The Knight Rider 2008 Positive Feedback Thread

[Matthew]

Hi everyone,

This thread has been created for positive feedback purposes. If you haven’t seen our announcement, this thread has been created as a means of tracking what everyone has to say about the positive aspects of the show.

You’ll find a thread for the negative aspects of the show here.

Whilst posting your thoughts, please break them down into individual categories, so that we can easily keep track of what’s deemed to be in good shape.

Thanks guys.

Matt

[PHOENIXZERO]

Weird, this got made when it did.. I was thinking about making a topic in a couple days where I was going to start re-watching every episode so far and then write only what I liked about them, minus the dislikes in an attempt to try to be more positive again. I guess I'll be doing that here now when I get to it. I hope this works but I kind of doubt it since a lot of members feel the need to create their own topics just to express the same things they could in topics that already exist. Might end up needing to do a lot of merging.

Not to try and stay on topic, I think most of the best scenes have involved Mike and KITT when they're alone.

[Tony P Knight Driver]

Same here I was thinking about starting a similar thread..So here is what I started saying..I posted it on the other thread as well. I really would like to see Knight Rider make it as a series so...

Fellow Knight Rider enthusiasts..

In reviewing the recent topics and discussion threads here I realized that I am as guilty of this as anyone, of helping the new Knight Rider series get cancelled with all of our negativity.

As I said I am as responsible as anyone, there are many things I do not like, but there are also many things I do like.

I would like to see us as a whole try and accept and support the show for what it is show, another incarnation of Knight Rider.

Granted many of us a maybe disappointed with the show and feel it has been mis-represented to us. But, I think Mathew is right, in, that we need some constructive expressions of support instead of all the destructive comments.

The 2008 movie was a direct continuation of the original Knight Rider, the new series is not. That being said the new series is being reinvented to hopefully correct the direction of the show. We know what’s wrong and we all have voiced our opinions on how to fix the show, I am giving the producers the benefit of the doubt and believing they listened to us.

But even if they didn’t, the show isn’t that terrible. When compared to some of the shows out there.

One thing I have thought of is; what if the original Knight Rider never existed would this show be that bad? I don’t think it would be, sure they need to fix a couple of things but not every show does well right out of the gate.

I think everyone, including me, has been comparing it to the original which is really unfair to the new show. I think we need to stop comparing it, honor the original in our own ways, but stop expect the Hoff or KI2T to appear and save the show.

Lets support the cast and writers of this show and help them save it. If the Hoff or KI2T show up hey that’s an added bonus.

I would like to see every one of us support Knight Rider in its newest incarnation, in the hopes it will succeed beyond one season.

So watch it regularly, invite a friend to watch with you, post positive comments, and lets enjoy the show for its entertainment value and not forsake it for the sake of nostalgia.

[_K3000_]

Hey man i've been positive about this show all the way this whole time! I luv the show and iI hope the reboot will help it even more

[tamatt27]

Well I'll start out the comments:
1) The relationship between Mike and KITT is great. I especially like the scene where KITT is watching westerns with Mike. I do think KITT being a character instead of a prop is VERY important. KITT's relationship with Mike should be top priority.
2) KITT learning is a very good addition to the show. He should learn something new every show. KITT should mimic a few things aout Data from STG: TNG. Data wanted to be human (I do think it's important that KITT doesn't want to do that), but he aspired to be better than himself. KITT should learn to make decisions of his own based off previous experiences, instead of his basic program. This may lead to him endangering a human life at some point to save many. That, however, should never take KITT to go rogue. KITT should ALWAYS be loyal to Mike due to their relationship. KITT being Mike's voice of reason, and vica versa.
3) Although I don't like the fact that Dr. Graiman is leaving, I do think it's important to have a solid connection to the original series evident in every episode. This series could take the ST:TNG formula of being linked to the orignal series via the Enterprise. KITT(the mustang) shouldn't be considered a link to the past, but more of a new character of this series. I don't support Hasselhoff returning for a full-time role, but I do think that something needs to be done.
4) The sexual tension between Mike and Sarah should be toned down. This show should be about character development, with it centering around KITT. <--I guess that turned out to be constructive criticizm rather than positive feedback.

[Kram061-1]

GOOD THINGS:

1.) The voice Modulator looks excellent, especially compared to that silly thing from the pilot, which was far to reminiscent of Knight Rider 2000, in KIFT. This voice modulator is actually a believable upgraded version of the 3 bar version from TOS.

2.) The Grappling Hook, Laser, Sound blasting thing EMF or whatever. All very good.

3.) Charles Gramain. ( I know it's a moot point now, but I'll say it anyway!) The one guy that probably should not be getting kicked off the show. In fact, if anything, he should have had increased screen time.
3b.) Knocking off the 2 FBI agents is the right move. Billy is cool, but Zoe could go too for all I care
4.) The scanner sound.

5.) They need to work on this more, but the Michael Knight+KITT relationship is coming along nicely.

6.) The object maker in the back seat. Neat concept.

7.) I mentioned this in the other thread, constructive criticism, but it deserves to be mentioned her too. TURBO BOOST!!!!!!!!! Needs to be used far more than it has up until now, but they did bring it back, which is worth mentioning, and a very good thing.

8.) KITT driving himself to cover the bomb. Excellent.

More to come as I think of stuff.........

[HisNameisGarth]

This thread is long overdue.
I applaud Matthew on starting it.

Positive and creative/constructive criticism can help the show achieve a renewal.

As a fan of all incarnations of KR, I am happy to see it.

As for ways to help improve KR08 -- I wish they would move closer to the format of TOS.
Namely -- "One man can make a difference." Some episodes should be just about
Michael Knight and KITT -- nothing else.

Also, the show needs more actual highway driving sequences. You remember? Those long driving
montages with the KR theme blasting -- maybe a little voiceover like Richard Baseheart (Wilton Knight)
used to do at the end of the show? That would rock!

...and as many Turbo Boosts as they can afford!

[Bryan KITT Fan]

I would also like to add a short opinion here.

I happen to love the show. I think it's great that NBC took a chance and brought this show back. It's not perfect but then no show is. But it's great and a lot of fun to watch.

I like:

1. Val Kilmer as KITT. Good voice. I like the interaction between him and all the characters, and him and Mike in particular. There should be more of that. And more of him learning.

2. KITT as a Mustang. Why not? There are no new Trans Ams on the road, the new Camaro isn't out yet. The Mustang has always been the Firebird's direct competition. So using it is a logical choice.

3. Dr. Graiman on the show. I really enjoyed in the pilot how the old KITT was nicely bridged to the new KITT. Having Graiman around is a constant reminder of that. I also like KITT's rapport with him. Almost father to son. Nice touch.

3. Attack Mode, truck mode, and color change mode. The other transformations are a bit much.

4. Michael saving the day with KITT's help. Can't get enough of that. Oh and KITT's tech abilities. Love it. Keep it.

5. Justin as Michael. Great guy for the job.

6. Sarah, Billy and Zoe. Well rounded supporting cast that bring lots of little extras to the show.

There's more I like but it's late and I'm a bit tired. Hope this helps. Oh and I am an original fan of the original series. Even had a 3/4 sleeve KR shirt as a kid. Good times.

[Charlie Brown]

- I LOVE the transformation ability on KI3T. It brings a brand new dimension to missions, and compared to TOS, allows KI3T to be more involved in a hands-on fashion. Remember that in TOS, unless it was transporting MK Sr., rescuing MK Sr., or chasing the bad guys, KI2T's role was basically information gathering and research.

- Related to Transforms...what I would really love to see is a new Silent Mode: KI2T had a Silent Mode button...why can't KI3T have a Silent Mode transformation? The sleek all-black fan-made Attack Mode photo comes to mind; if the writers want to keep Attack Mode the same, take the fan art and work it into a Silent Mode or Camouflage Mode or Infiltration Mode...or something. You get the idea. KI3T should be able to make minor modifications to his shell, right? I don't think a transform requires a complete frame change.

- A big draw of TOS was seeing KI2T do stuff normal cars wouldn't do; jump, ski mode, drive really really fast. Thankfully KI3T has his moments of cool as well; but there aren't enough of them. More! Please! CG and Non-CG alike! Believe me; it's one thing to see KI3T move with the speedometer reading 150/200/300MPH, and another thing to see (and hear) KI3T fly by the camera leaving regular traffic in the dust! If you compare the pilot movie to the 8 episodes, KI3T actually looks faster in the pilot.

- A HUGE reason why "Knight in Shining Armor" didn't work for me, but "A Hard Day's Knight" (and "Knight of the Zodiac" now that I think of it) did work for me: The Pace! Knight Rider episodes are not about breakneck, do-it-now, "We're running out of time!" 24-esque speed missions, which is basically what KiSA turned out to be. True Knight Rider missions are slow, developed, do-the-research, look-at-all-the-options, do-it-right-without-casualties! So Mike got poisoned and only has 3 hours to live? Mike does NOT go into panic mode, dash around town, kicking bad guy butt until one of the mooks produces the antidote at the last moment. That's the "action hero genre" approach. Instead, Mike's smart enough to make not one, but TWO pit stops at the KITTCave to pow-wow with the rest of the cast, and figure out the optimal approach to save his life. That's smart writing...KR writing: Let the plot develop.

- I have a soft spot for the KITTCave; besides the fact that the real life KITTCave entrance is 2 blocks from my house, it's definitely a good representation of how the times have changed technologically, and how not everything you need to fight crime can fit into a semi anymore. Or that such vast information can be managed by only one person (or car with AI). If the bad guys carry bigger guns, so must the good guys, right?

- I like the core of Mike, Sarah, Billy, and Zoe. I really think that giving Dr. Graiman the axe is a bad move, with or without the 'Hoff returning, but with that group of 4 and KI3T, the loss of the father figure can be managed without hurting the series too much. Mike and KI3T's role are obvious; Sarah and Billy mirror Bonnie's serious technician role very well; Zoe channels both April (easy going but still technically and generally smart) and RC3 (street smarts) at times; Billy actually channels a little bit of Devon (hard-nosed worry wart) once in awhile.

[Garthe Knight]

I loved all the scenes, where KITT in normal mode had something to do and showed he was more than a stock car.
- KITT speeding in "Knight of the Hunter"
- KITT "defusing" the bomb in "I Wanna Rock & Roll All Knight"
- KITT firing the Laser in "Journey to the End of the Knight"
- KITT driving on his own in normal mode

I also loved the personal moments between Mike and KITT, when they were having a deeper conversation or just joking around.

And I loved the typical KR moments, e.g. when the two bad guys take Mike into that room at the beginning of "A Knight In Shining Armor" and a moment later he leaves the room alone. That's classic.

Apart from the storyside I like KITT's classic scanner sound, I like that they sort of reused the old voice modulator giving it also a personal note.

And I think the whole background story with Mike can't remembering, KARR, Graiman having a skeleton in his closet and such is not bad. Those secrets are the only things that keep me watching right now. They just shouldn't make it too complicated.

Oh, and I am one of those who actually like the relationships between the characters, Billy and Zoe, Mike and Sarah.

[Tony P Knight Driver]

Ok based on what I understand the producers and cast of Knight Rider do regularly watch this site, and read the comments we leave here.

So forgive me if I am out of line but I think this need to be said.

To the cast of Knight Rider, I would like to offer a sincere heartfelt apology to them for the way the show has been received by the fans. The cast should understand that the comments made here, are not a direct reflection of their efforts. But an expression of frustration at the manner in which the network, the Producers and the writers have executed the return of a series which has stood as an television icon for over 25 years.

My thoughts on the actors: althought it took me a while to realize this isnt a continuation but a remake of Knight Rider, I have alway complimented the actors work.Just to reiterate my position.

Justin Bruening as I have stated before is doing an excellent job as Michael Knight and the way he interacts with KITT is both entertaining and credible.

Deanna Russo, what can I say, she does look good in a bikini, the tension between Mike and Sarah is very believable, as is the manner in which she portrays her character. Sarah isn’t just another pretty face she is smart to. But admittedly I liked Sarah more like she was in he movie version.

Paul Campbell, Billy is great as the ubber geek of Knight Industries.

Smith Cho, I haven’t figured out that character yet but I like what been done so far.

KITT – KITT should stay a Mustang and not transform into some other vehicle… Other then that keep the sunny side up and the greasy side down.. oh and jump something then crash through a wall ..will ya..

I am sorry to see Bruce Davidson leave I think he could have filled the role of Michael’s mentor very nicely.

As for Sydney Tamiia Poitier and Yancey Arias. As a former union leader I am sorry to see anyone lose work, but I believe the eliminations of the characters they portrayed are in the best interests of the series if the series is to continue..

Most of the complaints I have seen or discussion I have been part of relate to the storyline issues, writing, special effects, transformer insertion, commercialism and failure to create a continuation of the original series.Not the work of the Actors.

To the actors themselves you deserve to know that most of the comments here are not directed towards you, but are made out of frustration.

Please do whatever you can to keep Knight Rider rolling. We will continue to watch.

[KRAvengerII]

- I LOVE the transformation ability on KI3T. It brings a brand new dimension to missions, and compared to TOS, allows KI3T to be more involved in a hands-on fashion. Remember that in TOS, unless it was transporting MK Sr., rescuing MK Sr., or chasing the bad guys, KI2T's role was basically information gathering and research.

- Related to Transforms...what I would really love to see is a new Silent Mode: KI2T had a Silent Mode button...why can't KI3T have a Silent Mode transformation? The sleek all-black fan-made Attack Mode photo comes to mind; if the writers want to keep Attack Mode the same, take the fan art and work it into a Silent Mode or Camouflage Mode or Infiltration Mode...or something. You get the idea. KI3T should be able to make minor modifications to his shell, right? I don't think a transform requires a complete frame change.

- A big draw of TOS was seeing KI2T do stuff normal cars wouldn't do; jump, ski mode, drive really really fast. Thankfully KI3T has his moments of cool as well; but there aren't enough of them. More! Please! CG and Non-CG alike! Believe me; it's one thing to see KI3T move with the speedometer reading 150/200/300MPH, and another thing to see (and hear) KI3T fly by the camera leaving regular traffic in the dust! If you compare the pilot movie to the 8 episodes, KI3T actually looks faster in the pilot.

- A HUGE reason why "Knight in Shining Armor" didn't work for me, but "A Hard Day's Knight" (and "Knight of the Zodiac" now that I think of it) did work for me: The Pace! Knight Rider episodes are not about breakneck, do-it-now, "We're running out of time!" 24-esque speed missions, which is basically what KiSA turned out to be. True Knight Rider missions are slow, developed, do-the-research, look-at-all-the-options, do-it-right-without-casualties! So Mike got poisoned and only has 3 hours to live? Mike does NOT go into panic mode, dash around town, kicking bad guy butt until one of the mooks produces the antidote at the last moment. That's the "action hero genre" approach. Instead, Mike's smart enough to make not one, but TWO pit stops at the KITTCave to pow-wow with the rest of the cast, and figure out the optimal approach to save his life. That's smart writing...KR writing: Let the plot develop.

- I have a soft spot for the KITTCave; besides the fact that the real life KITTCave entrance is 2 blocks from my house, it's definitely a good representation of how the times have changed technologically, and how not everything you need to fight crime can fit into a semi anymore. Or that such vast information can be managed by only one person (or car with AI). If the bad guys carry bigger guns, so must the good guys, right?

- I like the core of Mike, Sarah, Billy, and Zoe. I really think that giving Dr. Graiman the axe is a bad move, with or without the 'Hoff returning, but with that group of 4 and KI3T, the loss of the father figure can be managed without hurting the series too much. Mike and KI3T's role are obvious; Sarah and Billy mirror Bonnie's serious technician role very well; Zoe channels both April (easy going but still technically and generally smart) and RC3 (street smarts) at times; Billy actually channels a little bit of Devon (hard-nosed worry wart) once in awhile.

You have the entrance to the KITTcave two blocks from your house? can you tell me what it is? An airplane hangar, army bunker, what? i have no idea what thing is supposed to be. Other than that, I have really nothing new to add at this point- i plan to re-watch most of the episodes on itunes, as i bought a season pass, so I may add something later.

[Charlie Brown]

...- I have a soft spot for the KITTCave; besides the fact that the real life KITTCave entrance is 2 blocks from my house...

You have the entrance to the KITTcave two blocks from your house? can you tell me what it is? An airplane hangar, army bunker, what? i have no idea what thing is supposed to be. Other than that, I have really nothing new to add at this point- i plan to re-watch most of the episodes on itunes, as i bought a season pass, so I may add something later.

It is an airplane hangar on an abandoned military airport in Tustin, CA.

Guess what Michael and KI3T drive towards when they exit the KITTCave?

[KRAvengerII]

well sure- gotta get all those free samples.

[PHOENIXZERO]

Well, then I guess we know where they go when the KITTCave runs out of toilet paper.

[KRAvengerII]

Don't forget, has to be environmentally friendly.

[FX23]

jason and sarah are good. they should keep them in and change everything else

[Kram061-1]

Now as for KITT: I very much like this Shelby as KITT, and I have NEVER been a Mustang fan. (I do like these new ones though.) Val Kilmer was an excellent choice for the voice, and he has done a superb job. He is so well spoken, and proper, which is how KI2T was, with William Daniels. He is, in my opinion, as close to Bill Daniels as you can find out there today.

[PHOENIXZERO]

I certainly like is KITT "learning" (they just need to make it consistent) and picking up things from the characters around him, including potential negative traits or bad habits to an extent. I hope they don't drop that because it would give the new KITT the chance to really evolve in a way the original KITT really didn't aside from the end Knight of the Phoenix with Michael and KITT becoming friends..

I think I'm going to finish writing what I was last night and post it in the "creative" forum...

[Sky_Blue_Civic]

...- I have a soft spot for the KITTCave; besides the fact that the real life KITTCave entrance is 2 blocks from my house...

You have the entrance to the KITTcave two blocks from your house? can you tell me what it is? An airplane hangar, army bunker, what? i have no idea what thing is supposed to be. Other than that, I have really nothing new to add at this point- i plan to re-watch most of the episodes on itunes, as i bought a season pass, so I may add something later.

It is an airplane hangar on an abandoned military airport in Tustin, CA.

Guess what Michael and KI3T drive towards when they exit the KITTCave?

Gotta love those free samples!

No wonder the KITTcave never runs out of supplies! I wonder if they take KI3T to the gas station there sometimes. A lot of Costcos have them.

[My_Friend_KITT]

A lot of the people have already hit it all my points already.

Love KITT learning...
Love the Sci-fi gadjets...
Love Val Kilmer as KITT... A voice change would not match KI3T.
Love the special Micheal and KITT times...The Western movie...
I loved all of the turbo boost scenes...Even the neon on the bottom...
Love the dash color change when KITT is in Attack Mode...Blue to Red
Love the transformations...Do agree, however, the modified truck looks much better than the standard.
Love KITT's abilities and want to see him use more of them...
I loved Bruce Davidson's character and will miss him...

That's it for now. I will think of more later. Probably right after I submit this.

[85DropTopTA]

Love the theme song.

I liked the convertable version of KITT as well. It should be used again. but maybe without pink strips. unless Sarah is driving.

[FuzzieDice]

1. I think Val Kilmer is doing a fantastic job voicing KITT! I think he's pegging it dead on in how a computerized car with AI would act. It's almost realistic. I hope that he keeps doing what he's doing and growing the character like he is. Awesome work!

2. The Visual Effects guys are amazing! The effects in the show are just fantastic. I love how they did the HUD, and am getting more and more used to the vox. The turbo-boost "inside view" is just WOW.

3. I like the relationship going between Mike and KITT. They are heading in the right direction. Some really fun moments there.

4. Alex Torres. Too bad they are cutting his character out.

5. Charles Graimen. I wish they weren't cutting him either. He'd make a great "Devon" type of character!

6. BIlly and Zoe! They can be SO funny sometimes! That is if some of the inuendo is toned down. But the chemistry is working (in an amusing way).

7. I liked Lisa and Kate. They are cute!

8. KITT being a Mustang was a great idea! I always loved Pontiacs but also always loved Mustangs which is on the other side of the fence, I know. LOL! I was so thrilled when I saw the Mustang as KITT!

9. Adding in things like Turbo Boost, crashing through walls, KITT's learning (as in Knight of the Living Dead), all this stuff was really cool and great to see that he can do a lot of what the original KITT could.

10. KARR is coming back! YAY! Even if he's a transformer Robot I actually like the idea. KARR coming back is something I'm VERY much looking forward to!

11. It seems that the producers and the VFX guys really do listen to the fans and even write in stuff we'd like to see. And having the web sites they have is great. We didn't get all that back when the original was on. So the extra interactiveness is what I think makes the show even more fun.

I'm going to miss KR until Dec. 31st. Seems odd not having to watch it tonight.

[KittKattBar]

I love KI3T. I think Kilmer's voice is very nice, smooth and deep. I hope he develops a bit more personality, but am confident he will. I think the Shelby Mustang is very cool looking. I love his two red scanners and the wooshing sound that is so reminiscent of KI2T's.

I like Bruening as Mike Traceur. I think he's very cute and likable character. I do however, wish that Traceur himself would start acting like an adult in his 20s instead of an overgrown boy.

I love the Sarah and Charles. I'm heartily sorry to see Charles leave the series. I hope he gets to die a heroic death, perhaps saving his daughter or something. I love Sarah and Michael's relationship and feel badly for her when she sees Michael making out with some chick he met.

My favorite moment was when KI3T was the only one who remembered to wish Sarah a happy birthday.

[jeregano]

I like and will miss Charles

I like the KITT Mike dynamic and relationship

I like KITT learning

I like the Mike Sarah relationship (What he's not running around with a new girl every episode...well that's ok)

I like the dynamic between the two in the KITT cave, they offer good comic relief

I like the show mostly.

I like KARR as a weapon of mass destruction.

I like the Mustang, and Val Kilmer

I like a lot about the show so I'll keep youo posted.