What episodes DON'T stand the test of time?
Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 3:01 am
I was thinking about this, a little earlier. We're entering the days where so much of Knight Rider's science fiction is turning into everyday fact. Many drivers have been using mapping systems (GPS) for a few years. Self driving cars are out there (in limited numbers) among all the other vehicles. Phones and other electronics are growing cleaver enough to hold limited levels of conversations. Flying cameras are becoming common enough to buy in select stores. Watches can do everything that Michael's watch once did. (Two way communication/video transmission...tell time. I think we can nix the high voltage transmission bit.)
But, here's my question. What about the plots?
What plot devices still work in these modern times and what is only good for nostalgia references?
For example: Michael getting out of KITT to use a payphone when they have a fight would be as hard a sell today as Superman changing in a phone booth. But, using train tracks as an emergency route still stands the test of time.
Or using turbo to outrun a corrupt cop's malfunctioning radar gun still has some valid value to this day. But, making a stand in a mountain town against a bunch of bikers that are up to no good would seem to be a script more worthy of being under glass in that history of television museum then in use, these days.
While going head-to-head with an urbanized battle tank can still work, would giving a ride to a gypsy kid have any place, these days?
Would putting your brand new car into a demolition derby race still be entertaining or just a bit too simplistic? Or would it just seem too stupid to test a software company's security system to some random guy, like Michael once did to some arcade maker's warehouse?
So, what plots still work with little to no tweaking and what plots are simply outdated? After all, Stevie and Michael's love are pretty much an eternal relationship, regardless of the time. But, a talking teddy bear that makes insults might be too passé.
But, here's my question. What about the plots?
What plot devices still work in these modern times and what is only good for nostalgia references?
For example: Michael getting out of KITT to use a payphone when they have a fight would be as hard a sell today as Superman changing in a phone booth. But, using train tracks as an emergency route still stands the test of time.
Or using turbo to outrun a corrupt cop's malfunctioning radar gun still has some valid value to this day. But, making a stand in a mountain town against a bunch of bikers that are up to no good would seem to be a script more worthy of being under glass in that history of television museum then in use, these days.
While going head-to-head with an urbanized battle tank can still work, would giving a ride to a gypsy kid have any place, these days?
Would putting your brand new car into a demolition derby race still be entertaining or just a bit too simplistic? Or would it just seem too stupid to test a software company's security system to some random guy, like Michael once did to some arcade maker's warehouse?
So, what plots still work with little to no tweaking and what plots are simply outdated? After all, Stevie and Michael's love are pretty much an eternal relationship, regardless of the time. But, a talking teddy bear that makes insults might be too passé.