006’s MI6 revenge plotline in GoldenEye feels more compelling than Silva’s from Skyfall, and the reason is pretty simple. GoldenEye actually shows us the betrayal. The pre-title sequence isn’t just one of the best ever, it establishes the relationship between Bond and Alec Trevelyan shows the moment that drives his motivation.

Skyfall doesn’t do the same for Silva. His history with M is mostly explained through dialogue, which makes it harder to connect with his anger. He tells us he was betrayed, but we never really see it happen. As a result, Trevelyan’s revenge feels more personal, while Silva’s more abstract.