The original Smith might avoid saving anyone else, but he was never known to get physical with any one (never harm a fly).
The new Smith is a conniving murderer.
Both of them were/are devious.
I really think that changing the ‘script’ is due to the modern audience being catered to. We are no longer entertained by the bumbling clown.
I can see your point, and I don’t necessarily object.
To me it does seem that a devious clever person who simply causes trouble in self-interest, allows for much more story lines.
You can’t kill people in these shows without others taking notice, and then you’re incarcerated or executed.
Either that or it just become idiotic.