Hang On, I thought, suggesting that this is in anyway determinetal to that which has gone before is against my very character. Often have I said that even though I may not be a fan of future films I will always be a fan of those gone by - therefore the same must be true of the books. Although these may be awful, they will not affect the great work done by Fleming - Dr. No (in both book and film) will always be one of the most enjoyable adventures of all time. Furthermore, I actually liked Randel and Hopkirk (Deceased) with Vic and Bob - it was a well done retro style thriller with an interesting twist (though I always hated the Fast Show).
Also, in my calm, I thougt - if these new books are a success and kids really go for them, are they going to wait patiently for the next Higson book to be published, or are they going to buy a Fleming novel instead- say for example 'The Spy Who Loved Me'. Are these 9-12 year olds going to read about how all women like the idea of 'semi-rape'? Parents will probably even buy these books for their kids not realising how close-to-the-bone Fleming took things at times. Then one day little Billy will ask Daddy if he ever 'Semi-Raped' Mummy. Scandle will break out. The Bond books will be back on the front pages as they are claimed to pervert young minds. And Fleming will once again hit the top authors lists.
Now Eon have a choice - do they court this controversy by 1) making a direct filmic translation of the only unused Fleming Book [Casino Royal] or 2) Make a childrens film about that this obviously adult character - Or 3) do they continue to make bland action films with no character at all.
Could be interesting times ahead.
Edited by 007 Samurai, 06 April 2004 - 10:30 PM.