h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Can anyone tell me where this "Licensed to kill" idea came from? Does it have a parallel in real life? Frankly I think, that the idea goes against the very notion of civilization. It is funny, but what if Mr. Bond kills too many and too often.

Favorite quote (Fram Q, as always):

"James, You are licensed to kill, not to breake the traffic laws."

At least he knows there is always dullness and boredome in the end. And maybe even hopes for it.

Correction. Q would say:

"007, you have a license to...."

Anorak alert!!!! Correction to the correction.

Actually, Q would say 'You have a licence to kill'

Tee hee.

I think the idea behind the licence was that a limited number of agents (All of whom have 00' numbers) would not be prosecuted if they killed someone during the course of their mission. Furthermore the Crown would offer some protection if they got caught.

In the actual film Licence to Kill (provisionally titled Licence Revoked) Bond's licence is taken away because he threatens to avenge Felix Lighter's wife/fiancee's murder. I suppose he'd face trial much as anyone else if he killed anyone while not licenced.

Another anorak alert!!!!

I'm really, really sorry about this, but it's just one of my personal bugbears: that should be '...while not licensed.'

'licence' is a noun, but 'license' is a verb.

It's the same with 'practice' and 'practise'.

Please excuse me, I can't help myself.

Thank you.

Just don't get me started on 'less' and 'fewer'.

Yes indeed! The fewer we hear about that the less complaints you'll hear from me ..also.



~jwf~