In Slow Horses season 5, Gary Oldman's character Jackson Lamb makes a joke strikingly similar to a famous moment from The Dark Knight involving Heath Ledger's Joker. The line, "How about a magic trick?" echoes one of Ledger's most iconic quotes from the 2008 film, where the Joker forces a thug's head into a pencil to make it "disappear."
The Dark Knight, directed by Christopher Nolan, quickly became a cultural touchstone after its release, known for its memorable dialogue and dark tone. The film remains a benchmark for superhero movies, debuting the same year as the first Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film, Iron Man, which dramatically transformed Hollywood.
"How about a magic trick?"
Even 15 years later, Nolan's film is regarded as superior to many modern comic book adaptations, highlighting a continued struggle within the MCU to match its depth and impact after nearly two decades and 37 films.
The writers of Slow Horses appear to be paying homage to The Dark Knight through this clever reference in the season 5 episode titled "Incommunicado," showing the film's ongoing influence in contemporary storytelling.
"The Dark Knight is somehow better than you remember it."
Gary Oldman, who starred alongside Heath Ledger in Nolan’s film, subtly nods to his late co-star’s powerful performance in this Apple TV series, further cementing the movie's lasting legacy.
The fifth season of Slow Horses honors Heath Ledger's unforgettable Joker through a sharp homage, underscoring The Dark Knight's enduring cultural impact over 15 years later.