by Unknown
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The Foundation sponsors a charity cross country motorbike race, but receives a mysterious letter notifying them that last year’s serious accident was a deliberate murder. The accident involved several racers at the top of Widow’s Mountain and seemed to have occurred when “hot dog” Kelly Travis pulled a wheelie stunt at the top and wiped out. His best friend, Danny Duvall, was killed when he collided with Kelly. Out of concern that there may be some truth behind the letter, Devon calls Michael and K.I.T.T. in to investigate.
Commentary:
An episode that finds Michael and K.I.T.T. in yet another racing situation, this time helping a biker overcome his fears and win a race. Devon also indicates that he has a history with motorcycles and can even be seen riding one at the episode’s conclusion. Michael and K.I.T.T turbo boost over him, showing the “superiority of a four-wheeled machine.” The announcer also jokes that K.I.T.T. is the eighth wonder of the world and tries to get K.I.T.T. to talk to someone else with no luck. Kelly has sworn off racing, but as the new race approaches, Kelly starts to get the speed demon back within him, which is what the story is essentially about. Notes:
The turbo boost over the lake is a scene reused from “Good Day at White Rock.” Oddly enough, Michael Champion, who played Wade Fontaine, also guest starred in that same episode as a biker. Highlights:
K.I.T.T. gets a boost with the installation of April’s High Traction Drop Downs.
Trivia:
The helmet Devon wears at the end of the episode is the same one worn by Michael in “Slammin’ Sammy’s Stunt Show Spectacular.”
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When Michael is getting out of K.I.T.T. to go into the warehouse, a close eye can spot a hand reach out from the back seat and pull the door shut!
When K.I.T.T. rides up the mountain with Kelly Travis, K.I.T.T. has a sizeable dent in his front fender as he reaches the top. Part one of the Diff’rent Strokes episode “Hooray For Hollywood,”
which featured David Hasselhoff and K.I.T.T., aired one day before the original airing of this episode. It would conclude the following week.
Goliath Returns (Two Hours)
Working Title #1: “Deja Vu All Over Again”
Working Title #2: “Deja Vu”
Episode: 38
PROD. #57839
Original Airdate: February 19, 1984 (Sunday)
Rerun #1: May 4, 1984 (Friday)
Writers: Robert Foster, Robert W. Gilmer, Tom Greene, and Janis Hendler Director: Winrich Kolbe
Guest Cast: Peter Mark Richman (Dr. Klaus Bergstrom), Suzanne Barnes (Christina Bergstrom), Ann Turkel (Adrianne Margeaux), Cyndi JamesReese (Kathy Cunningham), John M. Banach (Technician #1), Cris Capen (Technician #2), Henry G. Sanders (Hotel Security Guard), Vicki McCarty (Hotel Clerk)
Michael’s evil twin, Garthe Knight, escapes from prison when a new and improved Goliath crashes through the prison wall. He retreats to his mansion where Adrianne Margeaux greets him. She informs Garthe that she Knight Rider Season Two •
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was the one responsible for rebuilding Goliath and breaking him out of prison. Their latest plan is to replace a top scientist, Klaus Bergstrom, with a clone in order to sell the real Klaus to a foreign country. Garthe and his men force their way into the Foundation and kidnap Devon and April, believing that he will be able to use them as bait in order to capture Michael.
Commentary:
This is Knight Rider at its best! The return of Michael’s evil twin and his indestructible semi could have easily been predicted given the fan’s response to their first appearance in “Goliath.” The interesting twist of having both Devon and April kidnapped adds to the excitement as Michael searches for them as well as Garthe, Adrianne, and the real Klaus Bergstrom! The Klaus/Christina storyline drags slightly at times, but that is (most of the time) overshadowed by the non-stop action of Michael’s search, starting with the Foundation’s break-in, followed by a pit of quicksand, a stand-off with Goliath, and plummeting over a cliff! Had most of the following Knight Rider adventures had this sense of excitement, the series surely wouldn’t have ended as quickly as it did.
Notes:
David Hasselhoff indicated to NBC this would be the last time he would play Garthe Knight due to the heavy strain it put on the shooting schedule. NBC reluctantly agreed.
The part of Elizabeth Knight was not brought up again since the writers wanted to take a different angle on the story and brought in Ann Turkel, who had worked so well as a villain in “Soul Survivor.”
Adrianne tells Garthe that her only interest in Michael Knight is in re-acquiring K.I.T.T. for herself. Her plan is to combine K.I.T.T.’s CPU with Goliath’s body for unlimited power.
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Highlights:
Michael and K.I.T.T. test out April’s latest gadget for the super car, the Emergency Parachute Deployment (EPD).
Featured Songs:
“Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones
Quotes:
(K.I.T.T.) “Michael, unlike that dinosaur, we can’t simply push our way through.”
(Michael) “I wouldn’t dream of it K.I.T.T., that’s not our style.” (Turbo Boost) Trivia:
Peter Mark Richman returns in “Many Happy Returns.”
In rebuilding Goliath, Adrianne removed the roof missiles seen in its first appearance.
A Good Knight’s Work
Working Title: “Sneak Attack”
Episode: 39
PROD. #57840
Original Airdate: March 4, 1984 (Sunday)
Rerun #1: September 16, 1984 (Sunday)
Writer: Richard Okie
Director: Sidney Hayers
Guest Cast: John Vernon (Cameron Zachary), Alexa Hamilton (Gina Adams), Robert O’Reilly (Jake Simpson), Dana Gladstone (Dave Collins), Rosalind Ingledew (Car Buyer)
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Simpson, one of Cameron Zachary’s men, spots Michael busting one of their associates. Simpson tells Cameron that he just spotted Michael Long, although his face is different. Cameron has Long tracked and has Gina Adams arrange a meeting with him. She tells a story of how a major toy company has stolen the schematics for a talking bear she designed. Michael returns to the semi and is told by Devon that Michael Long’s grave was robbed and they believe Cameron Zachary was involved. Devon then tells Michael that Cameron wants him killed because he was involved with Tanya Walker and blames Michael for her death. Cameron catches Michael and forces him to put K.I.T.T. in a truck and shut him down, leaving Michael defenseless as he spars against Cameron.
Commentary:
A great episode explaining more of Michael Long’s past. Cameron Zachary sets Michael up once he realizes that Long did not die and is now living as Michael Knight. Zachary goes so far as to rob his grave to confirm Michael’s identity. He also realizes that Wilton succeeded in building K.I.T.T. and sets his sights on both of them, forcing Michael to hand over K.I.T.T. or he would kill Gina. An incredible turbo boost into the fourth story floor to get Zachary closes up a well written episode full of excitement. Notes:
In the script, Zachary confronts Michael with details of his old life in order to obtain K.I.T.T. His uncle lived at 410 Chesapeake Road, while his niece attended the Burnley school; his old police sergeant was named Charlie Hart.
Trivia:
John Vernon returns in “Voo Doo Knight;” Robert O’Reilly is back in “KITTnap;” and Rosalind Ingledew guest stars in “Knight Behind Bars.”
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Michael Long was born on January 9, 1949 and “died” on August 8, 1982.
Michael’s middle name, Arthur, is mentioned only in this episode and in the pilot.
Mouth of the Snake (Two Hours)
Working Title: “All That Glitters”
Episode: 40
PROD. #57831
Original Airdate: April 8, 1984 (Sunday)
Rerun: September 2, 1984 (Sunday)
Writers: Robert Foster and Robert W. Gilmer
Director: Winrich Kolbe
Guest Cast: Joanna Pettet (Joanna St. John), L. Charles Taylor (David Dalton), George Murdock (Archibald Hendley), Robert Colbert (Elton Matthews), Patty Kotero (Tiara D’Arcy), Pedro Armendariz (Eduardo O’Brian), Emily Banks (Priscella Ragsdale), Robert Clarke (John Ragsdale), Chuck Lindsly (Steward), Luis Contreras (Coyote), Arell Blanton (Frank), Tom Gilleran (Arthur Abrahms), Todd Martin (Elmo Elliott), Alan Graff (Highway Patrolman), Vance David (Security Man), Rick Holly (Pilot), Joel Kramer (Commando #1), Spike Silver (Commando #2), Mario Roberts (Commando #3), Rick Avery (Commando #4), John Sherrod (Truck Driver #1), Jeff Jensen (Truck Driver #2), Kenny Rossall (Van Driver #1) After a federal lawyer is found dead near the Mexican border, and his death is considered suspicious, his widow Joanna turns to the Foundation for help. Michael and K.I.T.T. step in to solve the case, but soon find out they are not alone. David Dalton, a mysterious stranger working with the Department of Justice, is also on the case. The main suspect in the murder Knight Rider Season Two •
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is a man by the name of Eduardo O’Brien, an arms dealer who has spent many years staying out of the reach of the law, as well as murdering several federal agents who had gotten close to his operation.
Commentary:
One of the biggest disappointments of the entire series, “Mouth of the Snake” takes the story almost completely away from Michael and K.I.T.T. and places it on David Dalton. Here, they are relegated to chasing missiles across the country. The plot is hard to follow and the only reason Dalton and Joanna are in here is to provide David and his new bride Catherine some time off for their wedding and honeymoon. The episode suffers greatly without Michael and K.I.T.T. and we see nothing of April nor the semi, and only a few brief seconds of Devon in the entire two hours. Notes:
Two years after this episode was produced, L. Charles Taylor won his own series as David Dalton in the first Knight Rider spin-off, Code of Vengeance.
Michael tells Joanna that although he’s never been married, he’s been in love and knows what it’s like to lose that love. Michael is obviously referring to Stevie, seen in “White Bird,” “Let It Be Me,”
and “The Scent of Roses.”
In the fifth Knight Rider novel, “Mirror Image,” it is revealed that David and Joanna become engaged shortly after this episode’s conclusion. Featured Songs:
“Stay With Me Tonight” by Jeffrey Osborne
Trivia:
Chuck Lindsly guest stars in “Voo Doo Knight;” Luis Contreras is back in “Knight of the Juggernaut.”
K.I.T.T. turbo boosts over fifty feet horizontally.
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General Maddux is mentioned in this episode and can be seen in person in “Goliath.”
Let It Be Me
Working Title #1: “Dream Life”
Working Title #2: “It’s Only Rock and Roll”
Episode: 41
PROD. #57834
Original Airdate: May 13, 1984 (Sunday)
Rerun #1: August 26, 1984 (Sunday)
Teleplay By: Robert Foster and Robert W. Gilmer
Story By: William Elliott
Director: Bernard McEveety
Guest Cast: Catherine Hickland (Stevie March/Mason), Michael C. Gwynne (Paul Bloch), Shanna Reed (Barbara Bellingham), John Patrick Reger (Greg Noble), Joseph Burke (Band Member), Randy Polk (Jimmy) When the leader of the band Class Action is found dead in his dressing room, his girlfriend calls the Foundation to investigate. The situation becomes much more complicated for Michael when he realizes that the bandleader’s girlfriend is actually Stevie Mason, Michael’s lost love. He joins the band as Class Action’s new lead singer in a creative attempt to uncover the killer. Confronted by his undeniable feelings for Stevie once again, Michael must deal with their unresolved relationship while at the same time trying to find the one responsible for the murder. Commentary:
The return of Michael’s lost love is not entirely unexpected and it is quite a pleasure to see Stevie return. This episode also serves as a celebration of Knight Rider Season Two •
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David and Catherine’s new marriage. Seeing the outfits worn by Michael and Stevie during their concerts can be quite painful at times, but viewers must remember that it is classic 80’s rock star attire. This episode is named after a song that appears on David Hasselhoff’s album “Night Rocker.”
Michael and Stevie sing the song to each other at the convention hall—
which is in reality the Universal Amphitheater.
Notes:
At the climax of the episode, Michael considers leaving the Foundation for Stevie. She tells him that it’s “too big a price to pay, for now.” In season four’s “The Scent of Roses,” Michael realizes that it is time to leave the Foundation and be with Stevie. The songs heard in this episode from the “Night Rocker” album include “Our First Night Together,” “No Way to Be In Love,” and
“Let It Be Me.”
Featured Songs:
“No Way to Be In Love” by David Hasselhoff and Catherine Hickland
“Our First Night Together” by David Hasselhoff and Catherine Hickland
“White Bird” by It’s a Beautiful Day
“Runaway” by Del Shannon
“Let It Be Me” by David Hasselhoff and Catherine Hickland Trivia:
Although there is still one more episode left in the second season, this is the last time that Rebecca Holden would be seen as computer whiz April Curtis.
When April decodes the binary code, a discrepancy can be seen on the monitor. The first few entries say F19 indicating Friday the 19th, but the next few entries say F20, indicating Friday the 20th. 210
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Big Iron
Working Title: “Amber Waves”
Episode: 42
PROD. #57804
Original Airdate: May 27, 1984 (Sunday)
Rerun #1: August 5, 1984 (Sunday)
Writer: Julie Friedsen
Director: Bernard L. Kowalski
Guest Cast: Stuart Whitman (Frank Sanderson), Patch MacKenzie (Lucy Sanderson), Myron Healey (Lloyd Newald), Alex Kubik (Sam), Michael Rider (Vance Burke), Kaaren Lee (Mary Beth Graves), Gene LeBell (Junior)
Michael sets out to uncover why machinery is disappearing from Frank Sanderson’s construction lot. Michael stumbles upon where all the machinery is kept and goes down to investigate. He gets shot at, gets into K.I.T.T., and then is pushed down a the cliff and buried alive. With only five minutes of oxygen left, Michael decides to use it all for combustion in an attempt to escape using the turbo boosters and April’s new Trajectory Guide.
Commentary:
Aired out of production order, Michael says April’s Trajectory Guide is new, yet in the earlier episode “Blind Spot,” it had already been used. After Michael and K.I.T.T. get pushed off the cliff and buried underneath gravel, we are treated to (literally) an earth shaking turbo boost with incredible sound effects.
Highlights:
April installs a Trajectory Guide.
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K.I.T.T. can’t follow the van after doing the turbo boost, telling Michael that he’s “trashed.”
Featured Songs:
“Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings
Trivia:
April makes no appearance in this episode but is mentioned. The only other second season episode where she is not present is “Mouth of the Snake.”
This is the only episode in the series’ entire run where Michael’s leather jacket is not seen.
The title “Big Iron” was added by the network and was never referred to as that during production.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN:
KNIGHT RIDER SEASON THREE
Third Season Technical Credits
Producers: Gino Grimaldi, Gerald Sanford, James M. Miller, Burton Armus, Calvin Clements, Jr.
Executive Producer: Robert Foster
Created By: Glen A. Larson
Executive Story Consultants: Larry Mollin, Richard Okie, Robert Sherman
Executive Script Consultant: Gregory S. Dinallo
Story Editors: Richard Okie, Tom Lazarus, David Bennett Carren Associate Producers: Robert Ewing, Ron Martinez, Bruce Golin Theme: Glen A. Larson, Stu Phillips
Music: Don Peake
Director of Photography: H. John Penner
Art Director: Frank Grieco, Jr.
Film Editors: Domenic G. DiMascio, Lawrence J. Gleason, Lawrence J. Vallario, Howard B. Anderson, Grant Hoag, Dayle Mustain, Edward Nassour
Unit Production Managers: Ron Martinez, Zane Radney First Assistant Directors: Louis Race, Robert Villar Second Assistant Director: Bruce A. Humphrey
Casting By: Joe Reich, C.S.A.
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Set Decorator: R. Lynn Smartt
Sound: Pat Somerset
Color By: Technicolor
Titles & Optical Effects: Universal Title
Sound Editor: John Shouse
Music Editor: Richard Lapham
Costume Supervisors: Barry Downing, Karen J. Braverman 2nd Unit Directors/Stunt Coordinators: Jack Gill, Charles Picerni, Sr. Make-up: Jeremy Swan
Hairstylist: Allen Payne
Some automobiles furnished by Pontiac Motor Division Third Season Regular Cast
David Hasselhoff (Michael Knight)
Edward Mulhare (Devon Miles)
Patricia McPherson (Bonnie Barstow)
William Daniels (Voice of K.I.T.T.)
Third Season Episode Descriptions
Knight of the Drones (Two Hour Season Premiere)
Episode: 43
PROD. #58621
Original Airdate: September 30, 1984 (Sunday)
Rerun #1: April 21, 1985 (Sunday)
Writers: Robert Foster and Gerald Sanford
Director: Sidney Hayers
Guest Cast: Jared Martin (Dr. David Halston), Jim Brown (C.J. Jackson), Evan Kim (Peter Wong), Barbara Stock (Margo Sheridan), The Barbarian 214
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Brothers (Clifton and Turk), Joseph Ruskin (Bubba), Arnie Moore (Carter), Wood Moy (Fong), Harry D.K. Wong (Ho Chin), Chuck Dorsett (Arthur), Grace Bauer (Henrietta), Joan Chen (Su-Lin), Al Leong (Karate Twin #1)