The relationship between James Bond and M, especially in the Judi Dench era of the character, is one that’s very similar to that of a parent and a child.
Perhaps one of the hardest choices occurs in 2012’s Skyfall, where M ordered Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) to shoot Bond in the name of the mission.
Sometimes hard choices must be made, and the fallout of those decisions make for some tension at the office.
Throughout the rest of Sam Mendes’ first directing gig in the world of 007, that decision resonates through the plot.