#1-12: "Knight To King's Pawn"

[KryptonSite]

KITT vs. KARR!
Why does KARR look and sound like Optimus Prime?
8PM, NBC, tonight. Count down to the episode's airing and discuss it LIVE with other fans here!

[krpto]

tonights episode looks good but I'm not sure about the new optimus Karr replacing the old one.

[KryptonSite]

What's really funny is - until a friend pointed out the voice to me - I just thought "cool, Peter Cullen is back!" rather than "whoa, now he looks AND sounds like Optimus Prime!"

Even cooler that... didn't Cullen do KR BEFORE Transformers, originally?

[Antithesis]

Well if you can trust the dates on tv.com then yes. It shows season one of Knight Rider starting in 1982. I would've thought it was 1984. If that was the case it would've been close to the same time if not before.

[dru-zod2501]

omg I can't believe i missed last week, i thought they were starting up tonight...

major suckage:(

----- Added 43 Minutes later -----

Karr ate torres? damn!

[moviefan2k4]

Well aside from the completely unecessary sex-charged teaser, and the ridiculous idea of KARR being a Transformer, this was a decent episode. It wasn't the worst by a longshot, but it could've been so much better. I give it a 6/10, deducting 3 points for the teaser, and one for the Transformer idea.

[dru-zod2501]

I have no reference of any other way Karr could've been done, so I didn't mind that.

The fight was decent after all, better than your average Smallville scuffle

[superspider02]

yea pretty good episode. I liked it, nice to see the messages charles left mike, and sarah. The story was pretty good too. Though i wished they made this karr be the renaments of the original karr. Though i thought it was pretty neat his normal mode was a standard car form that was a nice throw in. The fight scene was pretty nice to though karr shouldnt have been destroyed so easily. Nice to see flag coming back. Wow o wow what a long ammount of money charles left for sarah. Cant wait to see how the rest of the season plays out and hopefully we get another.

[KryptonSite]

I noticed 28 people currently viewing this part of the forum. I think that's the first time people have actually cared since the TV movie pilot. They must be doing something right. lol

I still prefer KARR as a yellow-scanner evil version of KITT... or wished he was still a Trans Am... though maybe they'll explain all that when I actually see the episode. I'm on the West Coast so I still have 2 hours left before it's on.

[MRlovesDC]

I really enjoyed today's show. I think it was one of the best episodes yet. Although I hated to see Dr. Griaman die last week, he set it up so that the legacy would continue. He didn't quite say 'one man could make a difference' but he was close, saying that 'they could make a difference.'

I wasn't crazy about KARR being a transformer robot; however, for a few minutes he was a car just like KI3T. It stands to reason that since they made the new kitt to be able change shape, then why not have KARR be able to.

At one point while they were fighting KARR, he sounded a bit like Darth Vadar in Stars Wars telling Luke that it was "his destiny" to join the emperor. It was pretty funny and KARR sounded like the old KARR too.

I heard a rumor that they were planning to cancel KR, I really hope that is not true. Everyone should go to NBC.com and write them not to cancel it, and give the revamped format a chance.

[BlackMichaelKnight]

It's about time we saw true turbo boost without the attack mode, first time I saw ski mode ( I missed two or three episodes) and I liked this KARR better than the original even though his robot mode was not needed, if they cancel it I demand we send letters because this episodes shows real change and the producers and writers of the show finally showing real talent and effort into creating a real Knight Rider 2.0 as I call it, everyone after this episode give it a real chance, I just hope they stick to this formula they did with this KITT Vs. KARR III as far as storytelling and showing off KITT's features, I liked the seriousness of Billy which shows real character development and also character development of MK Jr and Sarah, I see a bright good change for the better for the rest of the season, NBC renew it because truthfully it's doing better than Bionic Woman 2.0!, there's nothing to replace it on Wednesdays! But maybe try Sundays and better promotion for show episodes and definitely less commercials and more episode and give Glen Larson more input on the show he is a executive producer and creator of the original, I mean come on!, this reboot should of been the actual show instead of a " Lets try it out and see how it goes" whoever did that should be fired!, BMK out.

[KryptonSite]

I really do see a considerable improvement in quality over the early episodes. But could it be too late to make a difference?

I think NBC coasted on KR just being "okay" yet still getting ratings those early weeks. When people got tired of seeing the same episode over and over again every week, they bailed, and now the challenge is getting them back.

I agree this is the kind of show it always should have been. There are still some things I'd want changed personally, but hey I'm no TV exec.

[superspider02]

yea i hope it gets another season and ratings pick up for the last few episodes. As for peter cullen he was the voice of karr in his original first episode, then the next time karr was seen it was another actor.

[moviefan2k4]

As for Peter Cullen, he was the voice of KARR in his original first episode. The next time KARR was seen, it was another actor.Paul Frees voiced KARR in the original series' third season.

[Zaphodspeaks]

i didnt notice, but did Kitt get his old cpu back? or was he using his backup cpu made by Billy? Kitt Said he had gaps in his memory....was his memory wiped because of his connection to Karr? or was it because of the cpu Billy made to bring Kitt back?

If thats the reason.....and if KITT gets those memories back....we may see KARR again?

[GT500KR]

I thought this episode was awsome. I love this series and I have found the last couple of episodes keeping me on the edge of my seat. I think the KARR story isnt over yet and that sarahs father may still be alive, they did it all rather quickly,, just seems like there is more to it yet to come. Pehaps they are going to use the next few eps to develop this new plot with flag and there will be something big in the making for a season ender. Something that will leave a huge cliffhanger an people wanting more.
Either way the special effects are great they have that going for them. In reguards to mike and sarah, im glad something finally happened with them. I think when it come to relationships between characters and the constant build up of when are they going to get together, i cant stand it when they drag it out for so long you just get tired of it.
I also like how kitts personality is developing, he is now more of a character than just a cool car, more like the original kitt.

[krpto]

I don't know if its just me but tonights episode seemed kinda disapointing to me yah we got karr but the whole episode they talked about how dangerous he would be and that he'd kill alot of people but then kitt was fixed fairly easily and stopped karr in under 5 minutes I hope they have the government rebuild karr thinking yet again they know better then the scc and knight industries and flag and that we get a fight between kitt and karr that last more then five minutes and I hope they explain why they call it karr when the previous karrs turned on the humans I mean yes the government is sometime very stupid but they really should get around to explaining this why they made a karr 2 when karr one was so dangerous though that said I'd love to see kitt 2 face karr 2 again or if not this karr a karr 3 or something else as dangerous as karr 2 was said to be.

[PHOENIXZERO]

This episode was nothing but a HUGE wasted opportunity, saying I'm disappointed in how they went about it would be an understatement. Not even the FINALLY mentioning of FLAG or FINALLY mentioning the guy who you know, originally made everything happen (Wilton Knight) could spare just how pissed I am with how KARR was used or more like not used and how it was handled. Top it off, the more and more episodes that come the more it seems like they've erased not only the original KARR but the original KITT as well. The way this was handled completely ruined the episode for me. Total bait and switch.

Aside from that, I wonder how many parents turned the channel in those first five minutes due to the pointless "love scene".

[KryptonSite]

So, now that I've actually seen it a few comments, and it'll sound like a lot of nitpicking:

- The softcore porn is unneeded, as it has been in virtually every episode thus far.
- I still find that I don't particularly care about any of the lead characters. Partly because I don't think the characters care themselves. Mike learning about his missing pieces seemed totally apathetic, and if he doesn't care, why should I?
- I still don't see the point in reviving KARR - with the original voice at that - when the first KARR was such a huge failure. I know it sounds like fan fiction, but I really don't understand what would have hurt in seeing the old-model, Trans Am KARR vs. the modern KITT. One might say "it wouldn't be a fair fight" but considering how many times KITT has been damaged in the new series alone, they might be closer than we think.
- When KITT was deactivated I found the episode boring... I wanted to see more KITT.
- Dr. Graiman's videos were far too "convenient" and contrived.
- I was watching with a friend of mine who'd never seen the original KR, so it was hard to explain to him, but basically... KARR as he was built up should have been as scary of a threat as Goliath was in the original series. The big difference, here? Goliath was scary, and dangerous, and seemed impossible to beat. KARR was beaten in 2 minutes.

PHOENIXZERO, I agree with you about the original KARR and KITT being erased. It makes me wonder if the original KITT's CPU is still held by Michael Knight. Of course, with only 5 or so episodes left, I guess we'll never find out, which is one of a dozen other missed opportunities this series has had.

The show is still better than it was, but it doesn't come near the original Knight Rider - not by a long shot.

[Antithesis]

I actually loved this episode. I'll admit KARR was defeated a little easily, but the rest of it was great. The music kind of reminded me of KR2000. While that movie was aweful, I think the music helped set the tone that Sarah was going through about the same thing Michael did in that movie.

The sex scene may have been unneeded, but understandable. You always seem to hear about funerals making people feel vulnerable, and it seems like in movies that is a natural response to that feeling. At least it wasn't just close-ups.

I like how they gave Michael all nonlethal weapons when he entered Area 51. That has been a minor problem I've had with it since the original rarely carried weapons. Although admittedly it did seem too easy for him to get in there.

BTW BlackMichaelKnight, I've seen them all, and this was the first time we saw the ski mode. I liked that part. Admittedly I'd still like them to explain his abilities since he seems to have gotten more powerful lately, but I'm still happy they are doing it.

Overall it felt like they combined the originals episodes "KITT vs. KARR" and the one where the computer nerd steals KITT's CPU.

[superpal1]

I like the direction this show is taking. I have been applauding it since the Halloween episode. Even though KARR was beaten relatively easily, we all know that if the show is picked up, that we will see more of him. The NSA is not going to let the operation die, esp. since KITT is back and both Sarah and Mike embarrassed them. Now that KITT and the team are on their own, the government is definitely going to want one of their own. I hope now that the whole working for the government angle is done, that the show continues to shine with the more traditional stories that the original show did so well.

[GuardianAngel]

The episode wasn't at all bad but I still have a few complaints:
1. the story should have been developed in 2 episodes, thus giving us a better feeling of how truly powerful car was. Like the Goliath episodes in the original series. Having condensed all in 42 minutes was kind of a waste, especially if we take into account how much they have been teasing us with the conspiracy and how powerful KARR was.
2. I was actually surprised that KITT managed to destroy KARR without his nanoskin active of any other weapon. He simply used Turbo Boost and that was it.... kinda lame, IMHO. Still, I liked the rest of the fight.
3. As Craig and PhoenixZero pointed out, the producers and writers seem to negate any mentioning to the original KITT and KARR. Yes, we finally heard about Wilton Knight and FLAG, but KITT 3000 seems to be the only KITT ever created by Graiman.
4. Why would Graiman create another KARR and rename it KARR in the first place????

Besides these complaints, I'm looking forward to next week's episode. Let's see how Sarah's going to reinstate FLAG.

[henrik01]

I also think that this was much better than the early episodes (which were absolutely terrible) and kind of liked it. I did think that the whole KARR thing (Transformer and blather about "becoming one" with Michael) was coma-inducing. Thankfully, it didn't last long. The teaser was understandable, although the close-ups were too much.

[GuardianAngel]

After rewatching part of the episode I must admit I find rather amusing how TPTB brought back the good old ski mode, grappling hook and turbo boost, but especially KITT driving through a wall like it was made of paper. Like in the original series.
Then, obiously, KARR had a yellow/orange scanner (like the KARR from the '80s). All details which as a harcore Knight Rider fan I don't mind at all (but which don't make sense unfortunately seeing as there seem to be no mention of the original KARR and KITT anymore...)

[henrik01]

...KITT driving through a wall like it was made of paper...
I think it was a garage door or something like that:).

[KryptonSite]

One other thing I forgot to point out as stupid...

When KITT turbo boosted right through KARR... wouldn't Torres have exploded into many little parts? Convenient that he was just over on the ground, dying mind you, but still, that made no sense to me. A huge robot? Easily destroyed. A weasely program director? Nope. He's still in one piece.

[TMLS]

The grappling hook pulled Torres out first, hence him being on the ground.

----- Added 32 Seconds later -----

Erm, I hear. Since this show doesn't even have a broadcaster over here. ;)

[wdasilva]

A car that transforms into a robot the sounds like Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen)....

am I the only one who see's a lawsuit comming?

With that said... I hope we get a second season

[KryptonSite]

You know, I didn't even notice the grappling hook pulling Torres out. I thought it was used to do some kind of a catapult for KITT.

BTW - no lawsuit for KARR being Peter Cullen/Optimus Prime. He was KARR first, way back in 1982 or 1983, whereas Optimus didn't hit TV screens until 1984.

[hansioux]

The episode wasn't at all bad but I still have a few complaints:
1. the story should have been developed in 2 episodes, thus giving us a better feeling of how truly powerful car was. Like the Goliath episodes in the original series. Having condensed all in 42 minutes was kind of a waste, especially if we take into account how much they have been teasing us with the conspiracy and how powerful KARR was.
2. I was actually surprised that KITT managed to destroy KARR without his nanoskin active of any other weapon. He simply used Turbo Boost and that was it.... kinda lame, IMHO. Still, I liked the rest of the fight.
3. As Craig and PhoenixZero pointed out, the producers and writers seem to negate any mentioning to the original KITT and KARR. Yes, we finally heard about Wilton Knight and FLAG, but KITT 3000 seems to be the only KITT ever created by Graiman.
4. Why would Graiman create another KARR and rename it KARR in the first place????

Besides these complaints, I'm looking forward to next week's episode. Let's see how Sarah's going to reinstate FLAG.

KARR was actually mentioned really early in the series, even a schematic of it can be seen for a very brief moment early on.

As KARR was built into Michael's background (disappearance from the military and memory lost) since episode 1, if not since the pilot, KARR would have be revealed much later had the show been more successful. And had the show more time to evolve the story, they would have to rush all these to the front.

Since it was rushed, the whole KITT v.s. KARR was horrible. If KITT and KARR are made of the same material, some how a grappling hook can get through KARR's body and pull Torres out, while missiles can't destroy KITT? The way the battle was resolved just doesn't make sense.

I know people like the new "direction" the show feels. I know how it feels, it feels like early smallville. Where they have popular music coming out of no where to fit the mood of the show. It's cool for smallville, which was a fantasy highschool story targeted teens. Knight Rider doesn't have to go down that style, but I guess people think the style of editing is the same as good writing.

Personally what's great in this episode has all been planned since the beginning. What's bad about it, the actually writing of it, of how story pieces came together had made little sense, are very reminiscent of TPTB's work on Smallville.

Just like Smallville, they can keep the hardcore comic fans happy, in KR's case, the hardcore original series fan hapy, but I think that isn't mutually exclusive to having storyline and plot devices that makes sense. Because I am dying upon watching these ridiculous plot devices.

----- Added 36 Seconds later -----

A car that transforms into a robot the sounds like Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen)....

am I the only one who see's a lawsuit comming?

With that said... I hope we get a second season

totally does...

[Xanderman]

Loved the episode. Best episode to date for me. This is how the series should have been from the beginning. An actual action-drama, not campy goofiness.

It's awesome how they've now officially killed off/removed all the extra characters that crowded up the series this episode. This "restart" (retooling) in the series was mirrored in these "transition" episodes--with Kitt beginning again (being reformed), and the team being reduced and beginning again. Even Mike and Sarah having sex right at the start can be seen in line with this theme of "rebirth", as by getting the sex finally out of the way between those two, the ongoing sexual tension is finally gone leaving them free to focus on bigger and better things. It was like saying goodbye to camp-trash and hello to popcorn heaven. lol

The Graiman hologram and his words to Mike and Sarah reminded me of Star Wars' Yoda or Obi-Wan talking or appearing to Luke or the like, or Jor-El talking to Supes in the original films. It was done in a very fun, epic sort of way and I give them kudos for that. The music in general was also more epic--everything was in higher gear for this episode. Was this ep an attempt to "save the series" or something? Given how "rushed" a lot of it felt? I hope it hasn't come to that point.

The voice of Optimus Prime as the transforming robot was ICING ON THE CAKE. Lol unlike many here it seems, I absolutely loved every bit of this supreme geekiness. I love Transformers, and love the idea of colliding worlds. They are a great fit with one another--Kitt is basically Bumblebee but without the ability to become a robot, lol. "Prime" as an evil robot and nemesis for Kitt is truly hilarious. I was surprised at how cool the special effects were and I thought that was some of the best (or at least the most fun) "car" action we've seen in the series, but the battle was won far too easily as many have said and the danger resolved too quickly. I mean Kitt just came back online and was in a very weakened state, but was still able to kick KARR's butt? Not much of a real threat, was he. He sure talked the talk though. KARR grabbing Torres and stuffing him inside himself was hilarious, lol it sort of reminded me of the Robocop movies, and other movies/cartoons as well that I can't put my finger on right now, heh. And I see from others' posts that the Prime voice actor was the original voice of Karr in the old series, interesting. So the actor went from evil "karr" to good "truckk" after one short year eh, lol. Also like Craig mentioned, it was indeed silly how Torres was just lying on the ground in one piece after Karr was totally obliterated, lol. Just like a cartoon. heh

This episode was pure popcorn fun for me, cliches and all, without the campy B-movie feel of how the show once was (it was hard to care about anything the show did under that format). By the way the classic rock music playing while Mike was in badass mode gave me Supernatural vibes (Dean's thing)--another plus. heh Now let's just hope the show doesn't get canceled after it finally finds itself in a far better place (ie. in geek heaven).:cool: lol

10/10

[hansioux]

Just like a cartoon. heh

This episode was pure popcorn fun for me, cliches and all, without the campy B-movie feel of how the show once was (it was hard to care about anything the show did under that format). By the way the classic rock music playing while Mike was in badass mode gave me Supernatural vibes (Dean's thing)--another plus. heh Now let's just hope the show doesn't get canceled after it finally finds itself in a far better place (ie. in geek heaven).:cool: lol
10/10

Just like a cartoon and cliches is exactly what makes a B-movie, campy or not.

The show had always been cool, especially the writing. The dumbing down is far worse than campiness. They can take it any direction they want, but sloppy writing has to stop.

For example, they went through a lot of trouble breaking into the control center, so they can get KITT's backup chip to download KITT's experience and personality.

But when Michael got KITT back from Torres, KITT seemed fine, al together, remembers Michael and everything. So what was the first part of the episode for? And It would have made so much more sense to see KITT's personality being forced to integrate with KARR. But we saw none of that.

Just very sloppy....

but hey, wth, people on this forum loved it. all hail reboot.

[TMLS]

For example, they went through a lot of trouble breaking into the control center, so they can get KITT's backup chip to download KITT's experience and personality.

But when Michael got KITT back from Torres, KITT seemed fine, al together, remembers Michael and everything. So what was the first part of the episode for?

If you remember, KITT downloaded all his personality and memories to the internet. This was then (eventually, X-Box boy and all that) put onto a new chip that Billy rigged together - in other words, the chip Torres had didn't have "KITT" on it, he'd have tried it and would have found it was blank.


For the record I found the episode very enjoyable, not confusing at all (I actually watch it! ;)) and if the rest of the series is like that I'll be happy. It's fun. It's not "War and Peace" but doesn't pretend to be. Only problem I had was how quickly KARR was disposed of, but that's the network's fault and not the writers - they were shoved into a hole.

[Xanderman]

Hansioux buddy, for me I don't find the writing sloppy in a "ruining" sort of way. It's just brainless popcorn fun, just like the recent Transformers flick (well not so recent anymore). I'll take this format over what the show was before any day of the week. Of course, for those who were into the show earlier on and perfectly happy with the way it was (or happy enough), changing the show into something else wouldn't necessarily be a good thing or a step up, probably no matter what they do. So I don't blame you for how you feel. For people like me, who pretty much hated what it was, this change is for the better. By the way, I STRONGLY disagree that this show has always been cool, nor has the writing always been. I think this difference in opinion falls in line with the difference in opinion we're experiencing now. And I disagree that dumbing down is worse than campiness. Campiness has its place, in comedies/spoofs or occasional episodes like the way Supernatural does it, but not as an ongoing staple or ever-present element. It just makes you not care when they do try to be serious or dramatic. Or at least that's how it is for me. Finally, if you don't love or prefer it the way it is now (as I and many others do I'm sure), nothing I or anyone else can say will change your mind. Either it clicks for you or it doesn't. (Just like the way it was before didn't click for me.)

[BlackMichaelKnight]

I hear no one talking about how they actually got turbo boost right this time, no attack mode which is useless here just like on Team Knight Rider and I think they should scrap it all together and definitely allow KITT to hit 300 mph without any upgrades, maybe see more of KITT's submarine mode and new features and NBC stop being so cheap oh you give heroes so much backing but give Knight Rider much backing in the beginning and than pull out, unexpectable they did it to Bionic Woman and now their doing it
to KR 2.0, were sorry you hired crappy writers and producers who got the hint too late on what KR 2.0 should be not our fault, give them better resources and a better budget maybe the show would be better! and you guys should of appointed Barry Diller CEO over there at NBC, he has more experience over 20 years worth and you guys wouldn't be in the hole like you are now!! you guys at NBC have disrespected true KR Fans, you cancel the show am sure you'll get plenty of letters from us fans.

[GuardianAngel]

KARR was actually mentioned really early in the series, even a schematic of it can be seen for a very brief moment early on.



I know. I was referring to the original KARR which was a Trans Am like KITT (in the '80s).

We heard Graiman talk about the original KITT (Knight 2000) in the pilot seeing as he supposedly was his creator, but the Knigth 2000 hasn't been mentioned at all during this season. So, if Graiman created the Knight 2000, which was based on the original KARR, how come he created another KARR (making the same mistake) and renamed it that way? It doesn't make sense.

What I'm trying to say is that the writers should have made up their minds whether to keep continuity with the original series or not.

[kittsbud]

I think the biggest problem with the show is that TPTB know they needed change, and they've had to do it far too quickly. They're trying to save the show with a limited number of episodes and the writing is suffering for it.

Mind you, the writing on the earlier episodes was shoddy, so maybe it's a little of both.

The direction they're going now makes me actually WANT to watch again, if only they'd tighten up those scripts!

As for bringing KARR back as a TA, or more mention of KITT in his TA form, I thought I'd read some where that GM didn't want the studios using their cars in any way shape or form now because of their alliance with Ford???

All that being said, the last few episodes have at least kept me interested enough not to go put the kettle on. The first few were just the same plot over, and over and over...

[KryptonSite]

Wow, Dawn, haven't seen you around here in a LONG time. Hi. :)

I think what's frustrating me is knowing that most likely, we have only five episodes left before the show gets the axe, and in those remaining episodes, there's no Michael Knight, no real KITT, and no Bonnie... so we'll probably never see that resolution. It doesn't help that there isn't really a character or actor on this version that I can get behind and root for... whereas the original not only had Michael and KITT, but Devon, Bonnie, and even April and RC3 were fun to watch.

I'm not sure I would have even gone forward with KITTSite had I known how repetitive and frankly bad those early episodes would be. And now that there's been change - there's still a ways to go. I just worry the show will get axed before having an opportunity to fulfill that promise.

[marauderman]

At first I was thinking that the show had jumped the shark on this one, especially when almost everyone that doesn't add-in to the sexual tension bit dies. But then again why would I be trying to make sense out of a show about a talking car? haha... I just love every corny morsel they can squeeze out of it.

[kittsbud]

Hi Craig - yeah, it HAS been awhile since I've had time to actually be a fan of anything. (I've given up sn.tv so I've actually got a bit of a life again)

I REALLY hope they give KITT another chance now. I know it's really unlikely it won't get the axe, but I actually think it deserves a shot at a second season if they can make it more like the original.

They need more of KITT and Mike and less of the bull, at least in my opinion! For me, KR was always about one man and his car, not one man, one GF, one GF's dad, four buddies and um...who/what's the car again?

I'm hoping for good things in the next episode. I guess if it does go out, it should go out being more like its predecessor.

[pbush77]

Yes, it was full of things that have been done before, and it wasn't the best thing I ever saw in my life... yet, it became the only TV show or Movie that I ever clapped for at the end. I would imagine that it's because it was such a turnaround. One minute, they're having boring terrorist of the week full of eye candy women... the next minute, KARR Prime is eating Alex Torres. Good stuff, and lots of fun.

I've got to admit, though, it was a bit lame to see KARR immediately face off with Michael and KITT and lose within a few minutes. I'd have much preferred to see him go off killing people and making him a threat for the rest of the series. Well, you never know what they'll do next in terms of TV revival stories...
I just think that they made the transition in a fun and interesting way - they finally caught my attention, and the promise of different stories each week is something to look forward to. Of course, it could still be rubbish. Or, if it's actually good, it will no doubt be cancelled. That's the rule. Right??!!!

A car that transforms into a robot the sounds like Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen)....

am I the only one who see's a lawsuit comming?

With that said... I hope we get a second season

Nah, they're fine. You can't copyright an idea (in this case, robots that transform into cars, or vice-versa), only an original, specific piece of work. You can also trademark names, but they never used the words: "Transformer(s)" or "Optimus Prime", so they're in the clear. Remember, the Go-Bots were also out at the same time as the Transformers (back in the day), plus infinite knock-offs. None of them could be sued. It's like DC and Marvel getting into a lawsuit because Captain Marvel (Shazam!) can basically do the same things as Superman and even has the same hair color. If he looks different enough (as KARR did to any official Transformer) that a reasonable person could not be confused into thinking that character was another (more popular) character, and he has a different name, it's totally allowed.

As for Peter Cullen doing the voice... if he did KARR before Optimus Prime, then it couldn't even be an issue. But basically, nobody can tie him down to a contract that says he can only work for them (in similar lines of work). That's like saying Jim Carrey can only do comedy for one particular company. Cullen owns his own voice, and can act where he likes (as long as he isn't cashing in on somebody else's property - and I've already shown that he isn't, in this case).

[HalJordan4184]

Peter Cullen was the original voice of KARR in the first season of Knight Rider. He was replaced for the episode KITT vs KARR.

Mr Cullen could be tied into a contract that would prohibit him from other work, but only if he agreed to it, and for most people, that's not the best move. Especially voice actors. He's most likely free to do whatever he wants, and his only contractual obligations, are to projects he's already committed to.

And on the Captain Marvel, Superman thing, they are both DC properties. Heck, they are both in the Justice League, and for a time, Captain Marvel actually was outselling and outperforming Superman. Marvel ended up buying the rights to the Captain Marvel name though, and that's why when he's had a regular comic at DC, it's been called Shazam!

[Var-Zol]

just bring back the mustang KARR, this time without the robot and have KARR have a little "voice thing" inside that is like KITT's, but yellow instead