“Slow Horses” Includes a Subtle Tribute to Heath Ledger
The writers of Slow Horses seem to have quietly honored Heath Ledger in the show's fifth season. This tribute emerges in episode five of the latest Apple TV series installment.
Connection Between Gary Oldman and Heath Ledger
Gary Oldman stars as Jackson Lamb, the lead character in the spy comedy series. Oldman also portrayed Lt. Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed 2008 film The Dark Knight. In this episode, a striking intersection between the two works is suggested.
Key Scene Reflecting Ledger’s Influence
During a moment of frustration, Oldman’s character exclaims:
“When you talk, I wanna stick a pencil in my eye and headbutt the table!”
Fans interpret this as a clever nod to a famous scene from The Dark Knight, where Ledger’s Joker menaces a group of criminals by saying:
“How about a magic trick?”
He then slams a pencil into the table, adding:
“I’m going to make the pencil disappear.”
As tension rises, the Joker forcefully pushes his head into the pencil and declares:
“It’s gone.”
Remembering Heath Ledger
Heath Ledger died at 28, before the release of The Dark Knight in 2008. His iconic portrayal earned him a posthumous Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Author’s Summary
This subtle reference in Slow Horses pays homage to Heath Ledger’s unforgettable role, blending two notable works connected by Gary Oldman.