"Slow Horses" Pays Subtle Tribute to Heath Ledger
The writers of Slow Horses have seemingly included a hidden tribute to Heath Ledger in the fifth season of the Apple TV show. This subtle reference is found in episode five, where the two narratives—Oldman’s role in both Slow Horses and The Dark Knight—intersect in an intriguing way.
Gary Oldman's Connection
Gary Oldman stars as Jackson Lamb in the spy comedy series Slow Horses. He is also known for his role as Lt. Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed 2008 film The Dark Knight. In episode five of the latest season, Oldman’s character expresses frustration with a colleague, exclaiming:
“When you talk, I wanna stick a pencil in my eye and headbutt the table!”
The Possible Reference to Heath Ledger’s Joker
Fans have speculated that this line subtly alludes to a famous scene in The Dark Knight, where Heath Ledger’s Joker confronts organized criminals with a chilling demonstration:
“How about a magic trick?”
He then slams a pencil into the table and says,
“I’m going to make the pencil disappear.”
When challenged by one of the mobsters, the Joker pushes his head eye-first through the pencil and summarizes:
“It’s gone.”
Heath Ledger’s Legacy
Ledger died at the age of 28 before The Dark Knight was released. He posthumously won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his unforgettable portrayal of the Joker.
Author's summary: The subtle nod in Slow Horses to Heath Ledger’s Joker scene highlights the enduring impact of Ledger’s iconic performance that continues to inspire contemporary media.