"The Living Daylights" (1987) · Society of Ordinary Gentlemen

Oct '25 (edited) • Introductions

"The Living Daylights" (1987)

This is one of my favorite 007 films, starring Timothy Dalton as James Bond. Often considered an underrated Bond - since he only appeared twice in the franchise - Dalton's Bond exhibited an emotional fitness and debonair intelligence that was reminiscent of George Lazenby. As for the film, I think it has a classic soundtrack - albeit certainly 80s in form - and the script of the film challenges the audience to wrestle how far does one go to do his duty? What motivates one to risk more and to see more that other may not notice - nor care.

Dalton's Bond is depicted as someone deeply loyal to his country and to the ethical dimensions of his work. He questions orders when they conflict with his moral compass, modeling the importance of having principles beyond blind obedience.

Unlike more cavalier iterations, Dalton’s Bond shows restraint and moral clarity. He doesn’t seduce Kara (aka Bond woman) as a tactic, but genuinely connects with her, treating her with respect and protectiveness. This speaks to his integrity as a gentleman. He embraces sartorial elegance without indulging in excesses or status signaling - unlike every rap or pop artist today (or for the last 50 years).

As a warrior and a man, he displays aspirational qualities like courage under fire/pressure, in-the-moment decision making, and he does not resort to physical combat as a default countermeasure when outwitting them will do.

Lastly, I think Timothy Dalton's Bond relationship with Kara is more romantic and less transactional than typical Bond flings. He protects her, earns her trust, and doesn’t manipulate her—highlighting that being a gentleman means elevating the women in your life, not using them. He had plenty of occasion to treat Kara as disposal, with more than one opportunity to kill her, and yet he didn't. He held firm to his values and listened to his gut. Unlike the cesspool that contemporary dating scene has devolved into, Dalton's Bond invites us, gentlemen, to aspire to be more and to show our quality.

Cheers

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