An appreciation of the late Roger Moore, and his importance to the James Bond series…
This premise might sound like sacrilege.
As Ive gotten older, and four movies into Daniel Craigs tenure, my thinking has shifted considerably.
They also took themselves way too seriously.
In the years since its release, Ive ruminated on this premise, and I think its right.
Roger Moore is the most important actor to play James Bond.
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First, a bit of context.
Moore assumed the role of Bond at a point when the series was considered moribund and outdated.
George Lazenby, Connerys original successor, had been rejected.
Why did Moore succeed where Lazenby had not?
Even Lazenbys one liners feel forced (He branched off).
Its a testament to how good the movie is that this Act One identity crisis does not torpedo it.
It is significant that Roger Moore ended up being Bond #3 and not #2.
Whoever went after Connery was going to have a hard time making the role his own.
As the first man through the door, Lazenby took the bullet that Moore did not have to.
When it came time for re-cast No.
By leaning into the irreverence, Moore inoculated the series against irrelevance.
There is a certain section of the fanbase think his self-parody hurt the character, granted.
Yet countering that, Moores importance should not be underestimated.
Simply put, without Moore, there is no Dalton, Brosnan or Craig.
And just remember, Roger Moore took Bond to space.
After that, anything is possible.
Rest in peace, Mr Moore.
Youre already being missed.
