KnightRiderLegacy
Page 14
First Assistant Directors: Charles Watson Sanford, Jr., Phil Bowles, Ron Martinez, Fred L. Miller, Robert Villar
Second Assistant Directors: Don Edward Wilkerson, Bruce Humphrey, Herb Adelman
Sound Effects Editors: Walt Jenevein, Sam Shaw
Music Editors: Richard Lapham, Jerry Cohen
Costume Designers: Jean-Pierre Dorleac, George R. Whittaker, Richard Hopper, Nancy McArdle
Costume Supervisors: Don Snyder, Gil Loe, Nancy McArdle, Robert Ellsworth
Make-up: Jeremy Swan, Dick Dawson
Hairstylists: Ora Tillman Green, Tim Jones
2nd Unit Director/Stunt Coordinator: Robert Bralver Co-Stunt Coordinator: Jack Gill
Some automobiles furnished by Pontiac Motor Division First Season Regular Cast
David Hasselhoff (Michael Knight)
Edward Mulhare (Devon Miles)
Patricia McPherson (Bonnie Barstow)
William Daniels (Voice of K.I.T.T.)
First Season Episode Descriptions
Pilot (Two Hour Series Premiere)
Also known as: Knight Rider: The Movie, “Knight of the Phoenix”
Episode: 01
PROD. #57309
Original Airdate: September 26, 1982 (Sunday)
Rerun #1: January 7, 1983 (Friday)
Rerun #2: May 13, 1983 (Friday)
Knight Rider Season One •
127
Writer: Glen A. Larson
Director: Daniel Haller
Guest Cast: Phyllis Davis (Tanya Walker), Pamela Susan Shoop (Maggie), Lance LeGault (Security Officer Craig Gray), Noel Conlon (William Benjamin), Michael D. Roberts (Jackson), Bert Rosario (Browne), Richard Anderson (Dr. Ralph Wesley), Vince Edwards (Fred Wilson), Richard Basehart (Wilton Knight), Edmund Gilbert (Charles Acton), Shawn Southwick (Lonnie), Brian Cutler (Bar Manager), Barret Oliver (Buddy), Robert Phillips (Symes), Alma L. Beltran (Luce), Ed Hooks (Guard), Tyler Murray (Sally), Victoria Harned (Doris), Larry Anderson (Michael Long), Charles Napier (Carney), Herb Jefferson, Jr. (Muntzy), John Quade (Dolan)
Michael Long, an undercover policeman, is shot and left for dead in the Nevada desert. The bullet is deflected by a plate in his head (implanted during his Vietnam days) and comes out through his face. He is saved and his face reconstructed thanks to dying philanthropist Wilton Knight. Knight wants Michael to become an operative for his company under the direction of Devon Miles. He is reluctant at first, but agrees to use the Knight Industries 2000 (K.I.T.T.), a computerized vehicle, to help the Foundation for Law and Government (F.L.A.G.) fight criminals who are
‘beyond the reach of the law’.
Commentary:
While critics were never high on the series, Knight Rider quickly became a favorite among young viewers and males alike. The series aired on Sunday nights at 8 p.m. and caught the attention of the other networks with a showing of fifth in the Nielsen ratings for the week. For most of its run, Knight Rider stayed true to the theme that “one man can make a difference” and this episode clearly defines Glen Larson’s original vision. On his deathbed, Wilton Knight tells Michael that he has been chosen to be the 128
• Knight Rider Legacy
man to make a difference and take on those rogue criminals who are above the law. Of the major differences between Knight Rider and CBS’ The Dukes of Hazzard, the stunt work for the turbo boosts and ski mode looked far more professional then the staged jumps in Hazzard. The conclusion finds Michael boarding an airplane with Devon. Devon insists that most of the Foundation’s work would bore him to tears. However, Michael takes the challenge and toasts “to our future, no matter who it make take us up against or where.”
Notes:
NBC aired a thirty second teaser to introduce us to the show: The NBC announcer says: “Tonight, Knight Rider The Two Hour Movie Spectacular crashes into your living room!” Michael says: “I don’t believe this” NBC announcer: “Well, you better believe it! A lone crusader for justice drives his crime fighting car.” Michael says: “The world’s most fantastic car.” NBC announcer: “Together they can do just about anything.” K.I.T.T. says: “After all, we’re only human.”
Michael says: “Don’t press your luck. NBC announcer: “Now buckle up for action for the fastest new show on television, Knight Rider: The Movie!”
There are many mistakes made in the episode, but the most noticeable ones include Michael’s bullet wound fluctuating from his left shoulder to his right shoulder and back again during the drive to the airport; Devon talking to Michael from the plane and his phone switches from a white one to a black one; K.I.T.T. gaining seatbelts during the derby race as well as a rear view mirror; K.I.T.T. is shot at from the helicopter, the bullet bounces off of him and hits the side of the helicopter facing the camera. When the helicopter turns and heads toward the airport, the bullet damage is on the opposite side. Probably the most reused flashback in the series, the scene where Michael Long is shot can be seen many times in this episode, as well as in “A Good Knight’s Work” and “Junk Yard Dog.”
Knight Rider Season One •
129
Featured Songs:
“Proud Mary (Rollin’ on the River)” by Credence Clearwater Revival
“Take It Easy” by The Eagles
“Peaceful, Easy Feeling” by The Eagles
“Carolina in My Mind” by James Taylor
“Don’t Stop” by Fleetwood Mac
“Third Rate Romance” by Amazing Rhythm Aces
“Harden My Heart” by Quarterflash
“Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benetar
Quotes:
(Wilton Knight) “One man can make a difference, Michael.”
Trivia:
Brian Cutler returns in “Custom K.I.T.T.;” Lance LeGault, famous for his role as Colonel Decker in The A-Team, returns in “A Knight in Shining Armor;” Pamela Susan Shoop can be seen in “Knight of the Juggernaut;” and Shawn Southwick plays Rita Wilcox in
“Goliath.”
The F.L.A.G. branch at the Knight Estate can be seen in the first season until the episode “White Bird.” It returns again for one episode in “Goliath.”
This episode, along with “Deadly Maneuvers,” do not feature a voiceover in the opening theme song.
Devon actually rides in K.I.T.T., something he only does in a few other episodes, namely “No Big Thing,” “Hearts of Stone,”
“Knightmares,” and “Deadly Knightshade.”
Viewers can spot the semi at the end of the episode. It’s painted black with gold trim, and says “Knight Industries” on the side. 130
• Knight Rider Legacy
Comtron was originally named CALtron Technologies. Watch when Michael takes Maggie back to her apartment—she is saying CALtron but her voice is dubbed to say Comtron.
Deadly Maneuvers
Episode: 02
PROD. #57305
Original Airdate: October 1, 1982 (Friday)
Rerun #1: July 15, 1983 (Friday)
Writers: William Schmidt and Bob Shayne
Director: Paul Stanley
Guest Cast: Devon Ericson (Lieutenant Robin Mirian Ladd), Alan Oppenheimer (General Frederick Duncton), Allen Williams (Major Doug Sanderson), Ron Kuhlman (Sergeant Ray Perkins), Andre’ Harvey (Lieutenant Hugh Rainey), Thomas Gilleran (Colonel Ernest T. Ladd), Dennis Kerwin (Corporal Cotler), Danil Torppe (Corporal James), James Lough (Military Policeman #2), Peter Harrell (Military Policeman #1), Judy Johns (Corporal Webb), Jeff Silverman (Sanj), Greg Norberg (Soldier), Charles Bazaldua (Fat Soldier)
After an army colonel’s mysterious death, Lieutenant Robin Ladd asks Michael to investigate. Michael manages to steal the accident report and finds out that Colonel Ladd had blue paint on his hand and that he was last seen in the munitions building. Robin Ladd confronts Major Sanderson about her findings and is placed under arrest. With time running out, Michael must uncover the military conspiracy and find Lt. Ladd before she is killed.
Knight Rider Season One •
131
Commentary:
As the second episode aired after the pilot, we see that the series delves Michael must navigate through a missile testing ground to rescue Lt. Ladd in “Deadly Maneuvers.” [Courtesy of Jack Gill] even further into the fantasy world of Michael and K.I.T.T. when they are able to evade missile after missile at the testing ground. This episode is very weak in terms of showing off K.I.T.T.’s abilities, however we do see him use a rocket booster in order to divert a heat-seeking missile. Viewers are also introduced to both the semi and mechanic Bonnie Barstow, although no introduction is given in the episode. As a rather interesting footnote for trivia buffs: this episode has no turbo boost—the only one in the first season not to find some way to incorporate one into the episode. Notes:
This is the first time we see mechanic Bonnie Barstow even though Patricia McPherson’s first episode taped was “Inside Out.”
132
• Knight Rider Legacy
The white Foundation mobile unit makes its first appearance. Notice that it is not seen in motion until “Hearts of Stone.”
K.I.T.T.’s alpha circuit is damaged in this episode, a problem that plagues his twin in “K.I.T.T. vs. K.A.R.R..” Michael makes a comment that it will be alright as long as they don’t go underwater. When Bonnie discovers the damage, Michael tells Bonnie that it’s probably a factory defect.
A scene was planned to have K.I.T.T. tow Robin’s car. However, the Trans Am broke down several times during filming.
Featured Songs:
“Ricky Don’t Lose That Number” by Steely Dan
Quotes:
(K.I.T.T.) “Michael, I believe as usual you may have attracted the attention of some very homicidal personalities.”
Trivia:
Thomas Gilleran returns in “Mouth of the Snake;” Alan Oppenheimer can be seen in “Custom Made Killer;” and Allen Williams guest stars in “Knights of the Fast Lane.”
Michael is seen playing a videogame in K.I.T.T. for the first time, something he does throughout the first two seasons.
The opening scenes of this episode appear again as flashbacks in Knight Rider 2000.
This episode, along with “Good Day at White Rock” and
“Halloween Knight,” do not utilize the Knight Rider theme in the teaser.
Stuntman Jack Gill: “The car caught on fire during the big climax, then I drove into a field and the field caught on fire!”
Knight Rider Season One •
133
Good Day at White Rock
Episode: 03
PROD. #57303
Original Airdate: October 8, 1982 (Friday)
Rerun #1: December 31, 1982 (Friday)
Rerun #2: June 17, 1983 (Friday)
Writer: Deborah Davis
Director: Daniel Haller
Guest Cast: Anne Lockhart (Sherry Benson), Don Stroud (Hilly), James Callahan (Sheriff Bruckner), Keith Mitchell (Davey Benson), Michael Champion (Monk), Robert Dryer (The Priest), Gregory Clemens (Sneaker), Alex Daniels (Big Lonny Spencer), George Fisher (Boss), Kyle Oliver (Big Donny Spencer)
Michael sets out to go to White Rock for some mountain climbing while a group of bikers start to take over the town and destroy property. Michael makes friends with Sherry Benson, a convenience store owner, and her son, Davey. Sherry and Michael must convince the local sheriff to help round up the bikers and clean up the town.
Commentary:
This episode is based on the film Bad Day at Black Rock. NBC would also reuse the idea for an episode of The A-Team as well. Michael tells K.I.T.T. to get some sun while he is mountain climbing and K.I.T.T. opens his sunroof windows to comply. The bickering between K.I.T.T. and Michael continues in the beginning driving scenes where K.I.T.T. fails to understand what a vacation is. K.I.T.T. also tells Sherry the secret of his Molecular Bonded Shell while the gang is attacking the car, but viewers never get to hear the entire formula.
134
• Knight Rider Legacy
Notes:
Keith Mitchell, who played Davey, won a Young Artist Award (Best Young Actor, Guest on a Series) for his performance in this episode. William Daniels on being locked out: “I remember rushing over to Knight Rider early on in the series to record my lines, and I got to the gate at Universal and the guy wouldn’t let me in. He didn’t have my name. I told him to call the Knight Rider production office and tell them that I am here and I am about to go home. I gave him five minutes. They let me in.”
Highlights:
This episode (along with “Deadly Maneuvers”) are the only two episodes where the commercial breaks or the ending do not have the standard Knight Rider transitions. Instead, it simply freeze frames on the last scene of the final act and then says “Created by Glen A. Larson.”
Featured Songs:
“Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf
“After Midnight” by Eric Clapton
“Can I See You Tonight” by Tanya Tucker
Quotes:
(Michael) “K.I.T.T., where are you?”
(K.I.T.T.) “Impounded, Michael, just like you.”
Trivia:
Anne Lockhart guest stars in season two’s “Return to Cadiz;”
Michael Champion can be seen in “Speed Demons;” and James Callahan returns in “Circus Knights.”
The restaurant where Devon and Michael dine is the same one that Stevie sings at in “The Scent of Roses.”
Knight Rider Season One •
135
This is the only episode that starts with Michael and K.I.T.T.’s previous mission and then begins the current one. Michael phones the Foundation at 223-553-0433 during his stay in jail.
Slammin’ Sammy’s Stunt Show Spectacular
Episode: 04
PROD. #57315
Original Airdate: October 22, 1982 (Friday)
Rerun #1: March 25, 1983 (Friday)
Rerun #2: July 15, 1984 (Sunday)
Writers: E. Paul Edwards and John Alan Schwartz
Director: Bruce Bilson
Guest Cast: Susan Kase (Lisa Phillips), Lin McCarthy (Lawrence Blake), Eddie Firestone (Sammy Phillips), Jimmy Weldon (Announcer), Adam Postil (Mark Phillips), Phil Cocciolatti (Mario Lutenzo), Mark Alaimo (Bill Gordon), Michael Santiago (Highway Patrolman)
After Sammy Phillips has an accident while performing the headlining act at his stunt show, Michael must take over to save the business from going bankrupt as well as stop a crooked businessman from buying it. In an attempt to remove Michael from the show, a fellow stunt driver slips a sleeping pill into Michael’s drink immediately before he is to begin his stunt—leaping over a truck and car that are moving in the same direction. Commentary:
If there was ever a venue to show off K.I.T.T.’s incredible capabilities, it’s in a stunt show. It is strange, however, to see K.I.T.T. performing his tricks with the help of ramps instead of under his own power. This episode also
136
• Knight Rider Legacy
introduces us to using turbo boost as a way to increase speed, something that is done several times during the first season and abandoned after it. Michael uses it to increase his speed to avoid getting a citation for K.I.T.T.’s driving. The idea of using turbo boost to increase speed directly contradicts the need for Super Pursuit Mode in season four. K.I.T.T. gets decalled in “Slammin Sammy’s Stunt Show Spectacular” [Courtesy of Jack Gill]
Notes:
The stunt show used in this episode is actually the same track where the demolition derby took place in the pilot episode. It reappears again in “Knights of the Fast Lane.”
In this episode, we find out that K.I.T.T. can inflate and deflate his tires at will, a feature seen again in “A Good Knight’s Work.”
Highlights:
Bonnie installs a device that allows K.I.T.T. to oxygenate the interior. Michael responds to her new invention by saying that “it should be great for the morning after.”
Knight Rider Season One •
&nbs
p; 137
Quotes:
(K.I.T.T.) “The officer may be trying to meet his daily ticket quota in a somewhat irregular manner.”
(Michael) “Bum wrap or not, I’m not taking a citation for your driving.”
Trivia:
In the beginning of the episode, Michael reads the Knight 2000 owner’s manual (which is actually the 1982 Pontiac Firebird manual with the words “Knight 2000” pasted on).
Just My Bill
Episode: 05
PROD. #57311
Original Airdate: October 29, 1982 (Friday)
Rerun #1: February 11, 1983 (Friday)
Rerun #2: July 1, 1983 (Friday)
Teleplay By: Deborah Davis and David Braff
Story By: Catherine Bacos
Contributing Writer: Steven E. de Souza
Director: Sidney Hayers
Guest Cast: Carole Cook (Senator Maggie Flynn), Robert Sampson (J. Hanford Dixon), Bruce Gray (Senator Russell Forbes), Nancy Grahn (Jane Adams), David Haskell (Brian Owendorf), Alex Kubik (Luger), June Christopher (Miriam), Barry Cutler (Garage Guard), London Donfield (Al), Fitzhugh G. Houston (Assembly Speaker), Roger Til (Professor LeCalir), Kenneth Men’ard (Charlie Kemp), Jeri Gaile (Kate), Steve Alterman (Valet Attendant)
138
• Knight Rider Legacy
When several attempts are made on a politician’s life due to a controversial power bill, Michael is assigned to protect her until the issue has passed. Michael takes Senator Maggie Flynn to the Foundation Retreat while he begins his investigation with Senator Flynn’s secretary, Jane Adams. As Michael and Jane begin to uncover clues, the Foundation Retreat is held under siege to prevent Senator Flynn from making it to the capitol to oppose the bill.
Commentary:
A rather unremarkable episode, probably most notable for Michael hanging from a helicopter in order to subdue some criminals. By this episode, the series had settled in to a normal routine of helping the less fortunate with incredible stunts thrown in along the way. This formula made the show a fan favorite throughout the next four years.
Notes:
The first scene in the teaser where Jane says “Do you know what I’d really like to do?” and Michael responds “Nope, but I got a feeling you are going to tell me” is not in the actual episode.
Throughout the entire episode, the lights to the right of K.I.T.T.’s voice modulator are the wrong colors.