Bond writer Bruce Feirstein (GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough) dropped this accurate shade regarding the James Bond character in a recent interview. With his writing credits, when he speaks about the Bond character, I listen. As an American, I have no notes for the comment and it’s hard to argue with the point.

Bond’s appeal has always been tied to his distinctly British identity. He carries himself with a level of sophistication that feels worlds apart from the arrogance and entitlement the United States often exports. It’s refreshing that the character maintains his British roots, and part of the allure from my perspective as a fan of 30+ years is that he’s a British secret agent.