Watch Fleming: The Man Who Would Be Bond

"Fleming: The Man Who Would Be Bond" is a British television series presented by BBC America. It premiered in 2014 and portrays the life of the renowned novelist and creator of James Bond, Ian Fleming, played by Dominic Cooper. The show spans of four episodes, each detailing an important moment in Fleming's life that eventually led him to the creation of the iconic character of James Bond that we all know today. The episodes chronicle Fleming's early life as a playboy, his time as a spy during World War II, and how all of these experiences culminated in the creation of Bond.

Episode one, "The Man," opens with Fleming trying to find his purpose in life. After being dishonorably discharged from the army, he takes a job as a stockbroker at a London firm. However, he quickly finds this work to be unsatisfying and realizes his true passion lies in writing. Despite having no formal education, Fleming continues to hone his writing skills and eventually gets his big break as a journalist.

In episode two, "The Soldier," we see Fleming become inspired to join the British Naval Intelligence. Despite initially struggling with the rigors of military life and the disapproval of his high-ranking father, Fleming ultimately proves himself to be an effective spy. His experiences in the field provide him with a wealth of inspiration for the James Bond novels.

"The novelist," episode three, showcases Fleming's break from government life and his decision to become a full-time writer. However, he struggles to find his voice and develops a severe case of writer's block. A trip to Jamaica ultimately leads to his creation of Bond, and his first novel, "Casino Royale."

In the final episode, "The Golden Age," we see Fleming's life post-success as an author. We see how his personal life and global events continue to shape the Bond franchise. The episode ends with Fleming's eventual death, and we see his legacy in the continued success of the James Bond franchise.

What makes this show stand out is its ability to balance the drama and action of Fleming's life with the humor and whimsy of the James Bond character. The show is stylishly shot and highly atmospheric, immersing the audience in the era of the 1940s and 1950s.

Dominic Cooper's performance as Fleming is nuanced and layered, portraying him as both charming and flawed. The supporting cast is also fantastic, with standout performances from Lara Pulver as Ann Fleming and Camilla Rutherford as Fleming's sister-in-law.

Overall, "Fleming: The Man Who Would Be Bond" is a gripping biographical drama that offers insight into the man behind one of the most iconic fictional characters of all time. It is a must-watch for both Bond fans and those looking for a thrilling period drama.

Fleming: The Man Who Would Be Bond is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between January 29, 2014 and on BBC America