M - Bernard Lee

The by-play between Bond and M is particularly insightful in 'Thunderball'. Although M chastises Bond in front of the home secretary and his fellow '00' agents for being late for an emergency meeting, he defends him shortly afterwards to Group Captain Pritchard, who doubts that Bond could have seen NATO pilot Derval dead at Shrublands. M quickly explains that if 007 says he saw the man dead, that is enough reason to make enquiries, thus putting Pritchard in his place. In these subtle ways, the writers demonstrate that M has respect and feeling for Bond, despite disapproving of his lifestyle.

Other Allies in Thunderball

Felix Leiter

Pinder

Q

Miss Moneypenny