What Should Happen in Bond 23?

Colonel Shatner · January 2009

Where should the story arc go after Quantum of Solace tied up most of the loose ends begun in Casino Royale? MI6 has captured an important Quantum operative alive, while Bond took photos of Quantum's inner circle, but how would that help against Quantum itself, a global syndicate that is far more strategically dangerous than M first anticipated?

Will Bond or MI6 in general be subjected to concentrated reprisals like in From Russia in Love, or will they try to foil a world threatening plot hatched by Quantum similar to Thunderball's?

Napoleon Plural · January 2009

Never mind that. What did you think of the first episode of Skins last night?

Loeffelholz · January 2009

Colonel Shatner wrote:

Where should the story arc go after Quantum of Solace tied up most of the loose ends begun in Casino Royale? MI6 has captured an important Quantum operative alive, while Bond took photos of Quantum's inner circle, but how would that help against Quantum itself, a global syndicate that is far more strategically dangerous than M first anticipated?

Will Bond or MI6 in general be subjected to concentrated reprisals like in From Russia in Love, or will they try to foil a world threatening plot hatched by Quantum similar to Thunderball's?

What's great is that they can do either...or both. More likely, they'll do each, in the next to films. When it's time for reprisals :v ...Dame Judi's M Must Die!

But that's probably best for #24 (hate to wait that long). I predict a somewhat lighter, more traditional outing next time round, with Bond foiling yet another Quantum plot. I'd really like to see more of a 'supervillain', with a very dangerous henchman who's bigger and maybe tougher than Bond.

TonyDP · January 2009

As a Cinematic Bond Traditionalist, I'd like to see a more ambitious film, with a villain who hatches a more daring plot and some noteworthy antagonists for Bond. The villains in the last couple of movies had really modest goals and the henchmen in their employ were pretty anonymous, interchangeable heavies who were seemingly introduced and dispatched in the same scene.

I'd also like to see a bit more of Bond racing against the clock to foil the villain's plans. Give us a suitably epic and world-threatening plot, a villainous scheme worthy of a super-spy like Bond, and a deadline that Bond must beat. The last couple of movies had little urgency to them; Bond could have seemingly taken a week off before his final confrontation and nothing would have changed.

Try reintroducing a bit more fun into the proceedings in the way of a cool gadget or two; some stuffy official Bond must suffer with or some lovely companions to provide a brief respite for Bond between his travails.

And end it all with a suitably grand and epic finale, maybe a throwback to those ambitious commando raids from the Connery movies. Bond has really operated in a vacuum lately and it would be nice to see him operate with and lead a larger force.

I don't know if that kind of a movie is viable in a post 9/11 world anymore or if it is even economically possible given EON's current financial and creative model but that's what I for one would like: something a little more ambitious and grand and fun to watch.

zaphod · January 2009

I dont care very much if it's Quantum or not. What I really don't want is even a hint of renegade Bond. All that 'get Bond' 'find Bond' Bond 'stop his Passport' nonesense has truly been done to death. I would also love to see a new M as Dame Judy because of her status is overused in my view.I would be great to introduce a new Dynamic in the Bond/M relationship.

In terms of Tone I hope that they don't overdo the lighter aaproach which I agree is most likely coming, but deliver a good balance between high octane action and Glamour. I really don't want Bond or his leading ladies (yes I hope he gets lucky this time and gets more than one) to be covered in muck and dust all the time.

I would really like to see a PTS unconnected with the main story ALA Goldfinger. That glimpse of a mission that you don't see all of or understand really excites me.

I to would like to see a Villain or Henchman that provided a real challenge to Bond, and one where his physical prowess alone is not enough to win the day and taxes him to his very limit both physicaly and mentaly.

I think Craig can pull off the charm if given a chance and could do so without descending into smarm.

I could go on and on as I'm getting excited just thinking about it.I have high hopes that 23 could be where it all comes together. B-)

zaphod · January 2009

TonyDP wrote:

As a Cinematic Bond Traditionalist, I'd like to see a more ambitious film, with a villain who hatches a more daring plot and some noteworthy antagonists for Bond. The villains in the last couple of movies had really modest goals and the henchmen in their employ were pretty anonymous, interchangeable heavies who were seemingly introduced and dispatched in the same scene.

I'd also like to see a bit more of Bond racing against the clock to foil the villain's plans. Give us a suitably epic and world-threatening plot, a villainous scheme worthy of a super-spy like Bond, and a deadline that Bond must beat. The last couple of movies had little urgency to them; Bond could have seemingly taken a week off before his final confrontation and nothing would have changed.

Try reintroducing a bit more fun into the proceedings in the way of a cool gadget or two; some stuffy official Bond must suffer with or some lovely companions to provide a brief respite for Bond between his travails.

And end it all with a suitably grand and epic finale, maybe a throwback to those ambitious commando raids from the Connery movies. Bond has really operated in a vacuum lately and it would be nice to see him operate with and lead a larger force.

I don't know if that kind of a movie is viable in a post 9/11 world anymore or if it is even economically possible given EON's current financial and creative model but that's what I for one would like: something a little more ambitious and grand and fun to watch.

I really like the sound of your Bond movie

zig zag · January 2009

As has been said already a more traditional bond hopefully,and to sort of quote DC "submarine bases here we come".
And yes get rid of dench as M,as to who should replace her,well I'd have to think a bit about that one.
Oh yeah get shirley singin again!!!!. LOL

Mr Martini · January 2009

Loeffelholz wrote:

When it's time for reprisals :v ...Dame Judi's M Must Die!

I agree. Maybe make it a big scheme by Quantum. First M gets killed, so Bond has to investigate. Then another World Leader (or high ranking Goverment official) gets killed. Which complicates things for Bonds investigation. Bond has to find out why these High Ranking officials are being "bumped off." Maybe Felix has to investigate and his investigation crosses paths with Bonds.

Agent Wade · January 2009

I would like to see a dramatic reason for the inclusion of Miss Moneypenny. I've seen her 20 times before and never known under what pretenses she was hired. She's well trusted and iconic to the atmosphere of a Bond story. An interesting backstory or origin of employment may be intriguing. Maybe she's part of something huge and turns traitor on behalf of the British government. Maybe the same goes for the quartermaster.

batester2005 · January 2009

Mr Martini wrote:

Loeffelholz wrote:

When it's time for reprisals :v ...Dame Judi's M Must Die!

First M gets killed, so Bond has to investigate. Then another World Leader (or high ranking Goverment official) gets killed.

please let it be gordon brown!!!!!! :v

)

Colonel Shatner · January 2009

Quantum is a very quiet, wheels within wheels syndicate who mostly uses proxies (whether organized crime, terrorists or rogue regimes) to do their dirty work. They do this so they can make money, SPECTRE wants to make money as well, but trying to start WWIII on behalf of Red China would be detrimental to carrying on making money.

Quantum wants to exploit the world rather than destroy it, so although they could feasibly get more tactically aggressive by decapitating Britain's government they're likely not exterminationists like Stromberg or Drax (as far as we can tell).

And as much as I miss the Ken Adam sets from the 60s and 70s, I don't want a Quantum volcano lair, but instead Quantum operating out of a lair similar to MI6's operations centre but located within or beneath a corporate front.

superdaddy · January 2009

i would like the film to be called property of a lady and the plot has m killed and some property of hers stolen you no some evidence that incriminates high officals and bond has to investigate and everyone thinks m was a traitor and part of quantum except bond and as for the commando raid that everyone seems to want that could happen in the pts with bond leading special forces against insurgents in some moutain top caves sothere is acertain homage to the early connery films ie thunderball yolt where bond leads commandos only with a twist its at the beginning not at the end also they could bring in a new m a recently retired admiral or make it a army colnel and with him his secratary a former wrn or soldier from the logistics corp called money penny.the whole film culd be a fantastic thriller where you dont know whos part of quantum i do not want to return to the pb over the top films not for dc tenur anyway

slinger · January 2009

First, we need an iconic villain.
A scary one. Not just physically, but mentally. Someone challenging to Bond.
Someone visually interesting but not too campy. We’ve had too many cookie cutter villains

Second, the story needs to be suspenseful. As an audience, we need a build of suspense so that when Bond turns the tables on the villain, we explode with a cheer.

Third, don’t be too reactionary to today’s trends. Don’t make a “Star Wars”, “Miami Vice”, or “Jason Bourne” Bond just to ride a current wave. Bond movies should be above any “waves” or trends.

scurr01 · January 2009

I would like to see something like the story arc (in the novels) of On Her Majesty's Secret Service and You only Live Twice done over two films. I think this could work well with Quantum replacing SPECTRE and the head villain of Quantum replacing Blofeld, and Bond getting close to catching him in the first film and succeeding in the second. I also loved Blofeld's garden of death and headquarters in a Japanese castle in the novel You Only Live Twice, and think this could provide some stunning imagery on film.

HowardB · January 2009

Colonel Shatner wrote:

Quantum is a very quiet, wheels within wheels syndicate who mostly uses proxies (whether organized crime, terrorists or rogue regimes) to do their dirty work. They do this so they can make money, SPECTRE wants to make money as well, but trying to start WWIII on behalf of Red China would be detrimental to carrying on making money.

Quantum wants to exploit the world rather than destroy it, so although they could feasibly get more tactically aggressive by decapitating Britain's government they're likely not exterminationists like Stromberg or Drax (as far as we can tell).

And as much as I miss the Ken Adam sets from the 60s and 70s, I don't want a Quantum volcano lair, but instead Quantum operating out of a lair similar to MI6's operations centre but located within or beneath a corporate front.

That's a great summation of what Quantum is all about. Based upon that, for Bond #23, would it not be interesting to have a situation/crisis that Bond ends up having to deal with the Quantum Organization as sort of an "allie" to take on a common enemy that is a threat to both. Mr. White did rescue Bond in CR because it was in Quantum's best interests at the time. It'd would be terrific to have Bond and Mr. White sharing screentime under those circumstances, with Bond itching to kill White but having to control himself for Queen and Country. I do love Superdaddy's plotline, but for Bond #24 not the next one.

Barry Nelson · January 2009

It seems to me that Bond has to deal with Mr. White in the next film. Mr. White has been sufficently menacing in the last couple films, so the villain is an immediate improvement from the last two films. Mr White and Quantum's major plot should be uncovered and destroyed. As Tony said, a good henchman is needed, he doesn't necessarily have to be bigger than Bond, but he does need to be an adequate foe. Dario in LTK was a good henchman, but not bigger than Bond. More and better women, with the exception of Caterina Murino, the sexy woman quotient has been way done in the last two films. TB had four great women, that seems like a nice number. As Tony said, a commando assault against White's headquarters would be good. A decent theme song and M not chastising Bond would be a nice change. A few more glamorous mood scenes, like Bond walking into a beautiful casino filled with rich beautiful people, to give us a feel for the life he lives. The bruised, battered, haggard Bond, Craig has given us, is more like John McClane from Die Hard than Bond. I would also like some espionage that ends quietly without a gun fight, like in FRWL when they spied on the Russian embassy. I know that seems like a lot, but that is what I would like.

Colonel Shatner · January 2009

^Good idea HowardB, Quantum in some stories could fill a position similar to the Soviets in the Cold War by being a grudging ally against a threat that doesn't want to do business and expand global influence, like Quantum's leadership, but to blindly spread anarchy and destruction mostly for the sake of it.

I've got a few ideas to flesh out Quantum as a powerful but feasible syndicate:

* Most of Quantum's major bases of operations are within a global chain of hotels run by a shell company similar to the Linderman Group. The hotels themselves are descreet and luxurious, and wired up by Quantum to occasionally spy on guests who are their quarry (which even includes world leaders). Holding cells, interrogation facilities, command centres, barracks, offices, training areas, armouries, and laboratories are given an excellent cover by the hotels they're housed within, usually secreted in hidden sublevels, linked to hidden passages branching throughout the hotel buildings. This Quantum leisure company could've easily have been behind that remote desert hotel where Greene made the exchange with that deposed Bolivian general (to tie background details up), while also running large casinos and clubs in conjunction with organized crime, and also a fleet of commercial cruise ships (which act as Quantum's private navy, doing illegal maritime operations similar to what was seen in TB, TND, TSWLM, and LTK).

* While Quantum can randomly draw its men from back alleys and slums anywhere, while have the means to buy out any Third World police department or military barracks, the cream of Quantum's private army is directly drawn from the ranks of legitimate PMCs operating out of Europe and Israel, PMCs which are largely or entirely owned by Quantum. They select the best of the best who have no official criminal record and the PMCs influenced by Quantum stay out of the papers unlike clumsy, gung-ho Blackwater. Mr. White himself could've been a seasoned mercenary who served in Denmark's Special Intelligence Patrol back in the 1970s.

* The core Quantum organization could be run like a less kooky version of the Church of Scientology, no obsession with unsubtly spreading bullcrap PR, with Quantum installing intense loyality into its core members like Mr. White and Mr. Greene (also their immediate entourages) with something other than just big money.

walther p99 · January 2009

Although i love the whole reboot, back to basics, gritty new take on Bond, i was watching Thunnderball the other night and the part at the end when Bond and Domino are on the raft and the bond theme quietly plays in the background as Bond sets up the balloon and then they're rescued to the blasting Bond theme always made me happy in a "bond saves the day and gets the girl" way, i kinda hope its like that for Bond 23.

Loeffelholz · January 2009

Here's a thought.

We have the PTS, then the titles. Then, the scene opens with Bond in bed with a lovely lass. There's the customary naughty pillow-talk byplay, wherein we learn that they met somewhere that very night for the first time, and one thing led to another. They agree that this was a 'one time only' thing, as obviously neither of them want an entanglement, and they go their separate ways.

Some time later (after perhaps an action scene? Perhaps

) Bond shows up at MI6 headquarters, and goes to M's office for a traditional mission briefing. Sitting outside the office is the girl whom Bond recently shagged. M emerges from her office and says, "007, meet my new assistant...Miss Moneypenny. Miss Moneypenny, this is James Bond. You'll want to stay well away from him."

In short, I think Eon should have Bond sleeping with a record number of babes in #23...and Miss Moneypenny should be the first.

:v

Scribe74 · February 2009

I'd like to see something that blends the best elements of CR and QOS. I loved both movies (although I think CR is the best of the two). The producers have in Craig the best Bond in years . . . I'd like them to stick with the more serious tone they've been pursuing, but throw in a few light moments.

Loeffelholz · February 2009

Scribe74 wrote:

I'd like to see something that blends the best elements of CR and QOS. I loved both movies (although I think CR is the best of the two). The producers have in Craig the best Bond in years . . . I'd like them to stick with the more serious tone they've been pursuing, but throw in a few light moments.

I agree; the adjustments should be a minor 'nip and tuck'---not open heart surgery.

Barry Nelson · February 2009

Loeffelholz wrote:

Here's a thought.

We have the PTS, then the titles. Then, the scene opens with Bond in bed with a lovely lass. There's the customary naughty pillow-talk byplay, wherein we learn that they met somewhere that very night for the first time, and one thing led to another. They agree that this was a 'one time only' thing, as obviously neither of them want an entanglement, and they go their separate ways.

Some time later (after perhaps an action scene? Perhaps ) Bond shows up at MI6 headquarters, and goes to M's office for a traditional mission briefing. Sitting outside the office is the girl whom Bond recently shagged. M emerges from her office and says, "007, meet my new assistant...Miss Moneypenny. Miss Moneypenny, this is James Bond. You'll want to stay well away from him."

In short, I think Eon should have Bond sleeping with a record number of babes in #23...and Miss Moneypenny should be the first.

:v

Really like your idea on the Moneypenny intro, and whole heartedly concur on the record number of babes idea. The last two films have been seriously lacking in the Bond girl department.

Dan Same · February 2009

Loeffelholz wrote:

In short, I think Eon should have Bond sleeping with a record number of babes in #23...and Miss Moneypenny should be the first.

:v

Although I have no problem with the first part,

(like Barry I think that Bond 23 should definitely have alot more babes) I don't think that Bond should sleep with Moneypenny. I mean what made the original Bonds (especially the Connery films) so great IMO was the idea that Moneypenny had this huge crush on Bond which would never be reciprocated. Perhaps Bond could have an early encounter with Moneypenny which didn't involve actual sex?

Loeffelholz · February 2009

They've already done the 'crush on Bond' thing to death, IMRO. Twenty films!

Interestingly, Lois Maxwell once said that part of her own personal take on Moneypenny was that she and Bond had slept together in the past---just something she imagined for the character.

I think this would be a great way to shake up the relationship; there's no sexual tension like that between two people who've known each other---and nobody else knows it :v I'd also like to see Moneypenny have a bit of a grudge against Bond, especially in #23, as she makes the necessary adjustment to the situation. They'll never sleep together again---ever. But their future relationship can thus be allowed to unfold in a fresh and interesting fashion.

This sets the stage for what I feel should be a subtextual 'through line' of the film...Bond still coping with what's happened to him, but enlisting a line of willing babes to help him :x

Whatever else happens in #23, this can help solidify one of the time-proven foundations of the Bond character.

Dan Same · February 2009

Loeffelholz wrote:

They've already done the 'crush on Bond' thing to death, IMRO. Twenty films!

Interestingly, Lois Maxwell once said that part of her own personal take on Moneypenny was that she and Bond had slept together in the past---just something she imagined for the character.

I think this would be a great way to shake up the relationship; there's no sexual tension like that between two people who've known each other---and nobody else knows it :v I'd also like to see Moneypenny have a bit of a grudge against Bond, especially in #23, as she makes the necessary adjustment to the situation. They'll never sleep together again---ever. But their future relationship can thus be allowed to unfold in a fresh and interesting fashion.

This sets the stage for what I feel should be a subtextual 'through line' of the film...Bond still coping with what's happened to him, but enlisting a line of willing babes to help him :x

Whatever else happens in #23, this can help solidify one of the time-proven foundations of the Bond character.

{[] Thinking about it, I think you're right. If the producers follow what you suggested, I think it could be great.

Loeffelholz · February 2009

Dan Same wrote:

{[] Thinking about it, I think you're right. If the producers follow what you suggested, I think it could be great.

Dan, you're frightening me. Are you all right?

frostbitten · February 2009

Loeffelholz wrote:

Interestingly, Lois Maxwell once said that part of her own personal take on Moneypenny was that she and Bond had slept together in the past---just something she imagined for the character.

It's indeed interesting to hear her say that, but I'm afraid the producers/writers don't share her view. After all, in GE, didn't they let Samantha Bond's Moneypenny say to Bond: "As far as I know, James, you've never had me" ?

Loeffelholz · February 2009

frostbitten wrote:

Loeffelholz wrote:

Interestingly, Lois Maxwell once said that part of her own personal take on Moneypenny was that she and Bond had slept together in the past---just something she imagined for the character.

It's indeed interesting to hear her say that, but I'm afraid the producers/writers don't share her view. After all, in GE, didn't they let Samantha Bond's Moneypenny say to Bond: "As far as I know, James, you've never had me" ?

The producers/writers are doing quite a bit of adjustment the past four years or so...I think more is on the way.

frostbitten · February 2009

Loeffelholz wrote:

The producers/writers are doing quite a bit of adjustment the past four years or so...I think more is on the way.

It's true they have tweaked a lot of things in the "formula". However, having Bond and Moneypenny sleep together would be contradicting themselves, wouldn't it, in light of what has already been said in GE?

Don't get me wrong; I think your idea is a good one, and would've worked out well prior to GE.

Loeffelholz · February 2009

frostbitten wrote:

Don't get me wrong; I think your idea is a good one, and would've worked out well prior to GE.

As this is a rebooted Bond (starting over), arguably this is before GE...but then again I wouldn't fall into the trap of assuming that all of the crossed 't's and dotted 'i's of the past are ever going to line up to your (or anyone's) satisfaction. Bond has never been married...and we've not even seen Moneypenny yet for the first time, so IMRO nothing's really impossible.

The game pieces have been rearranged on the board...Dame Judi's return as a 'different' M speaks to this point admirably.

Eon has a long and proven history of not taking my advice ( X-(

) ), so I'm not going to hold my breath on this one, either...but if Moneypenny does reappear---as we have every reason to expect she will, perhaps sooner rather than later---I will be totally surprised (even shocked) if they do it only to return to the same old, same old.

frostbitten · February 2009

Loeffelholz wrote:

frostbitten wrote:

Don't get me wrong; I think your idea is a good one, and would've worked out well prior to GE.

As this is a rebooted Bond (starting over), arguably this is before GE...but then again I wouldn't fall into the trap of assuming that all of the crossed 't's and dotted 'i's of the past are ever going to line up to your (or anyone's) satisfaction.

I think you misunderstood the point I was trying to make. IMO, if the "reboot" had happened before GE, (meaning if the "reboot" had been done in any film up to and including LTK), Eon can have Bond and Moneypenny engaged in a sexual encounter without going against any established history between the 2 characters. However, since the reboot happened in 2006 and not prior to 1995, and in GE, Moneypenny claimed that she and Bond never had sex together, that kind of established a history that eliminates the possibility of Eon putting that scenario into the films of the "reboot" era.

What Should Happen in Bond 23?

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