24 replies to this topic

[DamnCoffee]

I've been thinking about how this could be done and still be inventive and interesting. A Bondless PTS would be a bold move, and considering events that unfolded in SPECTRE, the opening to the next film could set a completely different tone and do something which hasn't been seen since Live and Let Die / The Man With The Golden Gun.

 

From what I gather with SPECTRE, for Bond to return to the service he needs a really good reason,

and It would be easier for them to open the next film with Madeline being killed, sending Bond into revenge mode and whilst I do think this is where Craigs Bond is heading, nothing would be able to beat a 15 minute PTS showing Blofeld escaping from MI6 custody and going after them. We could have the MI6 regulars trying and failing to catch him, setting up the premise for a Craig Bond Vs Blofeld stand off? I've really enjoyed all of Craigs opening sequences so far, and whilst I am confident that the PTS of SPECTRE can be topped (even though it was incredible), it would make sense to do something a little different the next time round. Waltz, Fiennes, Harris and Whishaw can all handle a big action scene without Mr Bond being on the scene, I'm confident of that. Plus, it gives the producers a big opportunity to see just how ruthless and clever Blofeld is without Bond there to save the moment.

[Guy Haines]

I like it.

Spoiler

M's quite an action man himself, Eve Moneypenny is a former field operative, and Q could be back at HQ. It could start as an interrogation scene - similar to the one involving Mr White in QoS with M as lead interrogator and - surprise surprise! - one of the security people is a wrong 'un!

One other reason for this PTC;

Spoiler

at the end of SPECTRE Bond's future is unclear. Has he quit the service for Madeleine? If so he wouldn't be around anymore to be at the centre of any mayhem as a result of Blofeld's escape attempt. A PTS like this would set up the threat - the question at the end would be "where is Bond?"

[SecretAgentFan]

It would be different and bold - but I must admit I do want to see Bond right from the start.

 

But what about this idea:

 

Spoiler

Blofeld does not escape (at first) but is actually very effective in pulling the strings from prison.  Nobody suspects him, everybody thinks "it can´t be him, we have him secured".  And then later on they find out they don´t have the real Blofeld but only an imposter.  Someone Blofeld has used to escape without people noticing.  Yep, a kind of DAF riff.

 

Anyway, Blofeld must be the big villain in BOND 25, and I guess Bond will come back with or without Madeleine´s death - in order to hunt down what´s left of SPECTRE.  Now that "Nine Eyes" is done, Mi6 will probably be beefed up, getting more funds and more agents to fight SPECTRE.  I would find it interesting if Bond actually were teamd up with another 00-agent, a female one who is as ruthless as him but does not have a personal agenda.  Yep, a kind of TSWLM riff.

[Grard Bond]

They could begin the next one with Bond and Madeline in love and got married, not knowing Blofeld has escaped and ...well you all know what happened at the end of O.H.M.S.S.... and than the opening credits and after that you get the Y.O.L.T. Fleming stuff incl the Garden of Death. Would be a cool last Craig Bond movie.

Edited by Grard Bond, 01 November 2015 - 02:13 AM.

[FlemingBond]

well From Russia With Love PTS was Bondless....sort of.

[Guy Haines]

It would be different and bold - but I must admit I do want to see Bond right from the start.

But what about this idea:

Spoiler

Blofeld does not escape (at first) but is actually very effective in pulling the strings from prison. Nobody suspects him, everybody thinks "it can´t be him, we have him secured". And then later on they find out they don´t have the real Blofeld but only an imposter. Someone Blofeld has used to escape without people noticing. Yep, a kind of DAF riff.

Anyway, Blofeld must be the big villain in BOND 25, and I guess Bond will come back with or without Madeleine´s death - in order to hunt down what´s left of SPECTRE. Now that "Nine Eyes" is done, Mi6 will probably be beefed up, getting more funds and more agents to fight SPECTRE. I would find it interesting if Bond actually were teamd up with another 00-agent, a female one who is as ruthless as him but does not have a personal agenda. Yep, a kind of TSWLM riff.

A few weeks ago I came up with something similar to your idea but;

Spoiler

not quite the same. Here there's no imposter and Blofeld isn't released from prison. Rather his associates put in place a plan - hostage taking perhaps, or more in keeping with the old SPECTRE the theft of a WMD and threat to use it in a major city - and the demand is the release of ESB with full pardon (and for good measure, being the twisted individual he is, a demand that MI6 hunt down and execute their former star player, 007.)

Shades of TB, OHMSS in there. Madeleine may not may not survive it, and of course the likelihood is that Bond is called out of retirement/career change to deal with it - which is exactly what ESB would want anyway. One more go at "ruining" Bond's life.

[Lounge Lizard]

Those are all fun ideas, but I would prefer something simpler. Here's my two cents:

Spoiler

At the end of SPECTRE, Blofeld has been so thoroughly emasculated and humiliated that he hardly seems threatening anymore; he's reduced to being the voyeur again, watching his childhood pest getting the girl and embracing life. Were EON to use Blofeld again, they’d have to properly ‘rebuild’ him and make him powerful again. One way to build Blofeld up again could be to have him in the International Court of Justice after the title sequence, and get acquitted through his political influence - so he doesn’t escape, he just walks, and M can do nothing to prevent that from happening (except, of course, convince Bond to come back to the 00 fold and find out what Blofeld is planning next). A scene in a court house would also give Waltz the chance to really flex his acting muscles: the shy boy getting bailed out of prison by the big boys that fear him, because he knows all their darkest secrets.

[Guy Haines]

Those are all fun ideas, but I would prefer something simpler. Here's my two cents:

Spoiler

At the end of SPECTRE, Blofeld has been so thoroughly emasculated and humiliated that he hardly seems threatening anymore; he's reduced to being the voyeur again, watching his childhood pest getting the girl and embracing life. Were EON to use Blofeld again, they’d have to properly ‘rebuild’ him and make him powerful again. One way to build Blofeld up again could be to have him in the International Court of Justice after the title sequence, and get acquitted through his political influence - so he doesn’t escape, he just walks, and M can do nothing to prevent that from happening (except, of course, convince Bond to come back to the 00 fold and find out what Blofeld is planning next). A scene in a court house would also give Waltz the chance to really flex his acting muscles: the shy boy getting bailed out of prison by the big boys that fear him, because he knows all their darkest secrets.

I like that idea as well. Ties in with that line of Mr White's from QoS - "The thing you should know about us is that we have people everywhere."

Spoiler

and therefore re-inforces the idea that the only way Bond will be rid of his nemesis is to do what he didn't do at the end of SPECTRE.

[Lounge Lizard]

 

Those are all fun ideas, but I would prefer something simpler. Here's my two cents:

Spoiler

At the end of SPECTRE, Blofeld has been so thoroughly emasculated and humiliated that he hardly seems threatening anymore; he's reduced to being the voyeur again, watching his childhood pest getting the girl and embracing life. Were EON to use Blofeld again, they’d have to properly ‘rebuild’ him and make him powerful again. One way to build Blofeld up again could be to have him in the International Court of Justice after the title sequence, and get acquitted through his political influence - so he doesn’t escape, he just walks, and M can do nothing to prevent that from happening (except, of course, convince Bond to come back to the 00 fold and find out what Blofeld is planning next). A scene in a court house would also give Waltz the chance to really flex his acting muscles: the shy boy getting bailed out of prison by the big boys that fear him, because he knows all their darkest secrets.

I like that idea as well. Ties in with that line of Mr White's from QoS - "The thing you should know about us is that we have people everywhere."

Spoiler

and therefore re-inforces the idea that the only way Bond will be rid of his nemesis is to do what he didn't do at the end of SPECTRE.

 

 

Yes. Rather sad in a way, isn't it? That's one of the things I think is most interesting about Daniel Craig's run, the way his performance inspires almost schizophrenic feelings towards the main character: on the one hand, you want him to become 'The Bond We Know and Love' (a cold, flippant killer), and on the other hand, you root for the character to become human again and lead a more fulfilling life. It's an amazing feat that Bond movies have become so complex a viewing experience.

[Guy Haines]

Those are all fun ideas, but I would prefer something simpler. Here's my two cents:

Spoiler

At the end of SPECTRE, Blofeld has been so thoroughly emasculated and humiliated that he hardly seems threatening anymore; he's reduced to being the voyeur again, watching his childhood pest getting the girl and embracing life. Were EON to use Blofeld again, they’d have to properly ‘rebuild’ him and make him powerful again. One way to build Blofeld up again could be to have him in the International Court of Justice after the title sequence, and get acquitted through his political influence - so he doesn’t escape, he just walks, and M can do nothing to prevent that from happening (except, of course, convince Bond to come back to the 00 fold and find out what Blofeld is planning next). A scene in a court house would also give Waltz the chance to really flex his acting muscles: the shy boy getting bailed out of prison by the big boys that fear him, because he knows all their darkest secrets.

I like that idea as well. Ties in with that line of Mr White's from QoS - "The thing you should know about us is that we have people everywhere."

Spoiler

and therefore re-inforces the idea that the only way Bond will be rid of his nemesis is to do what he didn't do at the end of SPECTRE.

 
Yes. Rather sad in a way, isn't it? That's one of the things I think is most interesting about Daniel Craig's run, the way his performance inspires almost schizophrenic feelings towards the main character: on the one hand, you want him to become 'The Bond We Know and Love' (a cold, flippant killer), and on the other hand, you root for the character to become human again and lead a more fulfilling life. It's an amazing feat that Bond movies have become so complex a viewing experience.

I think the post 2002 films have taken their cue from the books as much as Daniel Craig. The Bond of the Ian Fleming novels had moments of doubt and self loathing - doing his duty but not always liking it and sometimes downright hating it, looking for an "out", except there isn't one.

Spoiler

As I suspect Bond will discover in the next movie - whether he disposes of his nemesis of not, his fate - the life of a state sponsored assassin - is sealed.

[Surrie]

Hi, everyone! I have to admit I do like the sound of a 'Bondless' PTS which involves Blofeld during some daring escape. I do think Craig will return for one more and the villain will be Blofeld (it has to be!!) but if Madeleine dying creates the basis for a revenge movie I'm not sure I would enjoy that.

 

Perhaps her character should be left to wander off into the sunset like many other Bond girls (Natalya Siminova, Stacy Sutton, Pussy Galore etc.) having enjoyed Bond being a part of their lives, but to return back to life without him and to leave us wondering about them. This way I feel that certain Bond girls are immortalised within the franchise, and Lea's character definitely deserves to be one of these girls. 

 

Also, I'm confident the writers will be able to think up a plot that doesn't surround a revenge story which IMO is a little overworked and relied upon... in Craigs era anyway. 

[seawolfnyy]

I think this could work. Though, the one thing I'd like to see instead is

 

Spoiler

Madeleine survive. For once, let the girl live. They can still break Bond's heart by having her say that she gave up this life and blames him for bringing her back into it. But, we've already had the girl Bond loves die (twice....or 3 times depending on whether or not you believe Bond fell in love with Elektra).

[Surrie]

I think this could work. Though, the one thing I'd like to see instead is

 

Spoiler

Madeleine survive. For once, let the girl live. They can still break Bond's heart by having her say that she gave up this life and blames him for bringing her back into it. But, we've already had the girl Bond loves die (twice....or 3 times depending on whether or not you believe Bond fell in love with Elektra).

 

I agree! It's kinda tiresome having them all die all the time, and I feel Madeleine would be a worthy survivor!

[Yellow Pinky]

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but the pre-title sequence from LALD is completely Bondless is it not?

[Surrie]

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but the pre-title sequence from LALD is completely Bondless is it not?

 

Apart from the gun barrel at the start you're right!

[hoagy]

The member who started this post pointed out in his first paragraph that a Bondless PTS has not been seen since LALD and TMWTGG.  Of course, when the Moore films broke with the "little tradition" they had displayed in the first two Moore films, they broke that tradition quite spectacularly, with Bond jumping off a perfectly good snowy mountain....before his parachute unfurled, with the Union Jack boldly displayed, transitioning to the Opening Credits.

 

As for killing off Madeline -- indeed, it would be quite repetitive.  Never mind the pre-Craig Bonds, since it's been rebooted.  It would be very repetitive with Craig's own films.  Moving on with Craig would require a highly imaginative script.  If Bond goes on without her, so that she lives, then what ?  They're through ?  Perhaps Blofeld attacks and thinks he's killed her, but nay, and she realizes once again she can't be in Bond's life ?  More heartbreak, more risk of repetition.  The ending we've just seen could well be Craig's Bond's -- here it comes and I do believe you'll enjoy this one -- swan song....

[JSDude1]

This is what I would like to see happen.   Make Ms. Swan the new "tracy bond" (even have tracy referenced by D. Craig's bond in a subtle way) like to state: "I was married once before" without actually mentioning Tracy Bond.

[Pushkin]

Part of me want to see the girl killed off again. Perhaps they have a proper home in London with romance being shown in the first 2-3 minutes. Fun at home in a cool apartment, perhaps having dinner together - better still with Bond's good friend Tanner who we might find out was Bond's best man at their marriage and then let the carnage begin. 

 

But as others have observed this has been done several times. So maybe they can do it differently. I for one would like to see Swann back at the beginning of Spectre and not simply referenced that they broke up off camera.

 

If Bond is go after Blofeld, I want it to be more of a mission. Perhaps echoing the line used by M on Blofeld in OHMSS - "This department is not concerned with your personal problems." Have it focused on the mission with a dash of revenge. - Bond is back and this time it's less personal! 

[JohnnyWalker]

From what I gather with SPECTRE, for Bond to return to the service he needs a really good reason

I disagree with, he's just taking some overdue holiday.

[Yellow Pinky]

The member who started this post pointed out in his first paragraph that a Bondless PTS has not been seen since LALD and TMWTGG. 

Yes indeed!  I missed that.  Thanks for the correction!

[Professor Pi]

Part of me want to see the girl killed off again. Perhaps they have a proper home in London with romance being shown in the first 2-3 minutes. Fun at home in a cool apartment, perhaps having dinner together - better still with Bond's good friend Tanner who we might find out was Bond's best man at their marriage and then let the carnage begin. 

 

But as others have observed this has been done several times. So maybe they can do it differently. I for one would like to see Swann back at the beginning of Spectre and not simply referenced that they broke up off camera.

 

If Bond is go after Blofeld, I want it to be more of a mission. Perhaps echoing the line used by M on Blofeld in OHMSS - "This department is not concerned with your personal problems." Have it focused on the mission with a dash of revenge. - Bond is back and this time it's less personal! 

 

This time, it's professional!

[tdalton]

Part of me want to see the girl killed off again. Perhaps they have a proper home in London with romance being shown in the first 2-3 minutes. Fun at home in a cool apartment, perhaps having dinner together - better still with Bond's good friend Tanner who we might find out was Bond's best man at their marriage and then let the carnage begin. 
 
But as others have observed this has been done several times. So maybe they can do it differently. I for one would like to see Swann back at the beginning of Spectre and not simply referenced that they broke up off camera.
 
If Bond is go after Blofeld, I want it to be more of a mission. Perhaps echoing the line used by M on Blofeld in OHMSS - "This department is not concerned with your personal problems." Have it focused on the mission with a dash of revenge. - Bond is back and this time it's less personal! [/size]

 
This time, it's professional!

They should really use that as the tagline for the next one, or whenever we actually get around to a non-personal story.

[ALH]

Bond 25 PTS:

CCTV: image titled Heathrow-Long term parking.  An Aston Martin DB5 leaves a parking space.

Q:"We don't know which flight he came in on, but he's back.  Tracked him all the way here.  He came in the front door and asked to speak to 'M'."

M:"Has anyone asked him if he knows about Blofeld's escape a month ago?"

Tanner:"He will not speak to anyone but you.  That's all he says."

M:"That's odd!  Has he been scanned?"

Q:"No known weapons, but he's a double-o, he wouldn't need one."

M:"Right, I'll go see him.'

M walks into an interrogation room, he recognizes Bond, even if we don't.  (Craig or new bond.)

007:"My brother tells me that you are responsible for the deaths of thousands.  You are a murderer and you deserve to die!"

M:"You are mistaken."

Bond attacks M, which fills the room with agents.

As Bond is subdued and M leaves the room he orders. "Blofeld's sent him to kill us, tell medical to get Bond back.  Tanner, We'll send him after Blofeld"

Main title.

Edited by ALH, 11 November 2015 - 02:34 AM.

[Professor Pi]

 

 

Part of me want to see the girl killed off again. Perhaps they have a proper home in London with romance being shown in the first 2-3 minutes. Fun at home in a cool apartment, perhaps having dinner together - better still with Bond's good friend Tanner who we might find out was Bond's best man at their marriage and then let the carnage begin. 
 
But as others have observed this has been done several times. So maybe they can do it differently. I for one would like to see Swann back at the beginning of Spectre and not simply referenced that they broke up off camera.
 
If Bond is go after Blofeld, I want it to be more of a mission. Perhaps echoing the line used by M on Blofeld in OHMSS - "This department is not concerned with your personal problems." Have it focused on the mission with a dash of revenge. - Bond is back and this time it's less personal! [/size]

 
This time, it's professional!

 

They should really use that as the tagline for the next one, or whenever we actually get around to a non-personal story.

 

 

Thanks, tdalton.  I was actually thinking of you when I wrote it!

[tdalton]

Part of me want to see the girl killed off again. Perhaps they have a proper home in London with romance being shown in the first 2-3 minutes. Fun at home in a cool apartment, perhaps having dinner together - better still with Bond's good friend Tanner who we might find out was Bond's best man at their marriage and then let the carnage begin. 
 
But as others have observed this has been done several times. So maybe they can do it differently. I for one would like to see Swann back at the beginning of Spectre and not simply referenced that they broke up off camera.
 
If Bond is go after Blofeld, I want it to be more of a mission. Perhaps echoing the line used by M on Blofeld in OHMSS - "This department is not concerned with your personal problems." Have it focused on the mission with a dash of revenge. - Bond is back and this time it's less personal! [/size]

 
This time, it's professional!

They should really use that as the tagline for the next one, or whenever we actually get around to a non-personal story.

 
Thanks, tdalton.  I was actually thinking of you when I wrote it!

 


They could do a poster spoofing the one for Jaws: The Revenge, with Bond standing on a boat while a giant octopus emerges from the ocean, with the "This time...it's professional" featured somewhat prominently.