Naomi’s death in The Spy Who Loved Me is often overlooked, and to me it deserves a second look. Her brief attraction dynamic with Bond carries a playful tension when they’re first introduced and continues even into the helicopter/Lotus Esprit pursuit. Naomi’s wink and smiles are the backdrop to an awesome chase that is anything but routine, with great helicopter stunts and maneuvers that play off of skillful driving. What gives me particular enjoyment about the chase is when Bond attempts to lose the helicopter by spinning around in a few directions before driving off, which I sometimes find myself thinking in action movie pursuits (just stop the car and head in the opposite direction to escape!).

Who knew that such a beauty would be up to the dangerous task, showing herself an effective helicopter pilot yet also somewhat maniacal as she maintains a smile throughout. All for naught though, since even when Bond and Amasova escape underwater using the Lotus’ dive mode, Naomi is dispatched quickly (smiles and all) and almost nonchalantly with an underwater missile to a quick and anticlimactic end.