James Bond is immortal. At the very least, the world’s best-known secret agent won’t die. And why should he? The Licensed (to) Killer is the most enduring character in movie history.

He returns to cinemas on November 22 in Skyfall, the 23rd official Bond film. No other film figure can boast such a prolonged parade of motion pictures. 007 has been the leading man in more movies than Harry Potter, Captain Jack Sparrow and Batman combined.

Since his first mission, Dr. No (1962), Bond has been played by six actors across five decades. While the martini-shaking spy’s success and popularity has fluctuated, he still is far from being retired from the field.

What keeps audiences coming back for Bond? Reliable levels of ultra escapism. While the recent 007 efforts have got grittier, they still slop over with Bond bits. Exotic locations, sharp suits, hi-tech gadgets and unaffordable cars are the perpetual backdrop for Bond’s espionage adventures.

We like to imagine ourselves zipping about in a cool Aston Martin, or flirting with a Bond Girl, as we also navigate outlandish stunts and the dastardly schemes of villains we know ultimately will be defeated by us. For 50 years, settling into a James Bond film has steadily provided us with the same experience: a high-octane fantasy, light-years from what our real lives are like.

As with so many other screen characters, 007 represents a barrage of things most of us claim not to actually endorse. Think about it: the suave spy is a killing machine; he’s a professional liar who is emotionally crippled; his rampant promiscuity has only slowed during the latest editions. For decades, Bond’s sexist swagger was legendary, defying political correctness and changing social conventions.

When the elements of Bond entertainment are stripped back, do they say more about our daydreams than we care to admit? How palpably does the “larger-than-life” life of James Bond seduce desires we routinely try to dissolve?

It’s safe to presume most people harbour no genuine intention of being a secret agent with a licence to kill. Particularly Christian moviegoers. Imagine the incessant battle with the raging hypocrisy of living a lie, let alone justifying to oneself how executing someone —for the greater good, of course—is a better use of time and gifts than leading Bible study or helping out at kids church.

Sorry. Is that treating serious matters too glibly? So is celebrating the supreme nonsense of James Bond without considering whether our devotion to the exciting agent should be more considered.