Michael Westen


VS
Daniel Craig James Bond

Oh man this isn't fair! LOL I am a huge Bond fan so I can't possibly choose. Actually they are both on the side of good so shouldn't they team up and fight the forces of evil?

I don't think Daniel Craig is attractive. Also, I'm not really impressed with the Bond series. Anyway, since I LOVE JD, I voted for Michael Westen.

I like how Craig plays the character but I'm not overly fond of his looks. Although that's a great picture of him with a big gun. Of course it isn't the size of the gun, it's what you do with it, right?

I actually like Daniel Craig in the James Bond movie he did first/last one. He was in a speedo anyway. But I would still vote for Michael Westen anyway.

Oh shoot I forgot about the speedo scene.

Of course Jeffrey Donovan in a wet suit clutching a rubber ducky (the yellow one that kids play with) and a raft kind of outdo Craig also.

Yeah, but, this is just my opinion, Daniel Craig looks like his face ran into a few too many fists. I understand it was time for a new Bond and since I'm not a Bond fan and haven't seen him act, I'll leave it at that.

Speedos aside, I loved Daniel Craig as Bond and y'all know I love JD as Westen. Tough choice for me too, so I let patriotism be the tie-breaker and voted for Westen.

Or we can actually just be neutral and vote for both. Daniel Craig (latest Bond) because he is in fact English and well, Michael Westen/Jeffrey Donovan because he is American. You can have your cake and eat it too. Of course it would look better eating it off Mikey.

OK! That works for me!

yeah I like that position!

Yeah! me too. I'm getting the visual and man is it yummy! I like both gents. Craig has an undeniably masculine face. I love the fact he's not a 'pretty boy' and brings a certain grittiness to the role, not quite as smooth and debonaire as the previous Bonds'.
JD, equally handsome has a more 'polished' demeanor, a certain sexiness that just eminates from the way he carries himself.
Truthfully I'd be happy to stare into the beautiful blue eyes of both men and equally thrilled to eat cake off either one of them.
I just couldn't vote. Call me wishy-washy. I love 'em both.
-K-

Aww, man - this is just inherently unfair to ask me to choose between these two! I actually was thinking about logging in under that ID I had to create when USA had done its website maintenance and none of us could log in as ourselves, just so I could cast a vote for both of them.

I should say that I read the James Bond books before I ever saw any of the movies. It took my breath away, seeing Daniel Craig as Bond in Casino Royale. He was so close to how I’d always pictured Bond in my mind’s eye while reading the books (a ruthless patriot with an acerbic wit and rugged good looks). In spite of this, however, JD/MW gets my vote over Daniel Craig/007. The scene that popped into my mind as I was mulling this over was that moment from “Broken Rules,” when Michael first shows up at Ernie’s store dressed as the psycho and he’s trying to explain why he’ll have to bust up the front counter. And Ernie said something to the effect of, “well, can’t you just beat them up or something? I thought you were special forces!” To which Michael replies, “Bullets don’t bounce off my chest, Ernie!” I love how Michael knows when to make tactical retreats, or when to hold back on a mission and so forth.

Of course, I also liked that confrontational moment in last year’s finale, when Michael says that thing to Carmello - something like, “I will rain down hell until one of us is dead - and I’m reeeeally good at raining down hell.” Michael is amazing, isn't he?

Yes Pyscho Mikey kicked butt. And after all the breaking of glass in Ernie's store and Mikey GENTLY lays down the flowers instead of ripping the heads off of them. God forbid he destroy a flower.

Craig's James Bond was just vicious. I don't think Michael would stand much of a chance. You could see in last season's finale that the special ops guy was beating Michael up and he would have won if Sam hadn't interceded, that guy isn't even 3 quarters of the fighter of Casino Royale's Bond.

Yeah, I know you're right about this (umm, on an intellectual level, that is - on an emotional level I just can't bring myself to think of anyone taking out Michael). Daniel Craig brought the ruthlessness evident in the book versions of James Bond to life like no other actor has, in my opinion. He's very close to the book version of Bond. I thought he was fantastic.

I so badly wanted to pick Mike. But when it's against my favorite movie franchise and favorite movie character I just can't pick anyone else. I liked Pierce Brosnan the best but yeah Daniel Craig has brought that real ruthless side out in James Bond, and I love it!!!!!

For the one millionth time I will say, that was my favorite episode. I also like the inflection of Michael's voice when he said the bouncing bullets line.  Also, in the finale epi when he made the raining hell comment that wasn't boast that was a promise. MAN that was EXCELLENT!!!! I could watch that one again and again.


Anyway, this is NOT the website where you will find unbiased views. JD as Michael Westen will beat just about any other TV spy.

This Bond sounds more cartoonish. (Just a comment from someone that didn't and wouldn't watch Bond movies) No one is invincible. I don't know if this Bond could outsmart Westen. Brains have been known to triumph over brawn. 

There's a vulnerability in Michael Westen that James Bond does not seem to have, really - which is, that Michael has loved ones that he cares deeply about; and I believe he would sacrifice a mission in order to keep them safe and sound (whereas I do not believe 007 would allow anything to dissuade him/keep him from fulfilling a mission). From a spy's point of view this is a vulnerability in Michael - but of course as a human being his love for his family is a source of strength. This is why I loved the season finale so much, as we could see how Michael's love for his family and closest friends brought out the best and bravest and most honorable aspects of his character. Michael's desire to protect and defend and love his family and friends - his fidelity to them is so appealing to me. With James Bond, on the other hand - I just don't get that same sense from him. It isn't that I think he's one-dimensional, more than I think he is driven by a single-minded desire to defend his country. He will do *whatever* it takes to defend his nation, period. This isn't to say I think he's dull - he's quite intriguing to me, actually. But he isn't driven by complicated motives (as Michael is) - Bond knows what he is called to do and it is all about patriotism for him.

[The notable exception to all of this re: Bond is what happened to him in Casino Royale, where we see how compromised he was when he let his guard down with Vesper Lynde. I haven't read the books in several years, but as I recall he never let his guard down again after that.]

[edited for formatting only]

Westen VS. Connery Bond- sorry Mikey, you'd lose.

Westen VS. Brosnan Bond- a bloody stalemate IMO.

Westen VS. Craig Bond- Bond takes a fall.

Your mileage may vary.

I will never-ever get the Bond thing; maybe because I've NEVER thought the actors that played the role were sexy. My least fav in terms of physical appearance was Timothy Dalton. He had this hawkish look about him that was sort of creepy to me. Also, Sean Connery and his cavalier attitude about slapping women really turned me off.  Roger Moore was just boring and Pierce Brosnan, IMO, has always been too much in love with himself. 

But Pierce smells so good in person, and no, while I did ask what cologne it was, who can remember when he squeezes you. (something you never tell an actor except when you and he are both a bit drunk at an awards party ) And I completely agree with you on the sean bit. He needs to be bitch slapped a thousand times over by women and men as well. Dalton isn't bad on the eyes and actually Moore was my favorite outside of Pierce... Never saw all the Bond movies. Missed quite a few but hey, If Jeffrey wants to tackle a brit role albeit with an american accent. GO FOR IT!! SO long as I get to be the BOND girl.

The image of women and men bitch slapping Connery is quite pleasant. 

I'm sitting here watching Casino Royale and I have to say, this is a tough call. JD is classically better looking, but I wouldn't kick DC out of bed. I think it would be good for BN to show us that MW can be quite vicious (I think someone mentioned that DC's Bond was, ahem, tough) I mean the man is a spy! This is not tiddly winks. And he's attracted o Fi, so there must be something of the rogue in him. Anyway, I'm enjoying both actors in their respective roles--may they go on FOREVER!

Michael's a pretty good fighter but I can't see him lasting more than a minute fighting against the ruthless Craig. Casino Royale's fighting scenes were brutal, Bourne Notice's are rated PG at best.

Upon re-thinking it, yeah, Michael is not that dedicated to the idea of dying, but Bond is a 'lethal weapon' that way, ready to die in service, whereas Michael is just a guy with issues that's very good at what he does.
Makes him more accessible that way IMO.

I found it ironic that Bond is wearing Oliver Peoples in QOS, I actually started laughing since Mike wears them in BN.

Anyway, away from the whole sunglasses thing. If they ever decide to pick a non British guy to play Bond (which I don't think will ever happen) then I think Jeffrey Donovan should be one of the first candidates because IMO I think he'd play a pretty crazy Bond. He'd be right up there with my favorite Pierce Brosnan

Doesn't matter. I'd rather watch Jeffrey Donovan than this new Bond anyday!!!

Damned skippy, sistah!!! 

For those putting down DC, have y'all seen Casino Royale? Growing up with Bond movies, I was not a fan of the series. I disliked the womanizing ways of Bond, and the movies were quite corny. I didn't even want to watch Casino Royale, but was talked in to it by family. They said this movie was an outstanding version of the books. I watched the movie and was blown away by the character and DC's portrayal of Bond. I don't want to ruin the movie for those that haven't seen it. So, I'll add in a spoiler about two scenes in the movie that make me choose Bond over MW... Although I'm a huge fan of MW, I had to vote for JB. There really is no comparison in my mind. At the same time, I agree with another post...both shouldn't fight, they should work together.

Well, now there's an excellent idea...especially since we are allies with the Brits. Why didn't I think of that earlier. No need to be going to fisticuffs with someone on the same side. Maybe JB can help the crew get rid of nasty Carla. I don't care for her style.

I've tried watching Bond, even Casino Royale. Within the first 15 minutes I began mentally balancing my checking account and thinking about shopping for new bath towels. I'm like that with the Star Trek/Star Wars/Battlestar series. They bore me.

LOL I can't stand the sci-fi stuff, either. It is just strange. Yeah, the first few minutes of Casino was a little slow There were some great scenes shortly after. I especially enjoyed watching Daniel Craig in each one of them. LOL

Both are equally awesome but I would choose JD/Michael Westen over DC/James Bond because JD is funnier. The latest Bond movie was awesome but was pretty intense . Thats why I love Burn Notice. It brings humor along with seriousness and I think JD is the main reason for the perfect balance. That was a bit off topic...Sorry

Great point! The humor does make me tune into this show every week. I get to relax and escape in the show. JB is definitely lacking a funny side & yes, it was inense.

Oooh, maybe Daniel Craig could do a guest star on BN. I would love a screenshot of those two next to one another...fighting Carla...

Had a hard time figuring out which forum topic to post under, but here goes. Probably would be a close fight between the two. What I can add is I had the opportunity to play golf with Jeffrey Donovan two years ago. At the time he was a recurring role on Crossing Jordan as the auditor who was looking to "burn" Dr. Macy. JD was one of the nicest celebrities I've met. In just casual chat, he found out I was also from the Boston area and he lit up, finding a fellow Northeasterner. I wouldn't give a nickel for many of the "stars" out there, but Mr Donovan has earned my respect and admiration as someone who as worked hard for his position and deserves it. A side note, in the same tournament, James Denton was in the group behind us (catching up frequently during typical slow tournament play), and is also an extremely personable and friendly celebrity.

AW!!! Thanks for this info. He does sound like he's a regular Joe. I hate hearing personal info about actors because it sometimes intrudes upon my perception of the person as an actor. Like now I can't STAND to watch Sean Connery after finding out what an ignorant woman hitter he is.

Thanks for the account of Your golf outting with the guys. I know, I always have my own perception of people I like before I meet them and then after it is always a let down. Most of the time. Sometimes not. But I usually always give the person three strikes and they're out. Sometimes, unless they just tick me off from the start. I know everyone has bad days so..... I had met James a few months before Jeffrey and yes, both were polite and pleasant.

Well, if it's a question of who I'd rather eat cake off of, that would definitely be Westen, but in a fight? I just don't think he would be as ruthless as Casino Royale's Bond...he's far more...human? He doesn't kill people if there's a way to avoid it, whereas Bond is not concerned about the body count.

This was a really tough call, but I couldn't stand not seeing the results by not voting....


I like Mikey, and the child's got some serious moves, but, against DC/JB....close, but on a 51/49 I'd have to give it to DC....on "history" alone, if nothing else.....If you were to "culminate" all the Bonds (Connery, Brosnan, Moore, Dalton, DC, Lasenby.....) into one Super-Bond....it would be a higher ratio....but MW'd still give him/them a pretty good run for the money.....

Sorry Mikey, but a Bond girl's gotta do, what a Bond girl's gotta do......


KA 23

I'm in complete agreement with you on every count here (definitely would rather eat cake off Michael Westen , and Daniel Craig's bond is likely way too ruthless for Westen).

[BTW - the first line of your post has gotta be one of the funniest, most awesome things I've read on this forum - I mean, how can one go wrong when one conjures up the image of licking cake off Michael Westen, right? LOL!!!!]

This thread got me thinking could you imagine Burn Notice rising to the caliber or even surpasing that of James Bond? I can see it, just not to clearly. Imagine Burn Notice movie - that would be odd I'd think 1.5-2 hours isn't enough to fit in a good movie plot as far as BN goes there would be too much irregularity from the show. None-the-less I can still see it as rising to the level of James Bond and higher.

Couinsidence:

JB & JD

Engjell Berisha
Good Day!

Oh believe me, that image kept me entertained all afternoon. Once I'd typed it I just couldn't get it out of my head.

As an addendum to the Westen vs. Bond debate though....I don't think any of the Bond girls would stand a chance against Fiona.

Amen to that! The only female Bond villain that I think might stand a chance would be Xenia Onatopp, but that would still be close.

I actually was driving in my car this afternoon and was mulling over what kind of cake I'd like to eat off Michael Westen. Gingerbread? Strawberry shortcake with lots of Reddi Wip? *LOL* Okay, okay, I know - I'm in the wrong thread and need to get to a support group meeting at the JD-aholics thread.

You're right about the Bond girls - they really *wouldn't* stand a chance against Fiona. She's one of those rare female characters who's actually quite strong and can not only take care of herself but can defend others with aplomb. I loved how she protected and defended Oleg's cocktail waitress and the daughter (s.1, ep.3, Fight or Flight) - but now I'm sounding like I need to be in the GA-appreciation thread, aren't I! I'm all over the place tonight...

Be careful...that could cause an accident...

dcdarling, would you mind if I posted your "eating cake off Michael Westen" post in the JD-aholics thread? For posterity's sake? It's too great a moment for it not to be brought up on the JD support group's rosters. Lemme know if it's okay, kay?

Totally fine...I was thinking I needed to join said support group myself, was just waiting until I'm not at work and have time to give the photos on that thread the attention they deserve...