KnightRiderLegacy
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After belting a guard, C.J. Jackson manages to break out of prison with the help of a computerized radio robot. Devon informs Michael that Jackson has escaped and he wants Michael to catch him. Meanwhile, David Halston, the man responsible for breaking Jackson out of prison, decides that Michael must be taken care because he is interfering with their plans. Michael arrives only to find two of Halston’s drone cars bearing down on him. Realizing that he is going to be destroyed, K.I.T.T. ejects Michael out of the car to safety. The rocket fires and destroys K.I.T.T. from the inside out. Back at the semi, Bonnie realizes how badly K.I.T.T. is damaged and vows to rebuild him even better.
Commentary:
The reaction to Patricia McPherson’s return to the series was mirrored by Michael and Devon’s reaction to having Bonnie return to the Foundation. Both families, real and imagined, were complete again. Rebecca Holden’s character April is not given so much as a mention in this episode, just the same as when Patricia McPherson originally left after the first season. Beginning with this episode, the producers made a conscious effort to promote driving safety by debuting a new feature in K.I.T.T.—the Passive Laser Restraint System. When activated, the PLRS secures the occupants in their seat through harmless invisible laser beams.
Notes:
This episode follows the trend of moving the season premiere episode away from Los Angeles—here it is San Francisco. “Goliath”
takes place in Las Vegas and “Knight of the Juggernaut” takes place in Chicago.
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William Daniels on K.I.T.T. speaking Chinese: “I didn’t have a clue on how to speak that language, so somebody would come in and help me with the words and pronunciation.”
This is the only episode of the series to not begin with the opening theme song; it starts with some brief driving scenes, followed by C.J. Jackson’s prison escape, and then the theme.
Patricia McPherson on nearly being injured during a scene: “I remember there was a scene I had to do where I was supposedly unconscious and this other guy had to pick me up and put me over his shoulder before carrying me off somewhere. Well everything went according to plan and then he suddenly tripped on a camera cable or something like that and we both fell over. I nearly was unconscious then!”
This episode marks one of the few times in the series when K.I.T.T. acts under his own will by ejecting Michael out of the car immediately before he is destroyed. Fans could tell another “K.I.T.T. destruction” was coming due to the appearance of his new 1-TV Dash before he was actually destroyed.
Highlights:
Michael makes a reference to Bonnie that it is “just like old times” to which Bonnie replies “Don’t kid yourself.”
Featured Songs:
“Torture” by The Jacksons
“Jump (For My Love)” by The Pointer Sisters
“Little Red Corvette” by Prince
Quotes:
(K.I.T.T.) “Michael, a car doesn’t drive by itself.”
(Michael) “Doesn’t it? Tell me about it.”
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Trivia:
Although it is only for a few seconds, this episode marks the only time that K.I.T.T. is driven by Bonnie.
This episode, along with “Knight of the Juggernaut,” feature a different version of the opening credits in order to hide K.I.T.T.’s new features.
The Ice Bandits
Working Title: “Knight of a Thousand Diamonds”
Episode: 44
PROD. #58603
Original Airdate: October 7, 1984 (Sunday)
Rerun #1: April 12, 1985 (Friday)
Writer: Gerald Sanford
Director: Georg Fenady
Guest Cast: Bruce Fairbairn (Charley Winters), Bruce M. Fischer (Eric Sanders), Alex Henteloff (Brother Francis), Paul Koslo (Lyle Austin), Janet Julian (Jody Tompkins), Tom Reese (Brother Carey), Al Checco (Brother Juliano), Julian Barnes (Dr. Fellows), Tip Kelley (Brother Tyrone), Mindi Miller (Nurse Jones), John H. Evans (Charley Winters #2)
While attending a Foundation sponsored charity auction, Devon is knocked unconscious by two criminals who steal a wealth of diamonds. The one robber, Charley, decides he wants the diamonds for himself and shoots his partner. Michael then discovers that Charley and Jody, his girlfriend (who was also present when the jewels were robbed), are both headed to Napa. Michael goes undercover in order to find out what Charley is doing there and figure out his connection to the missing diamonds.
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Commentary:
Michael comments that its good to have Bonnie back, an inside reference to her decision to rejoin the Foundation in “Knight of the Drones.” The only other time in the series where Devon is in physical danger is “Deadly Knightshade”—in that episode, Devon is locked in a container full of water and nearly drowns.
Notes:
The first turbo boost in this episode is reused footage from
“Diamonds Aren’t a Girl’s best Friend.”
In “Blind Spot,” K.I.T.T. was honored in art; here it is Michael’s turn when a painting of him is shown.
Highlights:
We meet another Kitt in this episode—a donkey.
Bonnie installs the Interactive Graphics Plotter, or IGP. Featured Songs:
“The Politics of Dancing” by Reflex
Quotes:
(Br. Francis) “I’m Brother Francis, that’s Brother Tyrone. And that’s Kitt.”
(Michael) “How did you know that?”
(Br. Francis) “Ahh, but I named him when he was just a little ass.”
(K.I.T.T.) “I beg your pardon!”
(Michael) “Your donkey’s name is Kitt?”
(K.I.T.T.) “Well you won’t see any flies on me.”
(Michael) “Yeah, it’s the car.”
Trivia:
The last name of Charley in this episode is constantly being switched from Winters to Waters.
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John H. Evans (Charley Winters #2) suggested changing this episode’s title to “The Ice Bandits.” Gerald Sanford agreed and the change was made.
Knights of the Fast Lane
Episode: 45
PROD. #58601
Original Airdate: October 14, 1984 (Sunday)
Rerun #1: June 23, 1985 (Sunday)
Writer: Richard Okie
Director: Winrich Kolbe
Guest Cast: Alan Feinstein (Mark Taylor), Lory Walsh (Diane Landreaux), Cliff Osmond (Jim Courtney), Allen Williams (Jack Lehigh), Tim Rossovich (Tom Bloodworth), Elaine Welton Hill (Nikki Ladonna), Dani Douthette (Stacy Courtney), Julie Gray (Kitten #1)
After a Bonsai race goes wrong with an illegal Dagger DX sports car, young Stacy Courtney is seriously injured and falls into a coma. When Michael realizes that Stacy is his former partner’s daughter, Michael quickly steps in to help. The trail leads to the owner of the Racer’s Edge car club named Mark Taylor. In order to find Taylor’s hideout, Michael purposely loses K.I.T.T. in a race and shuts him down, leaving only his homing signal activated. Meanwhile, Jim is hesitant of working with Michael after checking his background and finding that he did not exist past two years earlier. Michael calls Jim to tell him that Taylor is the one who left Stacy to die and both proceed to stop him from escaping. Knight Rider Season Three •
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Commentary:
Of the racing episodes in the series, this one is the deadliest as Michael’s opponent loses his life due to an accident set up by Taylor. Knight Rider’s history is again brought up for Michael to deal with in the form of his police partner when he was Michael Long. By the end of the episode, Jim hands over Long’s badge to Michael because he reminds him so much of Long. Michael then proceeds to teach K.I.T.T. how to play football and he even manages to get a touchdown! For the extra point, Michael then jumps into K.I.T.T. and turbo boosts through the goal post. This insta
llment has all the great elements needed for a successful Knight Rider episode. Notes:
Mark Taylor was initially named Mark Tanner and Michael was attacked by two Dobermans while investigating “The Racer’s Edge”
(Originally called “Beyond the Limit”).
Featured Songs:
“Talking in Your Sleep” by The Romantics
“Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker, Jr.
Trivia:
In the opening teaser, Stacy screams before she is hit but does not scream in the actual episode.
Halloween Knight
Episode: 46
PROD. #58624
Original Airdate: October 28, 1984 (Sunday)
Rerun #1: July 14, 1985 (Sunday)
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Writer: Bill Nuss
Director: Winrich Kolbe
Guest Cast: Jason Evers (Edward Joseph Grant), John Calvin (Simon Grant), Kurt Paul (Norman Baines), Dallas Cole (Esmerelda/Jean), Linda Alberici (Linda Ramsden), Jim Gatherum (Barry), Gillian Grant (Teenage Girl), Taaffe O’Connell (Denise Reynolds)
Bonnie is the witness to a murder of a young lady in her new apartment building. She calls the Foundation and asks Michael to investigate. Meanwhile, the killer knows that Bonnie saw the murder and tries to make her think that it was all in her head. Since the murder took place at a Halloween party, the killer was wearing a gorilla costume and Michael decides to check every shop that rented out a gorilla outfit. With the Foundation Halloween Ball coming up quickly and Bonnie as the killer’s next target, Michael must untangle his web and stop him before Bonnie is murdered.
Commentary:
“Halloween Knight” is essentially an homage to horror films, most notably Psycho: the custodian of Bonnie’s apartment complex is Norman Baines (Norman Bates was from Psycho). Both Baines and Bates enjoyed taxidermy. Michael and Bonnie even visit the Psycho house, which is owned by Grant’s “mother.” In addition, music similar to the Psycho theme can be heard throughout the episode as well as in the teaser. Bonnie finds a body in her bathtub after pulling back the curtain, similar to what Bates does in the movie. Other movies hinted at throughout the episode include Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window, Gone With the Wind, Halloween 3, and Creature from the Black Lagoon. Simon arrives at the Foundation Halloween ball dressed as a Cylon—from Glen Larson’s previous series, Battlestar Galactica.
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Notes:
A few cut scenes have Michael discussing with K.I.T.T. possible Halloween costumes for F.L.A.G.’s party. Among the suggestions are Long John Silver and St. Francis Assisi. He finally chooses Rhett Butler. Ironically, Bonnie is dressed as Scarlett O’Hara, the love of Rhett’s life.
Michael and Bonnie originally fall through a trap door on the porch of the Fairview house where they find Linda’s body. The episode has them finding her in the shed.
Featured Songs:
“Self Control” by Laura Branigan
Quotes:
(Norman) “How did you get in? That’s trespassing!”
(Michael) “No, it’s breaking and entering.”
Trivia:
The F.L.A.G. ballroom set is also used as the setting for Armand’s basement in “Knight of the Chameleon,” Peralta’s capital building in “Knight Flight to Freedom,” and as Harana’s house in “Voo Doo Knight.”
K.I.T.T. vs. K.A.R.R.
Episode: 47
PROD. #58617
Original Airdate: November 4, 1984 (Sunday)
Rerun #1: January 20, 1985 (Sunday)
Writer: Richard Okie
Director: Winrich Kolbe
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Guest Cast: Jeffrey Osterhage (John Stanton), Jennifer Holmes (Mandy Moran), Ed Crick (Eddie Dexter), Georgia Schmidt (Little Old Lady), Vincent Howard (CHP Officer), Laura Kamins (Female Rollerskater), Paul Frees (Voice of K.A.R.R.)
After triangulating the rendezvous point of a strange carrier signal they picked up, Michael and K.I.T.T. are shocked to see that the Knight Automated Roving Robot (K.A.R.R.) is back from the dead. K.A.R.R. is found buried in the sand by John Stanton and his girlfriend Mandy. Bonnie develops a powerful new laser to combat K.A.R.R. only to lose it when the evil twin turbo boosts through the rear of the semi and John steals it. Armed with the laser, K.A.R.R. now sets his sites on his real target—Michael and K.I.T.T. Commentary:
The most recognizable Knight Rider episode to fans, “K.I.T.T. vs. K.A.R.R.” has the Foundation dealing with the reemergence of K.A.R.R. after his destruction in season one’s “Trust Doesn’t Rust.” Nastier and more evil since his last appearance, K.A.R.R. comes to life with only one goal—to destroy Michael and K.I.T.T. The episode brings up a lot of continuity questions that remain unanswered (How did his scanner change colors from red to yellow?), but it succeeds in climaxing with a turbo boost collision that destroys K.A.R.R. once and for all. This episode also features, hands down, the most exciting ending: a slow pan of K.A.R.R.’s pieces in the desert reveals that his CPU is still active. Unfortunately, the series never followed up on this episode, leaving many fans to ponder K.A.R.R.’s fate. All Knight Rider episodes should have been this exciting!
Notes:
Since “Trust Doesn’t Rust,” K.A.R.R. has undergone a few changes. His red scanner is now yellow; many speculate that he changed it to Knight Rider Season Three •
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stand apart from his twin. He also now sports a vanity “KARR”
license plate.
In the garage, K.A.R.R. asks John to “alter his appearance,”
although the actual paint job is never seen. John must have also installed the laser under K.A.R.R.’s guidance and instruction. Featured Songs:
“Jump (For My Love)” by The Pointer Sisters
“Self Control” by Laura Branigan
“Cruel Summer” by Bananarama
Trivia:
Peter Cullen did not return to the role of K.A.R.R.’s voice because the producers wanted a more sinister voice for his return. Paul Frees takes over here and doesn’t receive credit for the voice—this technique gives the car its own identity. David Hasselhoff’s movie The Cartier Affair aired immediately after this episode.
The Rotten Apples
Working Title: “The Bad Apples”
Episode: 48
PROD. #58611
Original Airdate: November 11, 1984 (Sunday)
Rerun #1: April 28, 1985 (Sunday)
Teleplay By: Gerald Sanford
Story By: Peter L. Dixon
Directors: Robert E.L. Bralver
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Guest Cast: Terri Treas (Rebecca Hammond), Denny Miller (“Big” Ed Barton), Robert Symonds (Cat Holliday), Richard Lineback (Sheriff Lance Barton), Russ McCubbin (Alfred Barton), Lana Clarkson (Marilyn), Tobie Norton (Blue), Reginald T. Dorsey (Magic Fingers), Mimi Kinkade (Star), James LeGros (Thrasher), Michelle Newkirk (Joanna), Richard Coca (Diablo)
Michael and K.I.T.T come to the rescue of Rebecca Hammond, whose cattle are being stolen by a crooked sheriff and his gang. Rebecca, however, is trying to provide a home for a bunch of kids, coined “the bad apples,” who have gone from shelter to shelter with no home to call their own. Michael realizes that the sheriff wants the land that Rebecca Hammond’s ranch is on because her property lies directly over a large quantity of a rare ore. Commentary:
Of the third season episodes, this one provides the least amount of excitement and action. The most memorable scene here has one of the “Bad Apples” get in K.I.T.T. and start pressing various buttons. He soon learns his lesson as his finger presses the eject button and he lands in a bundle of hay! This remains a fair episode in an otherwise great season. Notes:
This episode features two Bigfoot monster trucks.
Featured Songs:
“C.C. Waterback” by Merle Haggard and George Jones
“No Words For Love”
by David Hasselhoff
“If You Leave Me Tonight, I’ll Cry” by Jerry Wallace
“I’m So Excited” by The Pointer Sisters
“The Heart of Rock and Roll” by Huey Lewis and the News
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Quotes:
(Michael) “Where does Old Canyon Road go?”
(K.I.T.T.) “Were I to hazard a guess, I’d say into an old canyon.”
Trivia:
Gerald Sanford wrote the words to the song, “If You Leave Me Tonight, I’ll Cry,” sung by Marilyn in this episode.
In the opening montage, Michael has on a red shirt, but in the next scene, it’s black. When he pulls a paper out of K.I.T.T.’s printer, he’s wearing a red shirt, but in the next scene, it’s a black shirt again. Knight in Disgrace
Episode: 49
PROD. #58622
Original Airdate: November 18, 1984 (Sunday)
Rerun #1: May 12, 1985 (Sunday)
Writer: Simon Muntner
Director: Harvey Laidman
Guest Cast: John Considine (Boyd Lasalle), Kitty Moffat (Linda), Ken Foree (Danton), Lee Ryan (Charles Wallyburton), Casey Sander (Sergeant), Ken Scott (Gino the Bartender), Jean Lubin (Carmen), Elizabeth Frazier (Mary Beth), Richard Camphuis (Mansion Guard), Michael Horsley (Guard), Charles Picerni (Willis)
Michael and K.I.T.T. are in New Orleans tracking a suspected drug smuggler named Willis in order to bring down his boss, Boyd LaSalle. Michael captures him and the police come. While searching Michael, the officer finds heroine in his pocket. Back at the Foundation, Devon has no choice but to suspend Michael from the Foundation until the situation is 226
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straightened out. Michael finds himself at Boyd LaSalle’s mansion and is informed that he is being replaced as requested by F.L.A.G.’s Board of Directors. LaSalle informs Michael that he is after the key that the police found on Willis and wants him to break into the Foundation and steal the key. Michael arrives at the Foundation and Devon tells Michael that he is in serious trouble then reaches for the alarm. Michael pulls a gun on Devon and shoots him.
Commentary:
A stand out episode from the third season, we see Michael supposedly on a downward spiral due to his suspension from the Foundation. The story is mostly believable until Michael pulls a gun on Devon and shoots him. Nonetheless, seeing Michael working for the enemy, stealing K.I.T.T., and robbing a Chemical Facility is still great fun. The thought of Federal Agent Chuck Wallyburton replacing Michael is just ridiculous, but (thankfully) K.I.T.T. and Devon realize this as well and dispose of him rather quickly.