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Knight Rider got an overhaul, and its star tells why you should watch
NBC's update of Knight Rider debuted to great fanfare and pretty good ratings last fall, but has since hit a speed bump with poor reviews and dwindling ratings.
The remaining viewers have noticed that producers have recently retooled the show, killing off or eliminating regular characters Charles Graiman (Bruce Davison), Alex Torres (Yancey Arias) and Carrie Rivai (Sydney Tamiia Poitier); shutting down the top-secret government organization that ran K.I.T.T.; and refocusing on the car and Mike Tracer (Justin Bruening) and his three friends, Sarah Graiman (Deanna Russo), Billy Morgan (Paul Campbell) and Zoe Chae (Smith Cho).
The show is also scrapping the "terrorist of the week" storylines to focus more on local missions, as in the recent episode in which Mike has to deal with bank robbers.
Last November, SCI FI Wire visited the show's set in Southern California's Santa Clarita Studios, and the changes were evident. The usually chaotic K.I.T.T. Cave is devoid of activity, although an adjacent room that usually serves as the basketball court has been transformed into a jamming bar set.
It's here that Mike is enjoying some much-deserved down time until a confrontation leads him into being grabbed by two guys and repeatedly punched by another. A head butt, a right hook and a flip over his back later, Mike quickly gains the upper hand. As the director yells cut, an enthusiastic Bruening saunters over to speak exclusively with us about Knight Rider's new direction and K.I.T.T.'s evolution. Following is an edited version of our interview. Knight Rider airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Where are the rest of your fellow actors today?
Bruening: They reinvented the show, so it's going to be more of the original format, where it was usually Michael and K.I.T.T. going out on missions. And being it's Michael's day off, everybody else has to work. They were actually here in the SSC, and they've filmed all their scenes. They communicate throughout the episode via the earwig and video conferencing, but they've already filmed their side of it.
How do you feel about them reinventing the series yet again and going back to the basics with regular missions?
Bruening: People will be able to relate more. When you do a mission on a global scale, there's too much to fit in 42 minutes. With a more localized murder-mystery mission, you can get more in depth. In this, we can have a smaller mission with more twists and turns that can make it interesting. We still have these grand-scale missions, just not this week.
It must be hard to lose a good portion of your cast halfway through the year.
Bruening: Obviously, I'm sad to see people go. They are great friends, and I've learned a lot from them, but the way it happens, it makes the story stronger, and it makes the remaining four characters much stronger. We all have to step up instead of relying on the other cast members. It gives us more to do. I think it's always fun to reinvent. It's exciting. There are changes, and you see progress that way. It's not stagnant, and it makes sense why we change. Plus, it makes it more like the original series with missions. Sarah is more of the mechanic, and she runs the place. Billy and Zoe are the computer techs, so knowing everyone's expertise allows Michael to call the right guy. ...
At this point, where do things stand between Michael and Sarah?
Bruening: I wish I knew, and I don't even think my character even knows. We are getting to the point where we come together, events have happened, and it makes us shut down in terms of romance. In this episode, there is a new girl from my past, someone I knew from my childhood, and Sarah knows of her. Oddly enough, she is going through things that are almost a carbon copy to what Sarah is going through. This episode is a new step for Michael and has nothing to do with Sarah. And Michael doesn't know what's going on with Sarah, and he's starting to get frustrated. In episode four, she knew he loved her, and still nothing. It's like "Why beat a dead horse?"
What are your thoughts on the way Michael's relationship with KITT has progressed?
Bruening: I'm loving it. K.I.T.T. is learning from me, and the relationship that is developing is more brotherly. It's basically the same principle as Iron Man, where he was a normal guy without the suit. When K.I.T.T. is around, Michael knows he's not going to get hurt. That also allows us to joke around more. In the midst of gunfire, because he's bulletproof, it's fun to play the opposite of what you normally would. At the same time, we do care about each other like a family. K.I.T.T. continues to learn, and in an upcoming episode he gains even more personality, to the point he starts playing practical jokes on me. It's a buddy-cop show with the banter. The one thing I would be excited to see is K.I.T.T. becoming angry and how he would retaliate.
What new cool weapons and technology will K.I.T.T. be equipped with?
Bruening: With K.I.T.T. being a computer, we can program him to do whatever. I want to see what Michael would add, like a lot more guns and an Xbox. In episode 13, it's a more localized mission, and we figure out how to beat this person. K.I.T.T. gets some new guns that exhaust his ammunition, which is 8,000 rounds, in seven seconds. It's pretty impressive, but I actually make fun of him for only lasting seven seconds. That's the fun part of the show. K.I.T.T. is becoming such a strong character that we're trying to find a way to make the scenes humorous.
By Azgoroth at 12:50 AM ON 02/02/09
I'm sorry, but a mustang that transforms into a 4 wheel truck (amongst other things) is beyond stupid and pushes the show from being scifi feasible to absurd. This garbage, even overhauled should have been canceled long before the first episode. The movie was decent though. Awesome shows like Firefly get canceled but then filth like this gets strung along because the big media guys think were stupid and enjoy this kind of trash.
By bubba689034 at 12:59 AM ON 02/02/09
I don't think they have the car transform into a truck anymore (at least I haven't seen it lately). I do agree that was one of the most stupid parts of the show though. The retooled show is a bit better then what they started out with. Not high art but at least watchable now.
By Cursed at 1:19 AM ON 02/02/09
Do you have any concept of what nano-technology could do? The applications it could extend is amazing. Ever see Terminator 2? Think about that. That is what Kitt can do, only instead of humans of near mass, Kitt turns to vehicles of near mass. He can morph. Get over it.
By darthbono at 1:55 AM ON 02/02/09
truck or no truck transformation i think they should get a second season just so we can see what they make of the show with the new direction in format it might get better it might not but i say let them try allthough i think the karr episode should have been a two part episode. besides with all the other shows that are on now though not original at least it is somewhat different
By AerylonBW at 4:06 AM ON 02/02/09
holy gee whiz kids. its a damn tv show. for the love of God, and all things holy!! . Either you like it or you do not. Why argue over something neither of you know the first thing about? Nanotechnology, like all tech has its limits. And "morphing" was tossed in due to the success of Transformers 1. Duh. (ever hear of *oh it would be cool if K.I.T.T. could do this--!! and presto! As far as it being a Mustang, hell ya. its about time. As for the over haul...I am waiting to see K.A.R.R vs K.I.T.T. and last but not least the return of Garth Knight, aka, Goliath. Ohh and lest we all forget...the rumors of a new "suped up" super pursuit mode is based on actual technology. lol. Ya right. Nanotechnology at the stage its at is barely controllable. Any idiot who knows anything about science knows that they are severely unstable---hence the reasons things like cloned humans and animals would not live for long. Oops, I just let the cat outta the bag didn't i? hahaha Oh well. Watch it for its own merit or don't.
By ger4354 at 6:00 AM ON 02/02/09
"Do you have any concept of what nano-technology could do?"
Yes, that's why his transforming into a truck is so silly to me.
"He can morph. Get over it."
Stopping bullets with self repairing is one thing but changing into a truck while the passengers are still inside it is silly. I seriously doubt technology could ever really accomplish that. Also, it makes the car completely invincible--which means nothing can ever happen to it in a fight (which makes the show boring).
A slightly more realistic approach is better...
By PALADIN at 7:22 AM ON 02/02/09
I was never a major 'Knight Rider" fan during the original series` run... but I have since come to appreciate the fun of the concept.
Taking Knight Rider back 'to the streets' of America is the right way to go. The highways and byways offer adventure that the average person can relate to.
My personal suggestions: Drop the vehicle-shape transformations and bring back Hasselhoff in a father-figure/advisory capacity as the new Director for the ( ressurected)Foundation For Law and Government. The new series could use the grounding contact with the original, and it makes sense for a 'Devon Miles' to be overseeing the ops. (and hey, how about an occassional road trip for the Original K.I.T.T. ?)
By lwr2888 at 7:36 AM ON 02/02/09
Hey, at least it ain't Team Knight Rider.
By no name at 7:44 AM ON 02/02/09
"Do you have any concept of what nano-technology could do?"
Yes, that is why the usage of nanotech in the pilot was convincing.
The idiot, that introduced the "Transformers" style car-changes in Knight Rider, should be taken out and shot. Because such visual effects seem to work in a movie, that does not mean they will work anywhere else.
For Knight Rider they were a bad choice, and demeaned the series.
Reintroducing the guidance of a Devon-type person (i.e. Michel Knight sr.) might ground the series more into real life.
Don't mess up a good concept, just for FXs.
They don't last.
By Facepalm at 8:09 AM ON 02/02/09
Funny how back in the day everyone thought a talking car with video conferencing was cool. Today everybody would think the talking was done by some remote cell phone connection and video conferencing is just everyday technology. Why would anyone ever suspect the car was talking?
The transformations are too normal and too focused on presenting the Ford Lineup. The only thing missing is the embarrassment connected with turning KITT into a Ford Ka for "undercover purposes" and make it a running gag for an entire episode.
Either go all the way and have KITT transform into really crazy over the top stuff that actually beats the bad guys (i.e. tanks, mechs, steamrollers, etc) or just leave the car the way it is. That middleground of scientific fantasy just isn't that believable.
Right after Knight Rider ends, switch over to Lost. They ran 100% all the way with bats**t insanity and it works. "Benjamin, I am you father.", "No, you will be my mother, you just don't remember it yet". "But how? Richard! Noooo". *puck* end credit Lost appears on screen.
By PALADIN at 8:15 AM ON 02/02/09
The whole "nano-tech" angle was just so much trendy-techno-babble from the start.
There was absolutely nothing wrong with the original series` 'Molecularly-Bonded-Shell' as a techno-gimmick for making K.I.T.T. the indestructible car that reality sadly does not offer.
Truly; If It Ain`t Broke, Don`t Fix It'...
Trust Doesn`t Rust !
By Rafe at 9:44 AM ON 02/02/09
Yeah, the thing is that the Val Kilmer KITT is kind of boring compared to the William Daniels KITT, which was a smart ass.
The Michael and KITT bitchfests were kind of hilarious. There isn't that same kind of humor here.
Frankly, I think the show could use a bit of assistance from the Torchwood or Buffy writing staff, who understand how to make team dynamics sing. The writers from Buffy have gone on to different shows and added zing to them. Look at Jane E. and her work on Battlestar Galatica.
By Azgoroth at 11:28 AM ON 02/02/09
Hey, if you want morphing car's, watch reruns of Viper. As far asthe nano tech explanation goes why a frigging truck? If you have unlimited gained mass potential why stick it in a car? Why doesn't the rest of the world get to use such awesome technology? This is the sort of tech that could end the Iraq and all other wars permanently, yet they stick it in a stupid car that can only change into other ford cars. The technology must somehow limit your supposed nanobots to ford concept's only.
By RobertBarnett at 11:29 AM ON 02/02/09
Well, they didn't get off to a good start, but it is getting better especially with the recent changes. They should get a full season order for season 1 and a full season order for season 2. If it does poorly then they should cancel it. Networks cancel things way to quickly these days ensuring that in the end only junk remains, things that are cheap for them to do.
By HoffFan at 11:37 AM ON 02/02/09
Needs more cowbell!
By MirrorPete at 2:31 PM ON 02/02/09
I actually thought last week's KR (with the bank robbery) was one of the best of the season. I was pulling for this show but simply couldn't keep watching the steaming piles they were serving up week after week in the fall. But it seems like Bruening isn't bs'ing when he says the stories are tighter and better paced now. But what I liked most was that it was *smarter* too. More twists and turns, please! Believable bad guys are good too. Hope they can sustain the new direction, and if they do, that people will actually watch (a longshot).
By PixelbackWriter at 6:10 PM ON 02/02/09
On the transforming BS: I noticed that they pulled the one seen of the F-150 transformation out of the credits, so here's hoping that it's actually gone form the series.
I do wish they would have extended the KARR battle to another episode. As it was, it seemed less of the "epic battle between KITT and KARR" and more of a plot device to get rid of KARR permanently. That, and I thought recasting Peter Cullen as the voice of KARR was a stroke of genius, although I couldn't get over the thought that KITT was going up against Optimus Prime.
I do hope that people will give the retooled series a chance. I know I will. The bank robbery episode was well done. Excellent pacing, good performances, good writing. The opening scene reminded me of the shootout scene from Heat. Very well done.
By PixelbackWriter at 6:11 PM ON 02/02/09
On the transforming BS: I noticed that they pulled the one scene of the F-150 transformation out of the credits, so here's hoping that it's actually gone form the series.
I do wish they would have extended the KARR battle to another episode. As it was, it seemed less of the "epic battle between KITT and KARR" and more of a plot device to get rid of KARR permanently. That, and I thought recasting Peter Cullen as the voice of KARR was a stroke of genius, although I couldn't get over the thought that KITT was going up against Optimus Prime.
I do hope that people will give the retooled series a chance. I know I will. The bank robbery episode was well done. Excellent pacing, good performances, good writing. The opening scene reminded me of the shootout scene from Heat. Very well done.
By Worthy at 9:18 PM ON 02/02/09
Indeed, the bank robbery episode was the best yet. The show has gone from cheesy fun to something with a little more plausibility and relevancy (all things considered). The haters are being much too hard on it (presumably because it's an "easy" target given the shows origin and subject matter), but I would challenge them to really take a close look at it. You can tell that the actors, writers and production crew really care about the show--they are obviously trying to create the best work they can given the industry's budget and deadlines. Whether you like the show or not, you must give them props for trying to make the best show they can every week. I respect them for that (even if you think the show is schlock, that is never the creators' intent). There's plenty of other shows out there that deserve to be canceled before this one, based on poor writing and production values alone. I love this show, and hope it gets renewed for another couple of seasons.
By Chronos at 1:13 AM ON 02/03/09
I treat this show as Baywatch (Babewatch) with cars, not so much into story line... :-) It is just trying to be an entertaining show, don't overthink about it.
By Sparrownightmare at 3:37 PM ON 02/03/09
Eegads.... I think Hollywood must be getting very dry on ideas (not to mention brains). Okay the original KITT was a BIT campy, but the show seemed almost plausible in terms of technology. This new KITT is completely unbelievably stupid. I wonder what audience the writers and producers are going for. My guess would be the 8 year old Transformers fans. I knew this show was in trouble when they picked a mustang. (The Firebird looked sooooo much cooler) But the dum*&^ car just gets stupider each episode.
By SAPPHIREshadow at 5:09 PM ON 02/03/09
I loved the 80's Knight Rider... and the TV movie, Knight Rider 2000 ... and hate that they are trying to make us forget about them with this new series... I hated Knight Rider 2010 and Team Knight Rider.... I really enjoyed the TV movie pilot for this series that aired last summer... but, then, the series started and I was like, "what happened?" The writting was so silly and stupid... "Like" when Saraha tripped over Billy while texting, or something... just made her look stupid... And I notice alot of people complaining about the morphing... it doesn't bother me that much, I think it's kinda cool... except the transforming into a truck, that is stupid... And the fact that everything KITT transforms into is a Ford, that is goofy, but expected... I mean, look who's paying for the show, "Hello?"... Now, the one gaget that really is unbelievable is the replicator in the back seat... that's just stupid.... ... But, I have to admit the last 4 or 5 episodes that I have seen, the writing has improved alot.. I am impressed, and pleased... I hope they keep up the good work and improvement. But, I'm going to miss Saraha's Dad and Carrie.... Oh, one more complaint... I didn't like that it was all a goverment project, and am glad they've gone back to FLAG... I hope the network brings it back next season... I'll keep my fingers crossed....
By flapjack at 9:45 PM ON 02/04/09
This show still needs some more fixing... Stop ignoring the original show - embrace it! Bring in Hasselhoff in a recurring role and as many of the original cast as possible for guest stars. Oh... one suggestion for the season finale, how about a team up between new KITT and old KITT. That would rock!
By Staxeon at 2:50 AM ON 02/06/09
I don't mind the truck transformation so much. It helps out they wrote in weaknesses to it (midair transformation locked KITT up, as did that landmine which is now in the opening credits). It was growing weary on me they were using it as a showcase for Ford vehicles.
And for everyone crying "stay true to the old series" does no one remember super pursuit mode? Old KITT transformed, its logical new KITT would do it better.
I also love the idea of pulling in old KITT. His AI has to be somewhere. Hell, if they can get Peter Cullen to reprise KARR I'm sure they can get William Daniels.
By Interceptor999 at 5:15 AM ON 04/14/09
Quote Cursed"Do you have any concept of what nano-technology could do? The applications it could extend is amazing. Ever see Terminator 2? Think about that. That is what Kitt can do, only instead of humans of near mass, Kitt turns to vehicles of near mass. He can morph. Get over it."
I agree, I also think they should MOVE Knight rider to the SCI FI channel and stop trying to get people into reality TV to watch SCI FI.
This is why we get comments like "Knight rider sucks"
Visit mobile.syfy.com/wire on your mobile device.
Interceptor999:
Quote Cursed"Do you have any concept of what nano-technology could do? The applications it could extend is amazing....More »