In many respects, he tackled that challenge with panache. By the time 'Live and Let Die' was released in 1973, there was a real excitement to see Roger Moore become James Bond. His background playing suave, dashing adventurers in the successful TV series 'The Saint' and 'The Persuaders!' made him seem a perfect fit. Moore's name came up once again, and this time he was available. When Lazenby didn't pan out as a long-term replacement, the producers convinced Connery to come back for one last hurrah in 'Diamonds Are Forever' before beginning the search for another star. If not tied up with other commitments, he might have stepped in as lead in 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' (1969) instead of George Lazenby. In fact, the actor had been an early favorite for the 007 role before Sean Connery was eventually cast, and was at the top of the list when producers Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman needed to replace Connery. Lest we forget, he was a popular choice at the time. As much as Connery was the perfect James Bond for the 1960s, Roger Moore was the right Bond for the '70s. Personally, I feel that Moore usually isn't given enough credit for his better movies (like 'The Spy Who Loved Me' or 'For Your Eyes Only') and for so capably taking over the part from Sean Connery. Frankly, Sean Connery's final appearance in 'Diamonds Are Forever' (1971) is a turkey almost as bad as anything to follow. Agent 007 took his first drop in quality as far back as 'You Only Live Twice' (1967), a ridiculous and ungainly mess of a spy adventure. However, it's unfair to lay all the blame on Moore personally. During his tenure, many of the Bond movies became progressively sillier, blander, and dumber. Certainly, it's undeniable that he starred in some of the very worst James Bond films (including 'Moonraker', still the nadir of the series). He is also typically blamed for the franchise's deterioration throughout the 1970s and early '80s. Looking back at his time in the role, countless fan polls have named him the least favorite actor to play the character. Roger Moore takes a lot of grief for his stint as James Bond.
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