Tribute to Heath Ledger in Slow Horses Season 5
The writers of Slow Horses have subtly included a tribute to Heath Ledger in the fifth season of the Apple TV spy comedy series.
Connection Between Gary Oldman and Heath Ledger
Gary Oldman, who stars as Jackson Lamb in Slow Horses, also played Lt. Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s 2008 film The Dark Knight, where Heath Ledger famously portrayed the Joker. This connection appears to influence the tribute.
Scene Referencing The Dark Knight
In episode five, Oldman’s character, frustrated with a colleague, says:
“When you talk, I wanna stick a pencil in my eye and headbutt the table!”
Fans believe this line is a nod to a well-known scene in The Dark Knight where Ledger’s Joker threatens criminals with a “magic trick,” slamming a pencil on the table and then "making it disappear" by smashing his head down on it:
“How about a magic trick? I’m going to make the pencil disappear... It’s gone.”
Heath Ledger’s Legacy
Heath Ledger tragically passed away at 28, before The Dark Knight was released. His iconic role earned him a posthumous Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Summary
This subtle homage in Slow Horses creatively links Gary Oldman’s current role with his and Ledger’s past, honoring the late actor’s unforgettable performance.