I will miss him greatly! A man a outstanding moral integrity, exquisite refinement and utter Britishness. So much so in fact that I am sure that I wasn't the only kid growing up hoping to one day be British lol 😛
Contrary to a lot of my fellow Bond enthusiasts, I think he was a terrific Bond. Different from Sean Connery's, certainly, but no less good. Those who accuse him of bringing humor to the franchise have forgotten the sheer silliness of movies such as Goldfinger or Diamonds are Forever. Even the seminal episode Dr No, was quite silly with its Westerner playing an "evil Asian" and its mechanical, fire-spewing "dragon" roaming the marshes. Conversely, Live and Let Die or For Your Eyes Only work very well as suspenseful spy thrillers, but people seem to want to bash down Mr Moore regardless, most certainly using him as a substitute for their hatred of a certain "seventies" spirit.
Let the haters hate away. Moore was a terrific Bond. Charming, elegant, and deadly, although far less physically dangerous than all the others. Sean Connery's rawness is often quoted, but Timothy Dalton's cold rage or Pierce Brosnan's "killing machine" approach deserve praise as well. However, what he lacked in strength and aggression, Roger Moore compensated with his charisma and posh demeanor. Humor has always been part of the franchise, and I am sure that the majority of true Bond enthusiasts still enjoy tremendously those moments when the main theme was played by a snake charmer in Octopussy or the amazing showdown he got with Christopher Lee (Scaramanga) in that "haunted house" of his.
Aside from Bond, he will be remembered for playing the titular character in the series The Saint, as well as Brett Sinclair in The Persuaders. I still love the latter series, a great monument of humor which has captured perfectly the optimism of the period it was set in.
RIP mister Moore. Or should I say, Mister Bond?
Rest in peace, Sir Roger. Your portrayal may not have been my favourite, but you were still a marvellously fun Bond to watch.
