Bond casually dismantles Holly Goodhead’s carefully maintained CIA cover in Moonraker by reviewing her inventory of “standard equipment,” crowned by the delightfully absurd flamethrower perfume bottle. Neither party seriously resists the exposure, choosing instead to indulge the undeniable chemistry between them. It’s less spy-versus-spy confrontation and more espionage foreplay.

Goodhead emerges as a capable and intriguing counterpart turned ally, projecting intelligence and authority even when the script limits her opportunities to demonstrate them. She is formidable, but frustratingly never really shows off her skills before Bond arrives and commandeers the narrative. As a result, her promising CIA agent reveal flames out. She’s put on the backburner from a spy perspective but is a great asset to Bond’s mission, both on Earth and in space.