In Casino Royale, the above exchange between Vesper and Bond feels far too sly to be a throwaway line. The two are already smitten and that little “penny” slip lands like a wink straight at the audience. For fans, “money” sliding into “penny” practically winks at Miss Moneypenny.

So I say lean into it in Bond 26. Introduce Moneypenny, let the sparks fly immediately, maybe even let them cross the line once, then lock them into that deliciously doomed flirtation at MI6. The tension works better when you know they already tried and failed. I approve of this potential James Bond retcon.