Revisiting Daniel Craig’s Last James Bond Film: A Plot Point That Really Annoyed Me

While I truly appreciate Daniel Craig’s swan song as James Bond in No Time to Die, a closer inspection reveals that the plot rests on a rather improbable premise. This became evident during a recent rewatch of the film. Overall, No Time to Die serves as a compelling finale for Craig’s portrayal of 007, featuring beautifully crafted action sequences reminiscent of classic Bond narratives, where our hero confronts an evil mastermind in a hidden lair, intent on global domination.

Craig delivers an outstanding performance in this final role, showcasing depth and nuance. His character is complemented by Lashana Lynch’s sharp portrayal of Nomi, Ana de Armas’s show-stealing presence as Paloma, and Rami Malek’s effectively menacing performance as Safin. Notably, Bond’s demise at the conclusion of No Time to Die injects a poignant sense of closure into Craig’s era as 007, a finality that has eluded his predecessors. Moreover, the film maintains a steady pace, making it engaging upon rewatching. However, one particular element from the beginning continues to trouble me.

Daniel Craig’s James Bond Is Way Too Quick To Believe Madeleine Betrayed Him

All It Takes Is One Little Nudge From An Unreliable Source

James Bond in his Aston Martin in No Time to Die

The narrative of No Time to Die unfolds shortly after the preceding film, Spectre. Following the capture of Blofeld, Bond takes a well-deserved break in Matera with his love interest, Dr. Madeleine Swann. In a seemingly blissful state, the couple enjoys their time together until Madeleine urges Bond to visit the grave of his late ex-girlfriend, Vesper Lynd. This visit, however, leads to an ambush by a group of SPECTRE assassins.

As they attempt to escape, Bond unleashes all the gadgets in his Aston Martin to fend off their pursuers. However, during their flight, Madeleine receives a congratulatory call from Blofeld, prompting Bond to jump to the conclusion that she is colluding with the villain. Instead of considering that he might have been manipulated, Bond quickly discards Madeleine, illustrating a rashness that feels contrary to his character.

Despite her pleas, Bond insists on distancing himself, sending her away at a train station with the promise that they would never meet again. Five years elapse before their paths cross again, leaving Madeleine understandably hesitant to reconnect with someone who abandoned her based on flimsy evidence. It seems Bond, during his time in retirement, failed to reflect on whether he had been too impulsive in passing judgment on Madeleine.

A Spy Of Bond’s Caliber Should Have Considered The Possibility Of A SPECTRE Trick

007 Usually Thinks Of Everything

Christoph Waltz as Blofeld in prison in No Time To Die

Bond, having earned his 00 designation, is depicted as one of MI6’s finest agents—intelligent, skilled, and always vigilant. His experience has taught him to approach situations with skepticism. Bond’s keen instincts often allow him to anticipate threats, staying a step ahead of foes. Therefore, it raises questions as to why he so readily chose to trust Blofeld over Madeleine.

No Time to Die achieved impressive box office success, grossing $774.2 million globally, making it the third highest-grossing Bond film. However, this portrayal of Bond lacks the invulnerability of past performances, as he grapples with mistakes and consequences throughout his career, including the loss of Vesper and failures against villains like Raoul Silva in Skyfall. Still, it appears inconsistent that he would place his trust in Blofeld, resulting in his hasty abandonment of Madeleine.

One Conversation Could Have Easily Resolved Bond & Swann’s Breakup

All He Had To Do Was Ask

If only Bond had taken a moment to converse with Madeleine instead of shutting her out, they could have resolved the misunderstanding. A mere discussion could have illuminated the fact that it was far more likely for Blofeld to be deceiving him rather than the woman who professes her love for him. Although Madeleine attempts to express her innocence and clarify that Blofeld is manipulating the situation, Bond dismisses her without consideration.

This scenario parallels common comedic misunderstandings in television series like Modern Family and Everybody Loves Raymond, where issues could be resolved much more efficiently with open communication. It feels uncharacteristic for Bond to ignore the woman he loves in favor of the word of an enemy. This narrative decision seems more a product of script requirements than a reflection of Bond’s established character.

The Flimsy Nature Of Bond & Swann’s Breakup Hurts Daniel Craig’s Final Chapter

The Whole Movie Is Built On This Contrivance

Daniel Craig as James Bond in No Time to Die

Ultimately, while No Time to Die is an enjoyable film and offers a fitting farewell to Craig’s Bond, it does not achieve the same masterpiece status as Casino Royale or On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The reliance on a contrived setup in the film’s opening is a significant vulnerability. Although plot contrivances are typical in blockbuster cinema, this flaw is particularly pronounced, as the entire film hinges on it.

Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for their work on the film’s theme, showcasing another highlight amidst the narrative shortcomings. Had Bond chosen to trust Madeleine and recognize Blofeld’s manipulations, their separation, and the ensuing conflict could have been avoided, enabling him to participate in their daughter’s life. While I understand the writers intended to highlight Bond’s difficulty in trusting others, the fact that a simple conversation could have resolved the issue makes the plot feel precarious. No Time to Die is not a flawed film, but its overarching narrative is indeed built upon shaky logic.

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