Horses could do a River and Sid (Oliva Cooke) romance justice if she returned to his life years later, as she did in Mick Herron’s books. I always had faith in the show. I just wasn’t expecting the buildup, the cinematic execution, Lowden and Cooke’s electricity, and the weight of the gesture that came with the show of affection to exceed expectations.

As someone who hasn’t read the books, Sid’s return itself was a lovely, mind-blowing surprise. Season 1 gave glimpses of Sid and River effortlessly engaging in witty, flirty banter. Sid was quick, kept River on his toes, and wasn’t afraid to challenge him. And after she failed to invite him to after-work drinks one night, his disappointment confirmed he was crushing. After Sid returned in Season 6, Episode 2, their endearing rapport resumed as though no time had passed. Episodes 3 and 4 showed the two exchanging soul-piercing glances, locking into a shared sense of humor, and smoothly operating with the ease of longtime personal and professional partners. But Episode 5, “Sayonara,” slammed the gas and took their connection to a whole other level.

After an intense cold open showed River and Sid saving each other’s lives and killing assassin Jim (Kyle Soller), the real magic started in a quiet moment of recovery as the two caught their breath together against a tree trunk. Sid shared her condolences upon learning of David’s death, and River realized he hadn’t thought about his world-altering loss since she returned. “That’s been quite nice. This should happen more,” he said, flashing a sweet smile, partially at the absurdity of the statement, and partially at the sincerity behind it. The two talk trauma, and River suggested new traumas cancel out the old. When Sid thanked him for saving her, he replied with the ridiculously romantic, “It was either him or you, Sid. And I’d really prefer if it was never you again.” That’s right. River Cartwright: game haver.

Lowden’s authentic line delivery and award-worthy ability to palpably portray a desire to protect and cherish in a single look convince viewers that a kiss is imminent, but The Dogs interrupt to take River and Sid to an MI-5 compound where a plane awaits, ready to fly Sid to her death. As the armed men await orders from Taverner (Kristin Scott Thomas), Slow Horses‘ dynamic duo attempts to settle their nerves by joking about romantic ways to die: pierced by the Eiffel Tower, or perhaps the Pyramids, though the tourist queues will be hell. Nerds. (Complimentary.)

As they’re brought out to the tarmac, they switch course to more serious topics for a bit. Sid says David’s house felt like home. River recalls his granddad leaving a light on for him, admitting he misses him most when he sees the dark. And Sid says the most romantic possible thing in that moment: “I’d leave a light on for you, if it were my house.”

River’s affirming nod makes it clear that her words are infinitely better than “I love you,” so to return the sentiment, he breaks the tension by pivoting back to lighthearted flirting, squeezing his eyes tight with embarrassment. Sid appreciates it — appreciates him. Of course she takes the bait, rather than letting his efforts fall flat. After a bit more brilliant, sexy banter, River gazes down at her like she’s the Eighth Wonder of the World, and she admits she’s scared.

As an armed man escorts her to the plane, Sid looks back at a crushed River, who tells the guard beside him, “She really fancies me.” Then, he knocks out the guard and steals an airfield maintenance truck in one final escape effort. Sid breaks free and hops in the bed behind a giant canister, which she kicks into the road, causing an explosion that buys a bit more time. In Episode 5’s final minutes, Slow Horses goes full action movie. As River speeds away, he unfortunately realizes they won’t outrun six SUVs together, so he pulls over, lifts Sid out of the truck bed, and makes the ultimate sacrifice against her wishes.

“Sid, they don’t want me. They want you,” River says. “I don’t have fucking time for this, okay? I can delay them. Just fucking go.” He gets back in the truck as she stands on the side of the road, then says, “Wait. Wait, wait, wait.” He gets back out, grabs her face, and spares valuable seconds to kiss her for the first time before heroically pulling a U-turn, and speeding towards The Dogs, putting his own life at risk to save hers.

To paraphrase Lamb’s five Fs: Fuck yes. Fuck yes! Fuck Yes! FUCK yes! FUCK YES! I’m giddy. I’m glowing. I have zero chill. We’ve reached unprecedented levels of Down Bad, people. Clearly, River is smitten. But so am I!

The final scene of the episode sees the SUVs surrounding River’s truck, with him being held at gunpoint as the men demand Sid’s whereabouts. In this moment of fear, exhaustion, uncertainty, and secret bliss, River Cartwright has never been hotter. And once again, I marvel at Slow Horses. The writing and acting are essential, but it took the sound design, cinematography, and every BTS team firing on all cylinders to make those crucial scenes so special and affecting.

Again, I haven’t read the books, so I don’t know where Sid and River go from here. But their love for one another transcends words. It’s articulated in playful jabs, in Sid’s stealth smile when River gets a phone chucked at his head, or the way she proudly says his name after he pulls off an explosion. It’s articulated in his glances and visible worry. In their impromptu bowling alley act. In the passion of their Episode 4 argument, and the silent apology of Sid buying a River nameplate. Their love is a promise to leave the light on. A promise to risk it all for the other. They’ve covered an impressive amount of emotional ground in such little screen time, and after a first kiss that good, I can only hope this is only the start of a beautiful SidRiver relationship to come.

New episodes of Slow Horses Season 6 premiere Wednesdays on Apple TV.