Brandon Tartikoff, youthful head of programming at NBC, once
gave California magazine this version of the creation of Knight Rider: It seems
he and one of his assistants were discussing the problems of casting handsome
leading men in the series, because many of them can't act. Why not have a
series, he mused, called "The Man of Six words," which would begin with the guy
getting out of a woman's bed and saying "Thank You." Then he would chase down
some villians and say "Freeze!" Finally the grateful almost-vitims would thank
him, and he would murmur, "You're welcome." End of show. In between, the car
could do the talking.
The series that made it to the air as Knight Rider was
scarcley less preposterous than that, but it was played with such a twinkle in
the eye that viewers--especillay kids--made it one of the hits of the 1982
season. The opening episode told the story of how a dying millionaire named
Wilton Knight rescued a young undercover cop who had been shot in the face.
After plastic surgery officer Michael Long had a new face, a new identity
(Michael Knight), and a new mission in life: to fight for law and justice in the
Knight's incredible super-car, the Knight Industries Two Thousand--or KITT, for
short. It was love at first sight between Michael and KITT. The car, a sleek,
black, customized Pontiac Trans-Am, was impervious to attack, could cruise at
300 mph, could leap up to 50 feet through the air, and was loaded with such
armaments as flamethrowers, smoke bombs, and infrared sensing devices. Best of
all, it could talk, and in fact had a personality all its own; peevish, a bit
haughty, but totally protective of Michael. He could summon the car when in
trouble, and it would come crashing through the walls to get him.
Its
deceased inventor had left behind a huge fortune to finance the crime-fighting,
and a trusted associate, the suave Devon, to look after things. Based at a
palatial estate, called somewhat grandly the Foundation for Law and Government,
Michael (and often Devon) went forth each week, trailed by a large maintenance
van that served as a sort of mobile command post. Rounding out the crew was a
beautiful mechanic, variously Bonnie or April, and "RC3," a streeet-wise
mechanic who joined the team in the fall of 1985. (Behind the scenes, the same
Hollywood customizers who built Batman's Batmobile and the Green Hornet's Black
Beauty worked on KITT.)
Though the gimmick in the series was the car, much of
the show's appeal was due to actor David Hasselhoff, a tall, handsome former
soap-opera heartthrob (on The Young and The Restless) who joked and kidded with
his computerized companion. While he had more to say than "The Man of Six
Words," his tight jeans, wavy hair, and laidback style (his favorite phrase was
"You got it") made women melt.
(Taken from "The Complete Directory to
Prime Time Network TV Shows 1946-Present" by Tim Brooks and Earle
Marsh)
==================================================
Chapter [3]: The Foundation for Law and
Government
==================================================
The
Foundation for Law and Government (FLAG) is a free-lance agency dedicated to
fighting crime and helping the innocent. FLAG's main headquarters is based in
[???]. During most of its missions, however, the Foundation operates out of the
FLAG Mobile Command Center, a semi that includes most of the resources necessary
for the maintenance of KITT, as well as an array of powerful computers that
gather intelligence and update KITT.
[3-1] Wilton
Knight
-------------------
Wilton Knight was a visionary. He wanted to do
everything in his power to improve his world, and he dedicated the last years of
his life and all his resources to founding an organization designed to promote
good and defeat evil. The result was the Foundation for Law and Government, and
the initiation of the Knight Industries project.
[3-2]
Devon Miles
-----------------
Devon was Wilton's close associate and
benefactor. After Wilton's death, Devon took over the Foundation and dedicated
his life to fulfilling Wilton's dreams. Devon's sincerity, extraordinary
leadership, and high respect among government officials make him an ideal
candidate for achieving the Foundation's objectives. He is the brains behind
FLAG, and is responsible for all its operations.
[3-3]
Michael Knight
--------------------
Shortly after KITT was completed, the
Foundation had everything it needed to commence operation, except for one
crucial factor: KITT's "pilot". Wilton and Devon were searching for a man who
could operate KITT and realize the Foundation's objectives. They found the
perfect person: a young cop by the name of Michael Arthur Long who was presumed
dead following a shooting. With a new identity, he could start a new life
dedicated to the Foundation, and his police training would prove invaluable for
the missions he would undertake. The Foundation immediately brought him into the
Foundation's hospital to revive him and give him a new identity, part of which
involved surgically altering his face. Michael Knight was born, the man,
according to Wilton, "who can make a difference."
[3-4]
The Knight Industries Two
Thousand
----------------------------------------
The Foundation's most
important asset in achieving its goals of fighting crime and protecting the
innocent is a top-secret super "car" known as the Knight Industries Two Thousand
(KITT). In addition to being virtually indestructible, KITT possesses advanced
artificial intelligence capable of accepting voice commands, as well as
interacting with its operator and making decisions on its own. In fact, KITT's
artificial intelligence is so advanced, that it has formed a kind of
personality. This human characteristic has enabled KITT to gradually form a
unique bond and partnership with Michael and the rest of the FLAG crew. Although
his purpose is to fight criminals, KITT by nature is benevolent and
compassionate. KITT is programmed in such a way that his top priority is to
protect human life, and thus he does not utilize lethal force.
[3-5] Bonnie Barstow
--------------------
Bonnie is KITT's
main technician, and maintains and updates his components during FLAG operations
from the FLAG's semi. She is also a very able computer programmer, and her
technical expertise is often a necessity during FLAG missions. Although rarely,
she sometimes even participates directly in some of the missions. Her
responsibility has also become to discipline Michael to take better care of
KITT, and she always exhibits a bit of concern as Michael drives off to solve a
case.
[3-6] April Curtis
------------------
April
was Bonnie's replacement during the second season. Some people speculate that
Patricia Macpherson, the actress who plays Bonnie, left over a contract dispute.
April served the same function as Bonnie for the second season of the
show.
[3-7] Reginald Cornelius
III
----------------------------
Referred to as RC3, Reginald was
introduced during the fourth season of the show. He was first encountered by
Michael in the streets of a rough neighborhood and called himself the "Street
Avenger", an indication of his vow to fight street crime. Devon liked the man
and offered him a job in the Foundation, which Reginald gratefully accepted. He
has various jobs at FLAG, ranging from driving the semi to helping to solve
cases to actually participating with Michael and KITT during some missions. His
main mode of transportation is his "dirt
bike".
==============================
Chapter [4]:
Infamous Villains
==============================
The two evil nemeses that
come up most often in questions related to Knight Rider are Goliath and KARR.
Here I attempt to briefly describe these infamous villains.
[4-1] Garthe and Goliath
------------------------
Michael
Knight's newly created face was not the result of a random choice or accident.
It was a replica of the face of Garthe Knight, Wilton Knight's son, whom both
Wilton and Devon thought had been permanently put away in a remote prison in
Africa. After many years in captivity, Garthe managed to escape, return to the
United States, and, with the help of Wilton's ex-wife, build a huge truck
utilizing the same molecular bonded shell used by KITT. Garthe named this truck
"Goliath", and resolved to use it to destroy Michael Knight, which Garthe views
as an insult to his very existence. Michael and KITT are forced to battle this
behemoth in attempt to destroy Garthe's evil plans.
[4-2]
K.A.R.R
-------------
During the initial phases of the Knight Industries
project, a prototype vehicle was developed by FLAG and was given the name Knight
Automated Roving Robot, or KARR. Although very similar to KITT, the prototype
lacked one important feature: the programming to protect human life, an
oversight by Wilton and Devon. Once the car was activated, its primary
directives was its own self survival at all costs. Upon realizing their mistake,
Wilton and Devon promptly had the car deactivated and ordered it to be
dismantled. However, the technicians had forgot to dismantle the car, and stored
it in the Knight Museum of Technology, where it sat quietly for a number of
years. That is, until one day some thieves inadvertently activated
KARR...
=================================================
Chapter [5]: Technical Information about
K.I.T.T.
=================================================
This chapter is
devoted to technical discussion and specs regarding KITT. I am working on
getting more information and a more comprehensive list of KITT's dash.
[5-1]: Technical information about
KITT
---------------------------------------
I received the following
specs sheet from Amy Martin, David Hasselhoff's niece, via e-mail a few years
ago. She copied it from a brochure which she had. This is Amy's copy exactly as
I had received it:
KNIGHT INDUSTRIES TWO
THOUSAND
------------------------------
VEHICLE TYPE: Front engine,
rear wheel drive, two
passenger, two door coupe
DIMENSIONS: Wheel
base(101 in.) Length(189.8 in.)
Width(72 in.) Height(37.2 in.)
ENGINE TYPE: Knight Industries turbojet with modified
afterburners
TRANSMISSION: 8 speed microprocessor turbodrive with auto
pilot(needs no driver)
STEERING: TYPE> Modified rack-and-pinion
TURN-CIRCLE> 2ft. with rocket assist
BRAKES: Type- Electromagnetic
hyper-vacuum disc
CHASSIS/BODY-- TYPE>Unit construction
BODY
MATERIAL>Classified(compound is
virtually indestructible)
PRICE
NEW: $11,400,000 est.
ACCELERATION: 0-60mph>.2 seconds with power
boosters
Standing 1/4 mile>4.286sec.@300mph
BRAKING: 14ft.(70-0 mph)
FUEL ECONOMY: Classified(to avoid heart attacks in Detroit)
ACCESSORY FEATURES: Operationally controlled by the Knight
Industries 2000 microprocessor. Features include: Auto
Cruise, Auto
Pursuit, Auto Collision Avoidance(with
over-ride option), and Emergency
Eject. Knight 2000
microprocessor is equipped with a computer "voice," known
as
"KITT." Complete audio/video in-dash entertainment/
surveillance
capabilities,including radar,sonar,and x-ray.
Here's another
technical specs I recently recieved from Lister (lister@pacbell.net), which
seems to be quite different than the one described above:
The front is
labelled "KNIGHT INDUSTRIES TWO THOUSAND", and above that is the Knight
Industries symbol. Above that is the word "CONFIDENTIAL" in what is supposed to
look like ink from a rubber stamp. All the writing is blue, and the paper
unfolds in thirds, to approximately 8 1/2 x 11, with the design I just described
on the back at the bottom. At the top of the back is an ad for the show,
including date and time, and the middle is blank. On the front, titled
"STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY/VECTOR DISPLAY", there are vector drawings of K.I.T.T.
from three different angles, and near the bottom is a box labelled "STRUCTURAL
SPECIFICATIONS", containing the following
information:
--------------------------------------------------------------------
BASE
COMPOUND: TRI-HELICAL MBS (PLASTEELE 1000)
YIELD POINT: 570,000 psi
REAR
AXLE LOAD (MAX): 192,000 lbs.
FRONT SUSPENSION LOAD: 57,000 lbs. (per
wheel)
FRAME TOLERANCE: 223,000
lbs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The
flyer opens further from here, horizontally this time, like a book. You then
turn the flyer counter-clockwise, so that it's longer than it is wide. This
section is labelled "K.I.T.T. KIT" and subtitled "DIAGRAMMATIC OVERVIEW: PRIMARY
AND ANCILLARY FUNCTIONS, ACCESS CODES AND MODIFICATIONS UPDATE". The rest of the
flyer displays K.I.T.T. from several different angles, showing the locations of
the following features. I'll omit the information that is meaningless without
the pictures (I.E. the information that serves no purpose other than to display
the locations of the
features.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
VEHICLE
FUNCTIONS
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS
1. Automatic Pilot
2. Voice
analyzer
3. Infrared Tracking Scope (Range: 10 miles)
4. Pyroclastic
Lamination (Maintains cool body temperature in extreme heat)
5. Blood
Analyzer
6. Microwave Jammer
7. Interior Oxygenator
8. X-Ray
9.
Flame Thrower
10. Rocket Boosters
11. Smokescreen
12. Trajectory
Guidance System (Launches KITT at any angle within 90 degree arc)
13. Oil
Jets
14. Olfactory Detector
15. Spectrograph
ANCILLARY
FUNCTIONS
1. Electromagnetic Field Generator
2. Microwave Ignition Sensor
(Activates other engines)
3. Aquatic Synthesizer
4. Electronic Field
Disrupter
5. Ultramagnesium Charges
6. Grappling Hook
7. Ultraphonic
Chemical Analyzer
8. Two Wheel Skis
9. Graphic Translator (Sketches
likenesses from verbal input)
10. Anamorphic
Equalizer
--------------------------------------------------------------------
There
is also a box detailing the features of the TV Monitor in KITT's
dash.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
TV
MONITORS (CRT)
Records & replays scenarios
Freeze
Frame
Zoom
Reproduces Photo Imagery and
Issues Hard Copy
Prints Out
Vital Signs and X-rays
Produces Maps, Charts,
Diagrammatics
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally,
there is a box in the lower
right.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
N
O T I C E
EQUIPMENT MODIFICATIONS
UPDATE-10/2/83
LASER
POWER-PACK
ULTRA-FREQUENCY MODULATOR
CLASSIFICATION-TOP
SECRET
LOCATION-CLASSIFIED
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The
flyer is copyright 1983 Universal City Studios, Inc. so it appears to be
genuine.
[5-2] Dashboard
Components
--------------------------
This section lists and describes
(actually more lists than describes) the various components and gadgets found in
KITT. As the show progressed through the seasons, various features were added to
KITT, and therefore I find it most logical to organize the information by
breaking down the list of components into the seasons in which they were
introduced. I have some further information about this at home, which I will
include when I have the chance. As it stands right now, most of this is just a
big list, so what I really need are some descriptions of the components. Any
help is appreciated.
I would like to thank Brian Butler (rebezar@wpi.edu)
for providing me with a list of dashboard components as they varied from season
to season. Most of the information is accurate. However, it is
incomplete.
[5-2-1] Season
1
----------------
Voice
Display:
Air
Oil
S1
S2
P1
P2
P3
P4
Auto
Cruise
Startup Display:
Power
Fuel On
Min
RPM
Ignitors
Main Panel:
Turbo
Boost
6rm
7dla
Miscellaneous:
Ski Mode
Tape
[5-2-2] Season 2
----------------
Startup
Display:
Power
Fuel On
Min RPM
Ignitors
[5-2-3] Season 3
----------------
Voice
Display:
Alt
Aux
Oil Pre
ss Sat Comm
Oil
Temp
Acc
Egt
Radar
Fuel
...
Mode Display:
Normal
Cruise
Auto Cruise
Pursuit
Miscellaneous:
Auto Roof R
Auto
Roof L
Eject Right
Eject Left
Turbo Boost
Surveillence
Mode
Laser
Grappling Hook
[5-2-4] Season
4
----------------
Startup Display:
Power
Fuel On
Min
RPM
Ignitors
Miscellaneous:
Super Pursuit Mode
Emergency
Breaking System
C
MicroJam
[5-2-5] Glossary of
Dashboard Components:
-----------------------------------------
Ski Mode:
This feature allows KITT to drive either on its two left wheels or on its two
right wheels for a considerable period of time. Orientation and stability are
automatically maintained by the computer.
Normal Cruise: This mode gives
the operator full navigational control of the vehicle. Note that under very
extreme circumstances, the on-board computer may automatically switch to Auto
Cruise mode to maintain its top priorities.
Auto Cruise: Auto Cruise is a
feature that enables the vehicle to navigate itself to a given destination. It
utilizes on-board maps to plot the most direct route, as well as long-range
radar to detect any possible obstructions ahead, short-range visual scanning to
analyze the immediate environment, and collision avoidance systems.
Auto
Roof R, Auto Roof L: This opens either the right or the left sunroofs,
respectively.
Eject Left, Eject Right: This feature causes the specified
front seat to engage a quick burst of thrusters located underneath the seat to
effectively eject the seat's occupants. On-board computer controls automatically
specify the amount of force needed to eject an object to a given height by
calculating various variables such as the vehicle's velocity and the object's
mass. Note that Eject Left and Eject Right do not automatically engage Auto Roof
R or Auto Roof L.
Turbo Boost: Turbo Boost's primary purpose is to
provide KITT with the ability to gain vertical momentum and send him "jumping"
through the air. Another ability of the turbo boosts is to provide a dramatic
increase in purely horizontal speed for a short duration. However, the latter
feature is almost never used, especially because Pursuit Mode achieves the same
purpose. Explanations in the series of the Turbo Boost's function range from
near-instantaneous volume increase in the tires to thrusters placed in the back.
Turbo Boosts are usually controlled by on-board computers to provide the maximum
height and precise landing spot needed.
Surveillence Mode: This feature
activates secondary alert sensors such as infrared detection, x-ray, audio/video
recording, and motion sensors which aid in the surveillence of the surrounding
environment.
Passive Laser Restraint System: This is a type of "seat
belt" which is extremely effective in keeping the occupants of the vehicle from
flying around the interior of the car during some of KITT's high speed pursuits
and maneuvers. Don't ask me how it works.
Grappling Hook: This device
shoots a hook out of KITT's front that attaches to most surfaces. Actually, I
believe that when it was first introduced in the show, the hook shot out of the
back, but they switched it around a few times.
MicroJam: Thanks to Phil
(jyoon@postoffice.ptd.net) for the following information: "This feature was
added in the episode `Inside Out.' Just before Michael leaves for his mission,
Bonnie demonstrates the Microjam by having KITT mess with all of the semi's
electrical equipment." This feature enables KITT to electronically jam other
electronic devices and vehicles, thus effectively debilitating them, for a short
duration.
Super Pursuit Mode: Super Pursuit Mode was the most striking
enhancement made to KITT during the fourth season. SPM alters KITT's
configuration and enables him to achieve a 40% speed increase. The accompanying
Emergency Breaking System is used for increased deceleration rate needed to come
to a quick stop after engaging SPM.
C: The 'C' button was also a very
noticeable feature added during the fourth season. However, this one was used
mostly for recreational purposes: this feature folds KITT's roof into the back,
making him a convertible (thus the
'C').
=======================================
Chapter [6]: The Future of Knight
Rider
=======================================
The Knight Rider series
ended in 1986. However, Knight Rider is still extremely popular and re-runs are
constantly being shown around the world. In addition, Universal made a new movie
in 1991 called Knight Rider 2000. Below are some descriptions of various
productions made recently in regard to the show.
[6-1]
Knight Rider 2000
-----------------------
This movie was an attempt to
revive the Knight Rider series in the 90's. A brand new KITT was introduced, as
well as replacements for the old cast. The following is a brief synopsis by A.
DeLisle (rad@crl.com):
Michael is recalled from retirement because crime
has become rampant in Seattle. The current system of freezing convicts is not
working. Kitt has been dismantled and the parts sold. Devon has managed to
recover all but one chip which has been implanted in the head of a female cop
whose brain was destroyed by a bullet. Kitt is installed in a box and used in
Michael's '57 classic Chevy. He and the cop, who has a chip on her shoulder as
well as in her head, are teamed. Meanwhile, the Foundation is preparing the new
car, Knight Industries Four Thousand.
[6-1-1] The
Knight 4000
-------------------
The Knight 4000 replaced KITT in Knight
Rider 2000. The car is a modified Pontiac Banshee, a concept car that was never
publicly produced. The most significant technical advancements made in Knight
4000 were:
1. The ability to "float" in water
2. A Heads-Up-Display
feature with computer image enhancement and infrared capability
3. An aroma
sensor
4. On-board fax machine
One thing that I think the Knight 4000
lacked was the ability to Turbo-Boost.
[6-2] Knight Rider
2010
-----------------------
When I first heard about Knight Rider 2010, I
got pretty excited because I expected it to be a continuation of the movie
Knight Rider 2000, and perhaps develop into a new series. However, I was
extremely disappointed. The movie bears no connection to either the original
series or Knight Rider 2000. I have no idea why they deceivingly named it Knight
Rider 2010. The only remote resemblance to the real Knight Rider is that the
movie features some kind of homemade car with a woman's mind/soul implanted in
it. Heck, I think Viper is more analogous to Knight Rider than this movie is.
Anyway, I know some of you will want to judge it for yourself, but I do not know
where it's available for rent/purchase. Any ideas?
[6-3]
Will the show be revived?
-------------------------------
Who knows? But
there's been much talk on the newsgroup about a possible revival of Knight
Rider. Probably the most reliable source of information is an interview that USA
Today did with David Hasselhoff on America Online, in which he states that "Yes,
there are plans for a 'Knight Rider' major motion picture." I guess we'll just
have to wait and see...
=====================================
Chapter [7]: Knight Rider
Merchandise
=====================================
I am trying to compile a
list of places where one may purchase various Knight Rider memorabilia. As you
can see, this section is rather empty. If anyone can fill in the information,
please let me know.
[7-1]
Books:
------
These
books are by Glen A. Larson and Roger Hill. The first three were published in
the US by Pinnacle Books Inc. The last one may only have been published in the
UK as it doesn't say anything about the US release: