#1-11: "Day Turns Into Knight"

[KryptonSite]

Count down to the episode's airing and then discuss it LIVE with other fans when it's on! KARR IS COMING!

[TransGoJoBot]

This has been my favorite episode to date. Would have rather seen Carrie bite it, rather than "Our Father".

Loved it.. and that preview for next week.. I loved hearing Peter Cullen say "Kitt Must Die!"

I can't wait!

[moviefan2k4]

I've unfortunately missed the last couple of episodes, but tonight's was a very welcome relief from all the rampant cliches and illicit sex the season encountered in its first half. If the storytelling and action can be retained at this level every week, I'd dare to say that "Knight Rider" could eventually become a flagship show for NBC.

[miller31]

For someone who missed last week's show (and didn't know that this would be the part 2 of it), "Day Turns Into Knight" definitely hit the ground running. While I appreciated the action and tension of this episode, it seemed like a complete over-reaction to my previous complaint of too much eye candy and innuendo. Make no mistake that this is preferable to the gratuitous flesh and conversation of the earlier episode, but this took almost all the fun out of an escapist show.

I know my criticism sounds very Goldilocks ("too soft"/"too hard"), but it is my honest impression. Driving KITT, while exciting, shouldn't be so life and death. Hopefully, they'll find a balance now that the cast has been whittled down some (a necessary move, IMHO).

Before I go off to catch part 1 online, I have a couple of questions: who wrote this ep? Under the WINTER STORM and WIND CHILL notices which took up most of my screen, I could have sworn it was Glen Larson. Also, was the theme music more classic? It didn't seem as "re-mixed" as before...or maybe I'm just getting used to it.

[VenomHonda]

I hear you on those Storm Warnings Miller..and yet we don't get crap! It was annoying!

The episode was ok. I felt that aspects of the show are more and more campy than ever. I liked Mike Turbo Boosting away from the Cop, however, Mike cannot react to Turbo Boost like The Hoff could in the 80's (I miss that!) They need to fix Attack Mode (cough cough Super Pursuit Mode) and make it look more like the pilot version, cause that has been much better than the current Attack Mode (hate those Lambo doors and solid Billet Wheels!!)

I think it was wise to take away the cast. I think that when Sarah restarts FLAGG they need to have some homage to Devon.

When are we going to see KITT (Two Thousand) or at least a cameo by William Daniels?

[Antithesis]

I liked this episode. The turbo boost looked more like a jet takeoff or something. I kinda liked it. They at least partially explained that kITT couldn't handle the explosion. I felt sorry for Carrie. The her job was obviously her life. I also liked how they shot Carrie in the hospital bed. I'd imagine she's fairly close to my age, but they made her look like a little girl which makes sense It's like we were seeing her through her father's eyes. I did even like the "our Father is Gone" line from KITT it made it seem like he AI is evoling a little bit to put it that way.

The only part I didn't like was how Graiman died. It was completely pointless. The day had already been saved as it were which just made his death tragic. I hate tragic deaths. That brings a show too close to real life. Would it have been that hard to have him in KITT and then shot by one of the bad guys trying to save Alaura or something. Something that would've had some honor to it.

[cybevenom]

I liked the last show and this one as well. The only thing i still can't grasp is why a totally useless character like carrie survives (written out of series nontheless) and a character that still had some great potential for occasional appearances gets killed off by a useless plottwist.

Loved KITT's comment "our father is dead". Wonder if next time there will be a burial ceremony and will KITT be there for his "father" would be kinda cool ifso.

very curious for next weeks episode. Let's hope the can keep the momentum going for the duration of this season

[KryptonSite]

I'm disappointed we never got to see an episode dealing with Graiman and Michael Knight (the original). Bruce Davison seemed to imply that they were "peers," so it'd have been cool, even if more realistically Devon Miles would have been his peer.

It's also disappointing that once the show starts getting things situated and better (although still not perfect)... American Idol comes along and blasts the ratings, doing KR no favors. Still, I think KR did pretty well, considering.

[Nibiru]

Sux that this show is wrapping. It's just hitting it's stride.. KR fans petition for the show to go on!!!!

[hansioux]

GPS doesn't measure altitude my ..........

[RJSC]

GPS doesn't measure altitude my ..........

Yeah.. They're getting pretty sloppy!
I still cant believe that someone in the all production team let it pass :confused:
If I was on the production team I'd be really ashamed by now.

Another thing: Civilian GPS receivers deliberately stop working at 18 kilometers (60,000 ft) altitude. They went up to ... ft?

Form Wikipedia:
To help prevent civilian GPS guidance from being used in an enemy's military or improvised weaponry, the US Government controls the export of civilian receivers. A US-based manufacturer cannot generally export a GPS receiver unless the receiver contains limits restricting it from functioning when it is simultaneously (1) at an altitude above 18 kilometers (60,000 ft) and (2) traveling at over 515 m/s (1,000 knots).<sup id="cite_ref-72" class="reference">[73] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Positioning_System#cite_note-72)</sup> These parameters are well above the operating characteristics of the typical cruise missile (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruise_missile), but would be characteristic of the reentry vehicle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reentry_vehicle) from a ballistic missile (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballistic_missile).

[Xanderman]

I enjoyed the ep. They seem to be continuing in the right direction which is nice to see (ie. making the show more serious and dramatic). We got some more Speed tribute-paying this ep of course--Kitt and company going up in the plane to fool the villain is similar to the trick in Speed where the passengers were taken off the bus without the villain knowing. We can't be sure Sarah's father actually died, it's sort of a tv/movie rule that if you don't actually see the character die, they probably didn't. He might have decided to fake his death for whatever reason, who knows. (That said, if that actor/character is one of the ones who are getting the boot, then it was probably a real death.) And I was surprised they had the fbi chick survive considering her character is being taken out anyway, I would have just let her die and be done with it. But I really liked what they did instead of just killing her, it was more original and heartfelt. (Wow, Knight Rider becoming an action-drama instead of an action-camp-sex romp? Lol things are looking up.)

[hansioux]

I enjoyed the ep. They seem to be continuing in the right direction which is nice to see (ie. making the show more serious and dramatic).

And less intelligent at the same time? I feel like I was insulted with the amount and the magnitudes of errors on the past 2 episodes. If they are not looking up facts, I rather they just go with the campy way, that way I know it's just for kicks.

The things the messed up isn't like astrophysics or anything. GPS is in every one of yall's cell phones. That's part of the government's E911 mandate. When you make an emergency call on your cell phone, the government will get more and more accurate location of where you are depending what phase the mandate is being implemented.

GPS is in cars, in cameras, it's as common today as toasters. And yet they bust out a line like "GPS doesn't measure altitude" .

Not only that, the person who said it was supposed to be an tech wiz.

And let's not talk about logical errors they've made on the past two shows. I seriously don't get how these two episode are better than say "A Hard Day's Knight".

Remember that episode? Mike was poisoned and manipulated to do as he was told? How was that any less dramatic than this episode? Why the bashing then and the praise now? What changed? Because I only noticed more sloppy writing.

(Wow, Knight Rider becoming an action-drama instead of an action-camp-sex romp? Lol things are looking up.)

So you only have issues with showing skin but no problems with sexy but useless characters. You had issue with terrorist of the day plot when they showed bikinis, but ok with terrorist of the day when it was 3 hot Russians in skin tight leather?

Writing is very important. If you can't buy into the logic of why things are done, then the show isn't working. Right now the writing is so sloppy that I have a hard time understanding why anything is done.

But at least you are happy.

[Xanderman]

The show seems to be trying to improve/change, move in another direction and I give it credit for that. Don't Stop the Knight was the best ep to date imo, this one wasn't as good but on the right path just the same. Sorry you don't see it that way. (By the way, when did I bash A Hard Day's Knight? I don't think I posted a specific review for that.)

[hansioux]

The show seems to be trying to improve/change, move in another direction and I give it credit for that. Don't Stop the Knight was the best ep to date imo, this one wasn't as good but on the right path just the same. Sorry you don't see it that way. (By the way, when did I bash A Hard Day's Knight? I don't think I posted a specific review for that.)

so when there were only 7 episodes of the new Knight Rider out there, you decided to lash out on the series in general from Terrorist of the Week, T&A , to not a family program, and most of all you said it was poor writing, compared it to V.I.P., and you didn't acknowledge "A Hard Day's Knight".

But when there's a Speed imitation 2 parter, you give it credit for "improving/changing"?

By the way, how is this new format a family program? Unless shooting a bunch of people is family quality. Because in that case I want to recommend the newest episode of Battlestar Galactica.

All I wanna say is, if I go to watch Alvin and the Chipmunks, I won't be expecting accuracy on anything. But if the show try to make itself seem very realistic, like for example 24, then it better get the simple facts and simple motives/logic right. Especially when the setting is present day.

[superpal1]

The show has really hit the mark each week since the Halloween episode. The writing of the show, as well as the acting is greatly improving. KITT does not sound so monotone either. I am wondering if that was intentionally done in the earlier episodes, so that we could get a sense of growth in KITT. This was a great two part episode that got me hooked. I liked the whole (speed ripoff) and the way they got around KITT having to keep his speed up. The trailer for next week looks fantastic.

[Xanderman]

so when there were only 7 episodes of the new Knight Rider out there, you decided to lash out on the series in general from Terrorist of the Week, T&A , to not a family program, and most of all you said it was poor writing, compared it to V.I.P., and you didn't acknowledge "A Hard Day's Knight".

But when there's a Speed imitation 2 parter, you give it credit for "improving/changing"?

By the way, how is this new format a family program? Unless shooting a bunch of people is family quality. Because in that case I want to recommend the newest episode of Battlestar Galactica.

All I wanna say is, if I go to watch Alvin and the Chipmunks, I won't be expecting accuracy on anything. But if the show try to make itself seem very realistic, like for example 24, then it better get the simple facts and simple motives/logic right. Especially when the setting is present day.#1. When did I say anything about this being a family program, or me wanting it to be one. I think you're confusing me with somebody else, or just lumping us all together. #2. What does it matter if I didn't specifically "acknowledge" A Hard Day's Knight. I enjoyed some eps, did I ever say I hated each and every episode...no. My ongoing criticisms of KR have been more in overall terms, not on each and every specific episode. And if you hadn't noticed, I wasn't alone. The people in charge themselves recognized a need for a change (or were forced to change, who cares). Of course some episodes were better than others, that goes without saying. #3. What's wrong with homages/tributes. Unless you hated Speed...? (I mean copying Speed is a ten times better idea than copying anything they've done before now, that's for sure. lol They most definitely get credit for realizing that. heh j/k) #4. I don't know how this format is a "family" program nor do I care. Again, confusing me with somebody else. #5. I don't care about Battlestar Galactica. #6. I agree with you that if they're trying to be more realistic/serious (ie. less campy), they should get their facts/logic straight. That said, KR's recent failings in that department weren't enough to detract from my enjoyment in any significant way. If it was a big thing for you, that's fine. But it wasn't for everyone. I'm just happy they seem to be transitioning the show into something different, what so far seems to be better. You don't have to agree.

[hansioux]

#1. When did I say anything about this being a family program, or me wanting it to be one. I think you're confusing me with somebody else, or just lumping us all together.

yeah, the family show part was probably phoenix. sorry about that.


#2. What does it matter if I didn't specifically "acknowledge" A Hard Day's Knight. I enjoyed some eps, did I ever say I hated each and every episode...no. My ongoing criticisms of KR have been more in overall terms, not on each and every specific episode. And if you hadn't noticed, I wasn't alone. The people in charge themselves recognized a need for a change (or were forced to change, who cares). Of course some episodes were better than others, that goes without saying.

Everything good about "Day Turns Into Knight" was already in "A Hard Day's Knight" and that was like that 4th episode. The networks often forces producers to make changes, and often times it isn't a good thing.

Whether this one is a good choice or not has yet to be seen, however, the fact that it was forced to make changes with only 7 or less episodes out, with more than a couple shows that even those who criticized the show agreed it was quality. What does that say about the decision to change?

Take Smallville for example, just because it got a lot of viewers in the first season, doesn't mean season 1 of Smallville is quality or that it was on the right track. But just because it had the numbers it wasn't asked to change. So the freak of the week, Lana gets in trouble every week, drooling Lana perverts turning into freaks continued for YEARS. But it had the number, so the network did nothing.

NBC shows on the other hand needed a lot better numbers to justify staying on than CW shows. It wasn't because the new KR was crap for the first 7 episodes that the restart happened. And that is why even with the restart, the new KR probably won't stay on Network TV for long.

You said there were bound to be good and bad episodes, then why were the focus on the bad ones?


#3. What's wrong with homages/tributes. Unless you hated Speed...? (I mean copying Speed is a ten times better idea than copying anything they've done before now, that's for sure. lol They most definitely get credit for realizing that. heh j/k)

I loved speed and all the "Frak mes" that one of Bill & Ted was busting out. But I wouldn't call ripping off from a movie "great writing", especially when there were something to build upon and the end result was still very sloppy.

Look, TV shows are all ripping off crap. Every episode of anything based their story on some previous work. If you go on Memory Alpha, and look at the production notes on most of the Star Trek TNG or DS9 episodes, it would say "we based the idea on this movie or that book". But most of the time when you watch it you don't go "Damn I've seen this already".

The fact that this was the episode where everyone suddenly switches and say "hey, KR is on the right track" when the writing was one of the biggest criticism they've had, is pretty sad.


#6. I agree with you that if they're trying to be more realistic/serious (ie. less campy), they should get their facts/logic straight. That said, KR's recent failings in that department weren't enough to detract from my enjoyment in any significant way. If it was a big thing for you, that's fine. But it wasn't for everyone. I'm just happy they seem to be transitioning the show into something different, what so far seems to be better. You don't have to agree.

The GPS was just the most obvious sloppiness in the show, but it's the parts where the writing just made no sense that turns me off. It's when KITT was alone and seemly unable to help Mike out by not letting the terrorists get to him. Or when Mike was already in the room, and KITT was still unable to do anything. Yet we know KITT has all kinds of weapons that he could have used.

Not just that, the plan was to send KITT alone to distract the terrorist, you think they can do a better job on planning it. So that KITT didn't have to wait until the last moment to realize he has to talk to the terrorist in Michael's voice. Or not let the terrorist find out it was only a talking car. KITT and Michael could have figured it out on the way to the site.

They could planned everything out and still get foiled by the terrorist, that's what great writing is. That's what makes great villains and great heroes. Great writing is not making the main characters looking like idiots. Wasn't that already the criticism for Smallville anyway?

By the way, the GPS was a important plot line. It is the only reason why KITT didn't explode, because they thought they can fly the car up and fool the terrorist into thinking KITT was still in motion. So it wasn't just random unimportant line that a geek happen to pick up on. That is sloppy. And it also made the main villain look like an idiot. Stupid bad guys doesn't help to paint KITT/Michael great heroes either.

[Xanderman]

Fair enough, Hansioux.

By the way you get no arguments from me on that "Kitt doing absolutely nothing" plothole from part one, I talked about that as well. As for the GPS goof, I don't really know that much about GPS myself so I just accepted their explanation, and I'm guessing that was true for a lot of viewers. I did sort of question it when I heard it, but I wasn't sure. Curse them for taking advantage of my trusting nature, lol.