Harmless escapism?

In the orange glow of the firelight, Britain's most famous spy is cradling the only mother figure he has ever known. As his MI6 boss, M, takes her last breath, James BondThe character was first created by author Ian Fleming in his 1953 book, Casino Royale. Since then, James Bond has been played by seven different actors in 26 films. reaches down and gently closes her eyes. A single tear rolls down his cheek.

Critics hailed M's tragic death scene in Skyfall as the moment when Daniel Craig's Bond finally began to shed his reputation as a LotharioA man who behaves selfishly and irresponsibly in an attempt to pursue women. and show emotional vulnerability.

Now, it appears that movie-goers have rejected this new Bond. A new poll of Radio Times readers has revealed that Sean Connery, the original 007, remains fans' firm favourite. Craig, who is due to star in his final Bond film later this year, was eliminated immediately.

Bond's emotional response to M's death is far from the only change 007 has undergone in recent years. Gone are the days of Sean Connery's suaveCharming and confident. one-liners and Roger Moore's absurd exploits - in Octopussy, he defused a bomb while dressed as a clown.

With Daniel Craig as star, Bond has become a more serious character. He examines his childhood as an orphan. His classic Martini - "shaken, not stirred" - is replaced by a bottle of beer. There are even rumours that Bond will become a father for the first time when the next film is released later this year.

Commentators point out that - now, more than ever - change is needed for the franchise's survival. For decades, the spy has been defined as much by his power over women as by his daredevil stunts. It is an image which is looking increasingly out-dated in the wake of the #MeToo movementA campaign against sexual harassment and abuse often committed by people in positions of power. The movement took off after allegations of sexual abuse were made against American film producer Harvey Weinstein in 2017..

Even Craig himself seems to agree. "Bond has always adapted for the times [...]. We wouldn't be movie makers or creative people if we didn't have an eye on what was going on in the outside world," said the actor last April.

Other big franchises have shown that leading characters can undergo a huge metamorphosisA complete transformation or change of appearance and structure.  without undermining the storyline. In 2018, the first female Doctor WhoBritish TV series which first aired in 1963. Like the Bond series, the actor who plays Doctor Who has changed 13 times., played by Jodie Whittaker, received an overwhelmingly positive reaction from fans. Despite producers' fears, her first episode was actually the most viewed "new Doctor" debut in a decade.

Yet, for some die-hard Bond fans, his transformation is just too drastic. Millions flock to movie theatres to escape with the "elegant, seductive gentleman spy of our fantasies", not to expose him as a tortured yet tedious victim of toxic masculinity, says British journalist Madeline Grant.

Grant believes Connery's victory is a vital milestone in a mini culture war. "While elitists push for an ever-more tortured Bond, normies like me will seek solace in double-taking pigeons and exploding pens," she says.

And while many agree that the portrayal of the so-called "Bond girls" must adapt with the times, not everyone thinks Bond himself should change.

"The important thing is that the film treats the women properly. Bond doesn't have to. He needs to be true to his character," said new 007 writer Phoebe Waller-BridgeEnglish actor, writer, and producer, best known as creator and star of comedy series Fleabag. She has insisted that she did not become part of the James Bond writing team to change how female characters are portrayed..

So, should James Bond change with the times?

Yes say some. The James Bond films must adapt if they are to remain relevant. The popularity of a TV show like Doctor Who - even after the main character swapped gender - shows that the James Bond writers can adopt 21st-Century moral standards without worrying about falling audience figures. The sexism of the 1960s' 007 simply has no place in society today.

No say others. Bond is an enduring classic for a reason. It is his iconic image as a suave and sophisticated spy that draws millions to watch each new film. The Radio Times poll confirms what many already knew: fans do not like the new Bond. If he continues to change, they may decide to abandon him altogether. The franchise is in danger of losing touch with author Ian Fleming's original creation.