9 replies to this topic

[danielcraigisjamesbond007]

One of the things that I still don't understand about The Living Daylights is what happens to Koskov at the end of the movie. He walks into Whitaker's villa, and is told that he will be put on the next flight to Moscow, by Pushkin. Then, however, Pushkin adds, "In the diplomatic bag."

I'm still not sure what happens to Koskov. Is he alive? Dead? Can anyone shed some light on this question? Please?

[sharpshooter]

It's very likely Koskov received an official execution by the KGB.

[DaltonCraig]

He was basically telling them to take him back to Russia in a body bag.

[Jose]

He was basically telling them to take him back to Russia in a body bag.

Yeah.

I admit I was confused at first, too. Because "diplomatic" threw me off. "Body bag" would have been clearer.

[Vauxhall]

I admit I was confused at first, too. Because "diplomatic" threw me off. "Body bag" would have been clearer.

It's not supposed to be literal. It's a euphemism.

[Mr. Blofeld]

It probably would have been more satisfying just to have him get killed in Afghanistan when the other vehicle collided with his Jeep; it also takes care of a loose end, as well.

[Frimmel]

It always reads to me as 'send him in the cargo hold with the mail.'

Koskov gives attitude that he is being sent back in some small measure of good grace based on Pushkin's greeting and Pushkin delivers the punchline. If they are simply going to kill him there is no need to send him home is there?

Send him back as cargo so we can interrogate him and then kill him.

[007½]

It always reads to me as 'send him in the cargo hold with the mail.'

Koskov gives attitude that he is being sent back in some small measure of good grace based on Pushkin's greeting and Pushkin delivers the punchline. If they are simply going to kill him there is no need to send him home is there?

Send him back as cargo so we can interrogate him and then kill him.

I partly agree: I think it's saying "Kill him and send him back in the one place customs can't check" (diplomatic immunity)

[Blonde Bond]

It always reads to me as 'send him in the cargo hold with the mail.'

Koskov gives attitude that he is being sent back in some small measure of good grace based on Pushkin's greeting and Pushkin delivers the punchline. If they are simply going to kill him there is no need to send him home is there?

Send him back as cargo so we can interrogate him and then kill him.

I partly agree: I think it's saying "Kill him and send him back in the one place customs can't check" (diplomatic immunity)

It never made any sense to me. But that seems to be the best explanation I've heard and it makes sense.

[Blofeld's Cat]

If Pushkin plans to have Koskov killed why bother transporting him back to Russia, dead or alive. Just kill him and dump him somewhere.

The "diplomatic bag" reference and the way Pushkin says it conveys, to me anyway, that Koskov no longer holds any sway in military rank or social status and that he's now just unwanted "baggage".