Episode 2 – The Greatest American Hero Pilot
April 27, 2018
Episode 4 – Magnum P.I. Pilot
May 11, 2018
This week we talk about the Knight Rider pilot, Knight of the Phoenix. Find out how Michael Knight and KITT met. Also, find out why Michael looks the way he does.
You can rent a KITT replica to drive around LA!
The 1980s brought a wave of television shows that have since become icons of pop culture. Among them, Knight Rider, which aired on NBC in 1982, stood out with its unique premise: a crime-fighting vigilante, Michael Knight, and his high-tech, artificially intelligent car, KITT. The show’s pilot episode, titled “Knight of the Phoenix,” set the stage for a series that would become a defining part of the era. In this article, we’ll explore the episode’s storyline in detail and share some intriguing behind-the-scenes trivia that makes Knight Rider all the more fascinating.
“Knight of the Phoenix”
Act 1: Michael Long’s Transformation
The pilot episode begins by introducing Michael Arthur Long, a police detective working undercover in Las Vegas. Michael is depicted as a man with a strong moral compass and a desire to do good, but he soon finds himself betrayed. During an undercover operation, he is set up by his own colleague, Tanya Walker, a wealthy and manipulative businesswoman working with an organized crime syndicate. In a gripping turn, Tanya shoots Michael in the head, leaving him for dead.
Miraculously, Michael survives, though barely, thanks to the metal plate in his skull from a previous injury that prevented the bullet from killing him. He is rescued and taken to a high-tech facility operated by FLAG (Foundation for Law and Government), an organization funded by a mysterious billionaire, Wilton Knight. This is where the story truly begins to transform. Michael wakes up to find his face surgically altered and his new identity as Michael Knight.
Wilton Knight’s vision is clear: he wants Michael to be his champion, a modern-day knight fighting crime and injustice. Wilton’s speech about “one man can make a difference” becomes the motto of the series and fuels Michael’s new purpose. When Wilton passes away shortly after, Michael is left with both a mission and an invaluable resource: KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand).
Act 2: Meet KITT, the High-Tech Supercar
One of the highlights of the pilot episode is Michael’s introduction to KITT. The car, which at first appears to be a sleek, black 1982 Pontiac Trans Am, is no ordinary vehicle. KITT is equipped with an AI capable of analyzing its surroundings, communicating with Michael, and performing a variety of impressive, futuristic tasks. Created by Wilton Knight’s company, Knight Industries, KITT represents the pinnacle of high-tech innovation.
With a playful and witty personality, KITT quickly becomes more than just a car; he’s Michael’s partner in the fight against crime. The car’s onboard AI has a distinctive voice provided by actor William Daniels, and it responds to voice commands, can drive autonomously, and boasts a range of capabilities, including:
- Turbo Boost: This allows KITT to leap over obstacles and reach extreme speeds.
- Indestructible Exterior: Made from a fictional molecular-bonded shell, KITT can withstand bullets, crashes, and explosions.
- Analytical Abilities: KITT can perform a wide range of environmental scans, making it a powerful tool for gathering information.
- Personality: KITT is more than a machine; his sarcastic, occasionally skeptical personality adds a unique charm to the show and sets up an iconic dynamic between him and Michael.
Michael is initially skeptical of the car’s capabilities and somewhat resistant to the idea of working with an artificial intelligence. However, after a few trials, including a dramatic high-speed chase, he begins to understand the car’s potential. The interaction between Michael and KITT is one of the series’ most memorable aspects, with Michael as the brawn and KITT as the brains of the operation.
Act 3: The Mission to Stop Tanya Walker
With his new identity and partner, Michael sets out to bring down Tanya Walker and her associates. The mission is personal, as Michael’s former self was betrayed and left for dead by Tanya. Now equipped with KITT, he returns to Las Vegas to seek justice and prevent her from further criminal activities.
Throughout the episode, Michael encounters a series of challenges. One of the most thrilling scenes is when Tanya and her henchmen, realizing Michael is back, try to stop him. However, KITT’s resilience and advanced technology allow Michael to evade capture and outmaneuver the criminals at every turn. With KITT’s abilities, Michael is finally able to expose Tanya’s criminal activities and bring her to justice.
This arc wraps up Michael’s story from vengeful ex-cop to a hero who, in line with Wilton Knight’s vision, uses his abilities and resources to protect the innocent.
Character Introductions and Development
The pilot also introduces several recurring characters who become essential to the Knight Rider universe:
- Devon Miles: Played by Edward Mulhare, Devon is the leader of FLAG and Michael’s mentor. Devon often serves as a moral guide and liaison, assigning Michael missions and advising him on various matters.
- Bonnie Barstow: The lead technician and engineer who maintains KITT, Bonnie (Patricia McPherson) is an intelligent and resourceful character whose technical expertise is indispensable to the team.
The pilot carefully lays out the dynamic between these characters, establishing FLAG as an organization dedicated to justice and social good.
Iconic Elements of the Episode
Several elements introduced in the pilot episode became defining characteristics of Knight Rider:
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The Red Scanner Light on KITT’s Hood: Inspired by Cylons from Battlestar Galactica, this pulsating red scanner became iconic, giving KITT a futuristic look and a somewhat “alive” presence.
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KITT’s Voice and Personality: William Daniels’ voice performance brings KITT to life, giving him a sense of humor and intelligence that made him an instant fan favorite.
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Michael’s Leather Jacket and Sunglasses Look: David Hasselhoff’s portrayal of Michael Knight added to the “cool” factor of the character, with his signature leather jacket and sunglasses making him instantly recognizable.
Fun Facts and Trivia
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The Original Concept of KITT: Initially, KITT was envisioned to have a transforming capability, akin to later franchises like Transformers. However, budget limitations made the producers settle for KITT’s iconic abilities.
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Voice of KITT and the Mystery of William Daniels: William Daniels, who voiced KITT, never appeared on set and recorded his lines separately, usually after the episode had been filmed. Many fans were unaware of his identity until years later, adding an element of mystery to KITT’s character.
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David Hasselhoff’s Stunt Driving: Although most stunts were performed by professionals, Hasselhoff took pride in doing some of his own driving. He has shared in interviews that KITT was fun to drive, though the car’s sensitive handling made it challenging.
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The Trans Am’s Transformation: For the show, several Pontiac Trans Ams were modified to play the role of KITT. Some were specifically built for high-speed chases, others for close-up shots, and some for stunts like the Turbo Boost jumps.
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Wilton Knight’s Speech: The iconic phrase “One man can make a difference” spoken by Wilton Knight not only became the show’s slogan but also inspired countless fans. This catchphrase encapsulated the essence of the show and resonated with viewers during the 80s.
Legacy of the Pilot Episode
“Knight of the Phoenix” set up the template for the Knight Rider series: Michael Knight would go on to face villains who exploited the weak, with KITT always by his side. This pilot laid the foundation for a show that would go on to run for four seasons, spawn multiple spin-offs, TV movies, and even a reboot in 2008.
The concept of a partnership between man and machine resonated with audiences, and the chemistry between Michael and KITT was central to the show’s success. The pilot episode highlighted themes of justice, personal redemption, and technological advancement in a way that captivated viewers and kept them coming back for more.
A Lasting Impact
The pilot episode of Knight Rider holds a special place in television history as the starting point for a show that encapsulated 80s culture. With memorable characters, groundbreaking tech concepts, and iconic catchphrases, “Knight of the Phoenix” introduced viewers to a unique blend of science fiction, action, and moral storytelling. Decades later, Knight Rider and the character of KITT remain beloved symbols of 80s pop culture, and the pilot episode continues to be celebrated as the moment that it all began.
