 Danny Peary described "The Spy Who Loved Me" as "exceptional ... For once, the big budget was not wasted.Interestingly, while the sets and gimmicks were the most spectacular to date, Bond and the other characters are toned down (there's a minimum of slapstick humour) so that they are more realistic than in other Roger Moore films.Moore gives his best performance in the series ... [Bond and Anya Amasova] are an appealing couple, equal in every way.