There’s something uniquely enjoyable about Bond’s interactions with Saunders in The Living Daylights. When Bond ignores orders or improvises a questionable plan, there’s a mutual respect between the two that makes every exchange feel authentic. Saunders never backs down from challenging Bond and remains committed to the mission, even when Bond has other ideas.

After Bond refuses to shoot the supposed sniper, Kara Milovy, Saunders immediately recognizes what happened and has no hesitation calling Bond out for abandoning the assignment with the above line. As the story unfolds, Bond’s trust in Saunders grows naturally, making them feel like genuine, respectful colleagues rather than two agents forced together. It reminds me of Bond’s mutual respect with Felix Leiter, only with a more strict adherence to protocol.

And that’s why Saunders’ eventual death is such a shame, especially because he meets his end in such an unorthodox manner via a tampered, crushing automatic sliding door.