'Slow Horses' Honors Heath Ledger with a Subtle Nod
The writers of Slow Horses have seemingly embedded a tribute to Heath Ledger in the fifth season of the Apple TV spy comedy series. The homage appears in episode five, connecting two distinct storylines through actor Gary Oldman.
Gary Oldman’s Dual Roles
Oldman, who stars as Jackson Lamb in Slow Horses, also famously played Lt. Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s 2008 hit The Dark Knight. In the new season, a moment draws a clear parallel to his previous work.
Scene Highlight and Fan Interpretation
“When you talk, I wanna stick a pencil in my eye and headbutt the table!”
In this line from episode five, Oldman’s character expresses frustration. Viewers have noted its similarity to a classic Joker scene from The Dark Knight, where Ledger’s character threatens a mob with a pencil.
“How about a magic trick?”
“I’m going to make the pencil disappear.”
“It’s gone.”
In the original film, the Joker slams a pencil into the table and then forcefully bashes his head through it. This iconic moment is deeply tied to Ledger’s legacy.
Remembering Heath Ledger
Ledger tragically died at age 28 before The Dark Knight premiered. His performance earned him a posthumous Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, solidifying his place in film history.
“Heath Ledger passed away at the age of 28, before The Dark Knight was even released in 2008, and went on to pick up an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his iconic role in the film.”
The connection in Slow Horses serves as a respectful and understated tribute to Ledger’s enduring influence.
Author's summary: The fifth season of Slow Horses quietly honors Heath Ledger through a clever reference that links Gary Oldman’s characters in both the series and The Dark Knight.