So, we have a new 007 title: Spectre. I can’t say it’s the most imaginative title of the series, which has had a mixed record in this department since their stock of Ian Fleming titles started running low in the 1980s. But I take this to mean that the rights dispute that kept Ernst Stavro Blofeld off the series since 1971 (except for an uncredited title sequence appearance in 1981’s For Your Eyes Only) is well and truly over, and that’s good news.

Besides, Sam Mendes is directing once again, and though I was skeptical of him pre-Skyfall, I’m thrilled to see him back. He put on a terrific show last time, and I’ve no doubt he’ll be the first 007 director to make strong consecutive pictures since Terence Young did Dr. No and From Russia With Love.