Mission Impossible & Bond

            Upon comparing James Bond film and texts to that of the television series Mission Impossible, it seems not all is terribly uncommon territory between the two. The two are both shows that are based around spies and espionage, sure, but what they stand for as well as the content in them is certainly not radically different either. Both lead characters stand as a basis of masculinity and strength, as well as defining the current status of two nations as well as defining their nationhood.

            On the subject of the definition of nationhood in the two texts, however, some attributes may be indeed rather different, nonetheless presenting the same theme. In James Bond, we see an already established nation finding itself in popular culture and the midst of affairs and rebellion globally through James Bond and his escapades. Britain’s culture and history had thus far been very rich and fulfilling, but perhaps a post-world war, post-modern facelift was what Ian Fleming sought most to do with his works. Bond defines both men and women’s status, as well as their duties to uphold their national identity.

            In Mission Impossible, much of the same is accomplished, however, America’s identity searching comes differently. For America, certainly a redefinition is in order from it’s bicentennial past, but it is arguable there is less of a redefinition happening than there is a solid definition generally taking place. Whereas Britain needed to be defined with the predicate that it is taking a bold step from antiquity in doing so, America’s Mission Impossible was part of the movement in which America sought for a 20^th century definition after such a relatively late inception as the main power in the world.

            Indeed, both texts present said ideas and themes extremely well, but Bond’s impact comes with a very different impetus than does Mission Impossible.