In Skyfall, Silva’s rat metaphor monologue isn’t one of my favorite villain speeches. The story itself is memorable enough, but it’s overshadowed by Silva’s creepy delivery and the generally uncomfortable presence he maintains throughout the movie.

That said, Bond’s above final line before killing Silva enhances the monologue considerably and gives the entire exchange a fitting sense of closure. Rather than reaching for a flashy one-liner, he circles back to their very first meeting and dispatches him with a poignant remark. It’s an understated callback that I prefer to other Bond/villain showdowns that end with a humorous punchline.

Oddly enough, it contrasts with the subsequent sequence of M’s death where Bond attempts to soften the tragedy of the moment with humor.