We love it when movies and shows wink and nod at real life people, events and mysteries - even more so when its sudden but fleeting.
Forrest Gump is the definitive example for this - with Forrest managing to be a part of US's history in the strangest of ways - from teaching pre-fame Elvis Presley to dance to running into John Lennon at an interview.
As poignant jump-off points (Watchmen), cool counter-narratives (X-Men) or even just played for laughs (Parks & Rec) - serve it to us any way.