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A fun episode that makes great use of Lance Burton’s amazing talents. The most amusing subplot of the season comes in this episode—it revolves around K.I.T.T. talking to a blonde female. She asks K.I.T.T. what he wants in a female and he responds, “Something very stylish, preferably in red. Loaded with sophisticated software, total artificial intelligence, fully padded seat, removable top, with an adaptive mega-bite system that can interface for hours.” Offended, she kicks his tire and struts away. Judging from K.I.T.T.’s description, it sounds like Domino from Team Knight Rider would be his perfect match! It is also fun to see K.I.T.T. tame a wild tiger with classical music and to hear his frustration when his sensors begin to malfunction.
Featured Songs:
“Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
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Highlights:
Devon gets pulled out of the water at the end of the episode and is more worried about his suit getting wet than he is about himself!
Quotes:
(The Blond) “I bet you’re tall and dark and handsome.”
(K.I.T.T.) “I’m definitely dark and handsome. I’m only tall when I’m climbing a steep incline.”
Trivia:
Dr. Ian Browning is one of the original scientists who developed K.I.T.T.’s systems.
Lance Burton, who plays Templeton, is a successful real-life magician. Redemption of a Champion
Episode: 78
PROD. #60227
Original Airdate: January 31, 1986 (Friday)
Rerun: August 8, 1986 (Friday)
Writer: E. Nick Alexander
Director: Chuck Bail
Guest Cast: Terry Kiser (Lou “Royal” Davis), Kat Sawyer-Young (Jean Tremont), Tracy Reed (Ruth Keeler), John Snyder (Benson), Norman Burton (Damon Leyland), Ken Foree (Spiderman), Ken H. Norton (Bo Keeler), Don King (Himself), Jerry Quarry (Himself), Danny Lopez (Himself), Carlos Palomino (Himself), Donald Craig (Dr. Jack “Gil”
Simmons), Ron Pinkard (Reporter #1), Pete Youngblood (Reporter #2), John Garwood (Guard), Monte Masters (Grant), Benjamin Jurand (Blue Lightning)
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After finding reporter Damon Leyland dead in his home, Michael is determined to find some answers and goes undercover as a reporter. Ruth Keeler seeks out Michael, asking him to find out why her husband Bo is fighting again. Michael learns that if Keeler goes back in the ring, it could be his last fight due to a previous brain injury.
Commentary:
“Redemption of A Champion” has its moments, including two well-done turbo boosts in the dam (they are the last original turbo boosts used for the series). The use of cheap sets and locations becomes apparent in these last episodes in order to keep costs down. The guest stars are entertaining, but (once again) not enough to save the episode. Michael must yet again explain K.I.T.T. to an outsider, something common to early episodes but rare in this season.
Notes:
Jerry Quarry, who fought Kenneth H. Norton in 1975, and fight promoter Don King make cameo appearances.
David Hasselhoff was injured while filming the close-up of Michael’s slide down the elevator rail and needed surgery. He commented to TV Guide, “I’m on my feet and walking around now but I’m not sitting pretty.”
We see Devon actually calling K.I.T.T. using a normal telephone, meaning that K.I.T.T. has a dedicated phone line for him. Quotes:
(Ruth) “What kind of car is this?”
(Michael) “It’s an ‘87. I got an early delivery.”
(K.I.T.T.) “Really, Michael.”
(Ruth) “It talks? What’ll they have in ‘88?”
(Michael) “Hopefully quieter cars.”
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Trivia:
The rerun of this episode was the last episode to ever be shown in its prime-time slot on NBC on August 8th, 1986.
This is the only time outside of season two where the Trajectory Guide is used.
Knight of a Thousand Devils
Episode: 79
PROD. #60228
Original Airdate: February 7, 1986 (Friday)
Rerun #1: August 1, 1986 (Friday)
Writer: Peter Alan Fields
Director: Gino Grimaldi
Guest Cast: Jonathan Goldsmith (Ronald Becker), Kathy Shower (Claudia Torrell), Ada Maris (Ana Lucia Cortez), Henry Darrow (Roderigo De Lorca), Ted Grossman (Marcus), Bruce Neckels (Lew Jonas), Allen Gibbs (Hood #1), Gary McMillan (Driver), Donna Speir (Playmate #1), Marlene Slieter (Playmate #2), Venice Kong (Playmate #3) During a police raid, Michael’s good friend, Lew Jonas, is killed on Ronald Becker’s property. He gets away, but Michael vows to bring Becker to justice if it’s the last thing he does. When a manhunt begins for him, Becker decides that the only way to get out of the country is through a Baja race that travels to Mexico and is designed specifically to hide the participant’s identities.
Commentary:
There are only so many variations of the “K.I.T.T. enters a race” storyline that can be done before the viewer gets a sense of deja vu. Three Playboy 282
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Playmates makes appearances in this episode as yet another attempt to bring high-profile stars to the remaining episodes. RC III mentions at the end of the episode that this was the second time his bike had matched K.I.T.T. mile for mile, the first being in “Killer K.I.T.T.”
Notes:
This is the only episode directed by Gino Grimaldi, show’s producer. The only other members of the production team to direct an episode of the series are producer Robert Foster and former stunt coordinator Robert Bralver.
A scene during the warehouse fire where K.I.T.T. says that his power plant cannot withstand the extreme heat is found in the script, but not the episode. The script then says that “K.I.T.T.’s engine hesitates; makes a sickly whine; then finally roars with authority.”
Trivia:
This episode marks the only time that Michael lends his comlink to RC III. The script says that RC III smiles at this “upgrade in status.”
Hills of Fire
Episode: 80
PROD. #60220
Original Airdate: February 14, 1986 (Friday)
Writer: Jackson Gillis
Director: Robert E. L. Bralver
Guest Cast: David Raynr (Wilson), Nana Visitor (Sandra Rusk), Zohra Lampert (Tess Hubbard), Tom Simcox (Deputy Clark), Vernon Wells (Darryl Staples), Garret Pearson (Manuel Gomez), Jock Gaynor (Paxton), Jim Lefebyre (Bum), Tim Wise (Ted Flanders)
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Asked by Devon to investigate a series of forest fires, Michael catches the firebugs in the act, but they manage to escape when K.I.T.T. loses traction on a rugged terrain cliff. Michael rescues a boy named Darryl Staples from the fire and returns him to Tess Hubbard, Darryl’s foster mother. Michael visits Sandra Rusk, who is in charge of the land where the fires were set, and tells Michael to pursue the arsonists, but later changes her mind and orders Michael off the case. Meanwhile, Devon gets a call saying that the sheriff caught the arson suspect—it’s Darryl.
Commentary:
By this episode, it is clear that the writing staff had simply run out of steam. Although the story idea is original to Knight Rider, it lacks the sense of excitement that viewers have come to expect from the series. The highlight of this episode is the introduction of S.I.D.—Satellite Infiltration Drone—and K.I.T.T.’s difficulty in accepting it. K.I.T.T. finally agrees to work with S.I.D., as long as he knows who is boss.
Notes:
S.I.D. is equipped with Audio, Video, Heat Sensors, and a Homing Pulse.
Highlights:
Traction Spikes are installed on K.I.T.T. in order for him to climb steep terrains. This is the last new function K.I.T.T. receives before the end of the series.
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Trivia:
Gue
st star Nana Visitor went on to star in the syndicated Star Trek: Deep Space Nine series from 1993-99.
Knight Flight to Freedom
Episode: 81
PROD. #60232
Original Airdate: February 21, 1986 (Friday)
Writer: Gregory S. Dinallo
Director: Winrich Kolbe
Guest Cast: Lina Raymond (Lisa Corrales), Miguel Fernandes (Colonel Peralta), Kip Niven (Tom Herrington), Eloy Casados (Raoul), William Marquez (President Sosa), Santos Morales (Martinez), Philip Morris (Soldier in Jail), Dino Rivera (Soldier), Cory Rand (Guard), Charron McBride (Laurette Herrington)
Michael and RC III head to Mexico to rescue Tom Herrington from prison after Colonel Peralta overthrows the government. Peralta forces Herrington to declare that democracy failed in the country and that marshal law is the only choice. Michael goes undercover as a U.S. ambassador, but his cover is quickly blown and he is arrested. Peralta decides to execute Michael as a way of showing the country that the punishment under his reign is strict and severe. RC III manages to get himself a job inside the prison, but it may be too late as Michael is taken in front of the firing squad at dawn.
Commentary:
This installment is another badly written episode, but does redeem itself to a point with a turbo boost and Michael’s “death” by firing squad. Seeing Knight Rider Season Four •
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K.I.T.T. tackle a lava flow was certainly a series first and finally confirms that K.I.T.T.’s Molecular Bonded Shell was reapplied after “Knight of the Juggernaut.” Devon and Bonnie are only seen for brief conversations with Michael via radio and in the closing act of the episode.
Notes:
Devon quotes Mission: Impossible here: “Should you or one of your people be caught or captured, the Foundation will disavow any knowledge of your activities.”
This episode marks one of the rare times that Michael is separated from his comlink. See “The Final Verdict,” “Knightmares,” and
“Burial Ground” for others.
F.L.A.G. is not seen in the episode, with Devon and Bonnie’s scenes taking place in the semi.
Trivia:
Miguel Fernandes once again played the bad guy against David Hasselhoff in the 1996 television movie Gridlock. RC III is whistling “The Star Spangled Banner” while mopping in the Mexican prison.
This episode marks the 123rd, and final, turbo boost for the series. It is also the final time we see K.I.T.T. in convertible mode. Fright Knight
Episode: 82
PROD. #60223
Original Airdate: March 7, 1986 (Friday)
Teleplay By: James Byrnes, Samm Smith, Leonard Kaufman
Story By: James Byrnes, Samm Smith
Director: Gilbert Shilton
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Guest Cast: Michael Callan (Victor Gaven), Antony Ponzini (Mel Tobey), Lenore Kasdorf (Karen Bennett), Robert Englund (Edward Kent), Leann Hunley (Liz Preston), Richard X. Slattery (Sam Clifford), Pat Buttram (Buck), Hank Worden (Slim), Jerri Parros (Girl), Matt McColm (Travis) When reports of a Phantom begin to circulate on the set of the movie Raging Sky and one of the stuntmen is injured, Michael takes over as the movie’s new stuntman while investigating the rumors. Michael talks to Karen Bennett and finds out the man behind the original Phantom attacks decades ago had died. After a confrontation with the Phantom that leaves Michael dangling from a rope, Michael believes that it is an elaborate scheme to get the movie to shut down for good. Commentary:
While “Fright Knight” is definitely the best installment of the series’ final four episodes, it still lacks the Knight Rider magic seen during most of the show’s run. This episode uses the Universal back lot and tour extensively throughout the story, especially during the climactic chase sequence. During the chase, a quick eye can spot the remains of a Viper from Battlestar Galactica, the Monkey Bar from Tales of the Gold Monkey, and the rotating ice tunnel from The Six Million Dollar Man. During Michael’s search for the phantom in the warehouse, a Cylon costume can be seen, also from Battlestar Galactica.
Notes:
Right before Michael performs the stunt in the barn with Liz, the costume supervisor for Raging Sky puts stunt pads and a coat on Michael, to which Michael replies, “Thanks Barry.” That man is Barry Downing, costume supervisor for the fourth season.
A passing reference to Psycho can be heard in this episode: Michael states “Hitchcock would’ve loved it…we’ve got a Saboteur on our hands.” Devon replies, “Let’s hope it’s not a psycho.”
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Matt McColm (David Hasselhoff’s stuntman during season four) played the lead that was injured in the filming of Raging Sky. When you see Hasselhoff take over the role in that production, McColm himself doubled for Hasselhoff who’s subbing for him during the scene!
Highlights:
Michael jokes with Bonnie, telling her that he’ll get her a part as Maureen O’Hara—a part that Patricia McPherson would have liked to try herself.
Quotes:
(K.I.T.T. to director) “No deal. He already has a contract.”
(Director) “How did that car get here?”
(Michael and RC reply in unison) “Special Effects.”
Trivia:
The scene where K.I.T.T. crashes through the stage door is reused from “Deadly Knightshade.”
Peter Parros’ wife, Jerri, plays the girl that cannot get her motorized cart to start.
Knight of the Rising Sun
Episode: 83
PROD. #60233
Original Airdate: March 14, 1986 (Friday)
Teleplay By: E. Nick Alexander
Story By: Burton Armus and Bruce Lansbury
Director: Winrich Kolbe
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Guest Cast: Ken Swofford (Nick O’Brien), George Kee Cheung (Suki Tanika), Rummel Mor (Coy O’Brien), Bill Saito (Gobi), Michael Chong (Kumita), Seth Mitchell (Guard), Paul Tuerpe (Foreman)
A dangerous man named Suki Tanika is after Nick O’Brien’s adopted son, Coy, because he is part of a complex Japanese tradition. Michael takes Coy to the semi where he will be safe until Tanika can be apprehended. RC III, meanwhile, tracks Tanika to his home and is caught inside the gate. Tanika uses RC III to lure Michael to the house and he is caught as well. Michael and RC III find themselves forced to fight each other to the death in order for one of them to be freed.
Commentary:
It is very hard for the average Knight Rider fan to keep their attention on the entire episode. K.I.T.T. is barely utilized in the episode and, once again, the characters of Devon and Bonnie are not used to their fullest potential. This episode marks Patricia McPherson’s final episode as Bonnie Barstow. Her closing words seem very fitting: “I’m patching it in to K.I.T.T.’s systems.”
Jack Gill poses with some of the cast of “Knight of the Rising Sun”
[Courtesy of Jack Gill]
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Notes:
We learn another piece of information about RC III in this episode: he is afraid of heights due to a childhood incident where the South Side Skulls trapped him on a roof. He was forced to jump off the roof to escape.
Notice that Tanika’s ninjas are all dressed in black outfits with a red stripe showing a parallel with Michael and K.I.T.T.
Trivia:
The building used as Tanika’s office is also used as F.L.A.G. headquarters in Team Knight Rider. The front gate to Tanika’s house is also used in “Chariot of Gold”
and “Knight Sting.”
A scene in the teaser where Tanika says, “You may think you have won. But you have yet to face the spirit of the kamikaze!” is not in the actual episode.
Voo Doo Knight
Episode: 84
PROD. #60225
Original Airdate: April 4, 1986 (Friday)
Teleplay By: R. Timothy Kring and Deborah Dean Davis
Story By: R. Timothy Kring
Director: Georg Fenady
Guest Cast: Rosalind Cash (Harana/Bonita Vance), Christie Hauser (Elizabeth Wesley), Henry Gibson (Donald Crane), John Vernon (Claude Watkins), Chuck Lindsly (Guard), Dick Durock (Max), Allan Graf (Jarrett), Charles Davis (Jeremy Towers)
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Michael and K.I.T.T. pick up a robbery alarm at Tower’s Gemstones and arrive to find that the owner, Jeremy Towers, has broken into his own building. Towers heads toward the window ledge as Michael calmly tries to talk him down, but Towers leaps to his death. Back at the semi, Devon informs Michael that Towers had just left a party where the featured guest was Harana, a self-proclaimed voo doo princess. Michael goes to the party where he is captured and put in a trance. He is ordered to drive into an abandoned building where he will sit and wait until the building is demolished. Commentary:
For such a great series, it is a shame that it had to end this way. K.I.T.T. might as well have been an ordinary Trans Am for all the more they use his capabilities in this episode. The whole premise of voo doo spells is too ridiculous for the Knight Rider world. Many fans believe that “The Scent of Roses” has many more series-ending qualities and should have been the last first-run episode to air.
This episode was the last one to be produced for the series (the final scene filmed was the dialogue between Michael and K.I.T.T. near the beginning of the episode where Michael wonders if he should buy an eel skin jacket). The entire episode was produced in only six days, with production wrapping for the final time on Tuesday, February 25, 1986. Those who believed that “Voo Doo Knight” would be the last time viewers would get a chance to see the Knight Rider universe would be quite mistaken. Only five years later, NBC would go on to produce Knight Rider 2000 and, from 1997-98, a new syndicated series titled Team Knight Rider was aired.
Notes:
Patricia McPherson is not in this episode due to a prior film commitment. The script states that “Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top was to be played during the opening act, not “Tush.”