Sergei Barsov (Russian: Серге́й Барзов or Sergei Borzov in the novelisation (Серге́й Борзов)) was a Soviet intelligence operative originally employed by the KGB and lover of Major Anya Amasova. Portrayed by British actor Michael Billington, he first appeared in the 1977 James Bond The Spy Who Loved Me and was also featured in Christopher Wood's accompanying novelisation where he is an agent of Otdyel IV, a department of SMERSH.
Biography[]
After making love to his girlfriend, Anya Amasova, Barsov leaves to complete a mission in Austria, which was to kill British operative James Bond. He and his minions tried to assassinate Bond on a downhill ski chase in Austria, but 007 shot him through the heart with a gun hidden in his ski pole and was able to escape in the process.
His death was announced to Amasova by General Gogol, to which Amasova voiced her hope to find the man who killed him. When both the Russians and British lose contact with their submarines, the KGB had Amasova partner with Bond to investigate, unaware of Bond's part in Barsov's death. While in Sardinia, Amasova discovers that Bond was in Austria the same day of Barsov's death, and demands to know if he killed him. Although not recognizing him from their sole encounter, the British spy realizes only he could have pulled the trigger and confesses to killing Barsov. A vengeful Anya then swears to kill Bond after their mission is completed, however, despite this, she later forgives him after realizing that she’s in love with him, and because she probably realized it was a case of self-defence for Bond.
Alternate Continuities[]
James Bond, The Spy Who Loved Me[]
Sergei was a member of Otdyel II, the operations and executions branch of SMERSH in the film novelization James Bond, The Spy Who Loved Me, but was never mentioned as a member in the actual film. Borzov was the romantic love interest of Agent XXX before being killed by James Bond in the opening sequence.
Behind the Scenes[]
Michael Billington, who played Barsov, was screen-tested for the role of Bond more than any other actor. He was tested for Live and Let Die, Moonraker, For Your Eyes Only, and Octopussy.
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