Although most Bond fans would be more than happy to forget Quantum Of Solace, the events of that film play as much a part of the backdrop to the new film, with Q.U.A.N.T.U.M. revealed to be a subsidiary of S.P.E.C.T.R.E. and Mr. White, the antagonist through the first couple of Craig films, high on the organisation's hit list. Ordinarily this would result in a massive groan - it'd be like The Force Awakens spending half an hour on Han explaining galactic politics - but credit where it's due Mendes manages to turn the black sheep of the Craig years into a welcome part of the movie. Jesper Chirsten's White is very different to how we last saw him in Quantum Of Solace; gone is any semblance of his ultimate power, replaced with a weak, infirm figure full of bitterness. He's defeatist, showing moreso than the imposing Rome meeting just how far-reaching S.P.E.C.T.R.E. is. His death actually provides a key emotive lynchpin to the movie too, not only leading Bond to initially hunt down Madeline, but also providing a central element of the film's emotional arc. Turning one of the worst parts of the franchise (ever) into a surprise asset is one point where Spectre's screenplay really delivers.
