Valentin Zukovsky always seems to have a quick-witted comment or some way of measuring himself against 007. As their relationship developed across GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough, Zukovsky enjoyed revisiting their history, occasionally with a pointed reminder that their friendship was anything but friendly. He even had no qualms about physically threatening Bond when the occasion called for it, like when Bond poked fun at his mistress Irina’s singing voice.

His above description of 007 in GoldenEye shows that Zukovsky understands Bond’s modus operandi rather well, even if he delivers that assessment with a healthy dose of sarcasm. There’s also a begrudging respect beneath the insults, despite Bond’s responsibility for the Zukovsky’s signature limp. And although they find themselves on opposite sides of the law, Zukovsky and Bond can put their differences aside and work together when their interests align. Ultimately, their relationship works because Zukovsky sees Bond as both an old adversary and a respected equal.