All do what is expected of them, without any flashes of brilliance. Jeroen Krabbe, as another Russian general, does perhaps a little too much of what is expected of him. Maryam d'Abo joins the list of unknown actresses who have played female leads in Bond films. She's beautiful, and responds well to menace, but doesn't seem likely to have a brilliant future. Several of the usual supporting players show up, doing what they usually do.
All areas demonstrate a high degree of professionalism, without ever moving beyond into innovation.
The only exception is the cinematography, which gives one or two very well conceived shots. Maurice Binder's credits are a particularly weak effort by him, and the title song is one of the worst ever written for a Bond film. The rest of the John Barry score is a serviceable one, but breaks no new ground. The Living Daylights should appeal strongly to those who have spent years yearning for the Bond of yore. It is a bit long, and would probably have played better ten minutes shorter, and Dalton doesn't seem to have completely settled into the role.