Can no one spell? His name is spelled Garth!

[Lost Knight]

HisNameisGarth,

In summary, the only examples to back up your argument are DVD subtitles and the script for "Knight Of the Juggernaut."

The DVD subtitles are not reliable in and of themselves because they keep switching back and forth from "Garthe" to "Garth." That inconsistency clearly shows that the department in charge of the subtitles was either incredibly lazy, or just had no idea which was the correct spelling. Therefore, I consider them unreliable.

As for the "Knight Of the Juggernaut" script, it was co-written by Burton Armus, who is not the creator of the character of Garthe. It is then safe to assume that he may not have been aware of the correct spelling, either.

If the creator of Garthe himself, Robert Foster, used different spellings back and forth (not unlike Don Bellisario's character of Gooshie, who is spelled "Gushie" in some scripts and "Gooshie" in others in the series Quantum Leap), you might have something to work with. But he didn't, so in my opinion you've made a major mistake.

[HisNameisGarth]

Umm...I don't know what script you are looking at, but the scripts I have for both "Goliath" and "Deja Vu" (aka "Goliath Returns") has the name spelled as Garthe, with an "E".

Welcome to the boards.

Joe

My original script of "Goliath" clearly shows GARTH.

[Matthew]

And yet,

Every other source says that you're wrong, including a number of draft scripts for Goliath and Goliath Returns, so I think it's fair to say that you're wrong on this one mate.

Matt

[HisNameisGarth]

Umm...I don't know what script you are looking at, but the scripts I have for both "Goliath" and "Deja Vu" (aka "Goliath Returns") has the name spelled as Garthe, with an "E".

Welcome to the boards.

Joe

My original script of "Goliath" clearly shows GARTHE. Doesn't mean its correct.

You can write DOUG-E and BILLY-E -- and its may appear in the script. Still misspelled.

Perpetuating wrong info is still wrong info.

Foster misspelled it. It was easier to keep it misspelled (back in the typewriter days).
Do a search for "Garthe" -- outside of the Knight Rider universe of "being misspelled", the word doesn't exist.

Garthe, a shadowy flight into the dangerous world of a name that doesn't exist.

[HisNameisGarth]

From the second draft script for "Goliath":

RITA'S VOICE
...so Ron did odd jobs for him. It
all began very innocently.

MICHAEL
What's his name?

RITA
Garthe. With an 'e.' He's very
particular about the 'e.'

MICHAEL
Is that his first name or his last?

RITA
Believe it or not, I don't know.

Garthe. With an 'e'.

Wow, so he intentionally misspelled it.
I'm changing my name to Glene Ee Larsone.

[HisNameisGarth]

HisNameisGarth,
If the creator of Garthe himself, Robert Foster, used different spellings back and forth (not unlike Don Bellisario's character of Gooshie, who is spelled "Gushie" in some scripts and "Gooshie" in others in the series Quantum Leap), you might have something to work with. But he didn't, so in my opinion you've made a major mistake.

Foster made countless continuity errors throughout the Knight Rider universe.
KITT could suddenly do amazing stunts in one episode then was helpless the next....

Foster likely misspelled the name in the first draft and was too lazy to fix it -- since TV scripts are churned out so quickly. He even probably added the comment about spelling the name with an "e" to mask the mistake.

Garthe is the correct spelling of a LAST NAME. So if it was family history or something.... It would be correct.
As in Michael Garthe:
http://www.ancestry.com/facts/Garthe-fa ... story.ashx

But Foster screwed up or was confused; Not unlike new Knight Rider star Smith Cho.... Whose non-english speaking mother accidently goofed and gave her a "common American name." Too bad Smith is a common last name, not first.

[Lost Knight]

Foster made countless continuity errors throughout the Knight Rider universe.
KITT could suddenly do amazing stunts in one episode then was helpless the next....

Not sure what the other countless continuity errors you're referring to, but in your example I do believe there's a difference between writing convenient plot devices for a particular episode's plot, and misspelling a character's name. Those are two different situations.

Foster spelled the name with an "E" consistently in both of his scripts. Besides that, it is HIS character which he named with an "E" regardless of if it was a mistake or not, like you're assuming. I'm afraid using words like "probably" to back up your points isn't going to help much.

But most of all, I don't see how you can misspell the name of a character you make up! Names in general have different variations and spellings all the time (i.g. Kristen, Christin, Kristin, etc.) and can you say any of them are wrong? Why can't Garthe's case be the same?

[HisNameisGarth]

Foster made countless continuity errors throughout the Knight Rider universe.
KITT could suddenly do amazing stunts in one episode then was helpless the next....

Not sure what the other countless continuity errors you're referring to, but in your example I do believe there's a difference between writing convenient plot devices for a particular episode's plot, and misspelling a character's name. Those are two different situations.

Foster spelled the name with an "E" consistently in both of his scripts. Besides that, it is HIS character which he named with an "E" regardless of if it was a mistake or not, like you're assuming. I'm afraid using words like "probably" to back up your points isn't going to help much.

But most of all, I don't see how you can misspell the name of a character you make up!

It was a mistake -- Most of the crew was aware of it.

I met Burton A. back in 1997. We talked about lots of stuff like Street Hawk, Airwolf, Star Trek: NG and Knight Rider..... The conversation included "Garthe." Apparently, people on the set were still making fun of Foster for misspelling Garth through season 4. Foster refused to acknowledge his own mistakes -- he had quite the ego.

[HisNameisGarth]

Foster made countless continuity errors throughout the Knight Rider universe.
KITT could suddenly do amazing stunts in one episode then was helpless the next....

But most of all, I don't see how you can misspell the name of a character you make up! Names in general have different variations and spellings all the time (i.g. Kristen, Christin, Kristin, etc.) and can you say any of them are wrong? Why can't Garthe's case be the same?

Because Garthe is a last name.
Garth is the proper spelling of a first name.

People knew it was wrong back when they were making the show in the 1980s.
Its still wrong today.

Names are commonly misspelled..... People mistakenly spell Brain when they mean Brian. Or rednecks who can't spell Brittany use Britney instead. But doing something wrong a lot of times doesn't make it right.

[Lost Knight]

It was a mistake -- Most of the crew was aware of it.

I'm met Burton A. back in 1997. We talked about lots of stuff like Street Hawk, Airwolf, Star Trek: NG and Knight Rider..... The conversation included "Garthe." Apparently, people on the set were still making fun of Foster for misspelling Garth through season 4. Foster refused to acknowledge his own mistakes -- he had quite the ego.

Interesting, but as I say, even if it was initially a mistake, the fact that the name was spelled that way initially ultimately makes it the official spelling, wouldn't you agree? I don't believe there are "rights" and "wrongs" when creating your own characters. You can make them be whatever you want them to be with names spelled however you want them to be spelled.

Also, I do believe it perfectly fits Garthe's egomaniacal nature to be the first to change the name Garth to Garthe to make himself unique.

[trissybabes]

Perhaps it was intended as a silent "e"?

[HisNameisGarth]

Perhaps it was intended as a silent "e"?

Well, I hope so.

Otherwise, everyone would have called him: Garthy.

[HisNameisGarth]

It was a mistake -- Most of the crew was aware of it.

I'm met Burton A. back in 1997. We talked about lots of stuff like Street Hawk, Airwolf, Star Trek: NG and Knight Rider..... The conversation included "Garthe." Apparently, people on the set were still making fun of Foster for misspelling Garth through season 4. Foster refused to acknowledge his own mistakes -- he had quite the ego.

Interesting, but as I say, even if it was initially a mistake, the fact that the name was spelled that way initially ultimately makes it the official spelling, wouldn't you agree? I don't believe there are "rights" and "wrongs" when creating your own characters. You can make them be whatever you want them to be with names spelled however you want them to be spelled.

Also, I do believe it perfectly fits Garthe's egomaniacal nature to be the first to change the name Garth to Garthe to make himself unique.

Probably.
In that case: I just think it should be noted that the official name is intentionally misspelled.

Also, I can't imagine a brilliant mind like Wilton Knight misspell his son's name.

I guess you could argue that Garth began misspelling his name to tick his father off as a form of rebellion. Its speculation on my part, but its logical.

[Victor Kros]

Well considering I admire Robert Foster and David likes to spell it "Garthe" I'm taking those odds and you can deal with the odd looks/replies when people see you spell it differently.

At this point I have no more patience to focus on this pile of garthbage.

=VK=

[Matthew]

My original script of "Goliath" clearly shows GARTHE. Doesn't mean its correct.

Hang on a minute,

In the post before this one, you state that "Garthe" is spelt "Garth" in your original script, and now you're saying its spelt "Garthe" like everyone else has been telling you from the get-go, but yet, you are still trying to force your opinion that it's wrong onto us?

It's pretty apparent that if it has been "Garthe" from the start, then his name is Garthe, and disputing that fact is merely going to continue to perpetuate an argument that you erroneously created, as Rob Foster gave birth to the character, and as such, was entitled to spell the name however he wished to.

Matt

[HisNameisGarth]

Well considering I admire Robert Foster and David likes to spell it "Garthe" I'm taking those odds and you can deal with the odd looks/replies when people see you spell it differently.

At this point I have no more patience to focus on this pile of garthbage.

=VK=

Well, you can keep believing the Earth is flat, too.

"It's Like These Guys Take Pride In Being Ignorant"
- Barrack Obama

P.S. -- I'm sure I'll get a lot of odd looks by spelling a word correctly.

[HisNameisGarth]

My original script of "Goliath" clearly shows GARTHE. Doesn't mean its correct.

Hang on a minute,

In the post before this one, you state that "Garthe" is spelt "Garth" in your original script, and now you're saying its spelt "Garthe" like everyone else has been telling you from the get-go, but yet, you are still trying to force your opinion that it's wrong onto us?

It's pretty apparent that if it has been "Garthe" from the start, then his name is Garthe, and disputing that fact is merely going to continue to perpetuate an argument that you erroneously created, as Rob Foster gave birth to the character, and as such, was entitled to spell the name however he wished to.

Matt

Well, I goofed the first thread. I posted before actually looking at my Goliath script.
I was merely passing along the sentiments of a few crew members of the original series that I had talked to.

....and has been mentioned in previous threads... the name was spelled correctly in the "Knight of the Juggernaut" script and in the subtitles to the Season 2 DVD.

So I am right and am pointing out why. Whether it was an error or intentional, Garth was misspelled in "Goliath" and "Goliath Returns."

It should be at least noted in the Wikipedia entries, etc.... -- that is my point.

[Victor Kros]

"Then you won't get no bellyache
From eatin' humble pie."

- Aerosmith

=VK=

[Matthew]

Well, you can keep believing the Earth is flat, too.

"It's Like These Guys Take Pride In Being Ignorant"
- Barrack Obama

P.S. -- I'm sure I'll get a lot of odd looks by spelling a word correctly.

You do realize that that's completely uncalled for, and essentially equates to being an on mass insult?

So I am right and am pointing out why. Whether it was an error or intentional, Garth was misspelled in "Goliath" and "Goliath Returns." It should be at least noted in the Wikipedia entries, etc.

It's quiet egotistical of you to claim to be right simply because the English dictionary agrees with you.

Matt

[HisNameisGarth]

Well, you can keep believing the Earth is flat, too.

"It's Like These Guys Take Pride In Being Ignorant"
- Barrack Obama

P.S. -- I'm sure I'll get a lot of odd looks by spelling a word correctly.

You do realize that that's completely uncalled for, and essentially equates to being an on mass insult?

So I am right and am pointing out why. Whether it was an error or intentional, Garth was misspelled in "Goliath" and "Goliath Returns." It should be at least noted in the Wikipedia entries, etc.

It's quiet egotistical of you to claim to be right simply because the dictionary agrees with you whilst nothing else does.

Matt

Fact:
1. The earlier "Goliath" and "Goliath Returns" scripts misspelled the name.
Before Knight Rider's usage in the history of mankind -- "Garthe" had never been used for a first name. It was used in error.

Fact:
2. The later "Knight of the Juggernaut" script had corrected the spelling. The name of Garth was finally acknowledged and spelled correctly by its last use in the original series. Foster (who made the original mistake in Goliath and Goliath Returns) co-wrote this script also -- practically admitting his error.

Fact:
3. To reiterate: The name had been spelled both ways in the scripts. Spelled both as "Garthe" and "Garth" in original series scripts. "Garthe" is mis-used as a first name according to every grammatical and writing reference available (dictionary, spell checkers, name databases). Garthe is a proper spelling of a last name (see previous post).

My View:
4. Most people generally accept the last revision of something as canon for a television series. Just like inconsistencies in KITT's powertrain were worked out during season 1 (Turbo Boost was initially also used for bursts of speed -- later became pursuit mode). By Season 2, they had decided that KITT was turbine powered. TV series make errors and omissions all the time, they write to fix loop holes and mistakes as time allows. They had fixed their mistake by Season 4.

My Response:
In regards to: "It's quiet egotistical of you to claim to be right simply because the dictionary agrees with you......"

What better source for spelling a word correctly is there? Foster goofed. Armus corrected it. Its time people know the truth. I've personally talked to Burton back in '97 -- he's acknowledged that the name was finally corrected by Season 4. Not only does the dictionary agree -- but a major writer and producer of the show said the same basic thing. If you can find him now, ask him yourself.

[Matthew]

Who's to say that what you claim be fact is correct though?

We only have your word to take for it that the season four script featured a correction, as no evidence has been provided to refute the vast amount of evidence that supports Garthe being spelt with the "e", and given that he was only referenced briefly in the Knight of the Juggernaut script, it stands to reason that that would be the error to the vast majority of us.

To make matters worse, you've been rude to each of us that have refused to agree with you when you should have been respectful of the well established knowledge of the spelling, which has been used in virtually every form of media that's followed the original episodes, along with the scripts themselves, rather than stating as a matter of fact, that we're all wrong.

Besides, you're basing your entire argument on the correct spelling as the English language knows it. Who's to say that Garthe being spelt with an "e" isn't a correct spelling in some other part of the world, like Neil, which can be spelt Neal, and Matthew, which can be spelt Mathew?

Matt

[HisNameisGarth]

Who's to say that what you claim be fact is correct though?

We only have your word to take for it that the season four script featured a correction, as no evidence has been provided to refute the vast amount of evidence that supports Garthe being spelt with the "e", and given that he was only referenced briefly in the Knight of the Juggernaut script, it stands to reason that that would be the error to the vast majority of us.

To make matters worse, you've been rude to each of us that have refused to agree with you when you should have been respectful of the well established knowledge of the spelling, which has been used in virtually every form of media that's followed the original episodes, along with the scripts themselves, rather than stating as a matter of fact, that we're all wrong.

I'd recommend buying a reprint of the "Knight of the Juggernaut" script.
That is irrefutable proof.

It was co-written by the man who created the "Garth" character.
It was the last usage of the Garth character in the original series.

The name is spelled correctly.
The producer and co-writer of the script has even acknowledged the correction.
Why doesn't KRO track him down for an interview? I'd imagine Burton will say the same
thing he told me 11 years back.

I don't have to be nice to tell the truth.
But it doesn't change the fact that its the truth.

I only attack those who continue spreading blatantly wrong info.
...if something sounds silly -- I'm gonna make fun of it.
I'm blunt. Its serves me well in L.A.

[Lost Knight]

I only attack those who continue spreading blatantly wrong info.
...if something sounds silly -- I'm gonna make fun of it.
I'm blunt. Its serves me well in L.A.

It is unfair, however, to make fun of the mass amount of fans who have relied on original scripts and just about every other form of media that says the name is Garthe.

If anything, you should be making fun of Universal, Robert Foster himself, Wikipedia, David Hasselhoff, etc. It is unfair to knock the rest of us for perpetuating an apparent mistake made by the character's creator himself. THAT is fact.

[Matthew]

I don't have to nice to tell the truth.
But it doesn't change the fact that its the truth.
I'm blunt. Its serves me well in L.A.

I’m afraid that whilst you’re right that you don’t have to be nice, you do have be civil, and I believe it’s fair to say that your behavior has been closer to what we would consider trolling thus far.

What’s served you well at home isn’t going to serve you well here, and I would ask that you consider this in the future, as we’re a good bunch, and will in all likelihood be willing to forgive your initial transgressions.

Under the circumstances, I believe that we should all agree to disagree on this, and move on, because if we continue, we’ll simply go round in the same circles that we’ve already covered numerous times this evening.

Matt

[HisNameisGarth]

I only attack those who continue spreading blatantly wrong info.
...if something sounds silly -- I'm gonna make fun of it.
I'm blunt. Its serves me well in L.A.

It is unfair, however, to make fun of the mass amount of fans who have relied on original scripts and just about every other form of media that say's the name is Garthe.

If anything, you should be making fun of Universal, Robert Foster himself, Wikipedia, David Hasselhoff, etc. It is unfair to knock the rest of us for perpetuating an apparent mistake made by the character's creator himself. THAT is fact.

Perhaps.
But, hopefully this discussion will be duly noted and corrected for future references (Wiki, KRO, FanFics, Knight Rider Legacy, etc)

Hopefully, fans can at least gain some insight behind-the-scenes as best as can be pieced together 25 years later. I was too young to have worked on the original series -- but I have met a lot of people involved with it.

It was a error made by Foster in Season 2. He finally had time to correct it by Season 4. I just wish the fans had been better informed.... and had noticed the correction by now. But, let's face it. Season 4 ratings were terrible -- most people weren't watching by the time the "Garth" error had been fixed.

Not suprised about Hasselhoff:
David is kind of an airhead. I'm met him several times -- he's a nice guy, but not very bright. Not shocked that he didn't figure it out by now. Listen to the commentary on the Pilot. It sounds like Glen can't believe how much David didn't know about KR.