Subtle Tribute to Heath Ledger in Slow Horses Season 5
The writers of Slow Horses seem to have included a subtle homage to Heath Ledger in the show's fifth season. This reference appears notably in episode five of the latest Apple TV series.
Connection Between Gary Oldman and Heath Ledger
Gary Oldman stars as Jackson Lamb in Slow Horses and previously played Lt. Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed 2008 film The Dark Knight. The episode hints at a crossover of these two works.
Scene Suggesting the Tribute
In one scene, Oldman’s character, frustrated with a colleague, exclaims:
“When you talk, I wanna stick a pencil in my eye and headbutt the table!”
This has sparked speculation among fans that it references the iconic The Dark Knight moment where Ledger’s Joker confronts criminals, saying:
“How about a magic trick?”
The Joker then slams a pencil into the table and declares, “I’m going to make the pencil disappear.” Following this, he smashes his head through the pencil with his eye, adding, “It’s gone.”
Heath Ledger's Legacy
Tragically, Heath Ledger passed away at 28, before The Dark Knight was released in 2008. His portrayal of the Joker earned him a posthumous Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
“It’s gone.”
Summary: The fifth season of Slow Horses cleverly honors Heath Ledger’s legacy through a subtle nod linking Gary Oldman’s character to Ledger’s unforgettable Joker scene in The Dark Knight.