Knight Rider: A Cult Classic That Deserves More Attention

Knight Rider is an action-packed TV series that first aired in 1982 and centres on the adventures of an undercover police officer named Michael Long, who, after being left for dead, is rescued and given a new identity as 'Michael Knight'. The show features a talking car with advanced weaponry, KITT, and explores themes of crime, drama, sci-fi and thriller. Despite receiving some criticism for its plot and characterisation, Knight Rider has gained a cult following and is remembered for its imaginative premise and David Hasselhoff's acting. So, don't sleep on Knight Rider! It's a classic TV series that combines excitement and innovation, and its influence can still be seen in popular culture today.

The show's premise is a talking car with advanced weaponry

The 1982 show Knight Rider is a classic, and its premise is certainly unique: an undercover police officer with a talking car equipped with advanced weaponry. The car, KITT, has a mind of its own and often gets sassy with its owner, Michael Knight (formerly Michael Long).

The show centres on Michael's fight against crime, aided by his super-car. KITT is described as having "a number of offensive and defensive capabilities", and is made of a "new material" that is neither metal nor fibreglass. Michael's first encounter with KITT sees him overwhelmed by the car's interior, which he compares to "Darth Vader's bathroom". KITT is more than just a talking car; it is established early on in the series that it can also drive itself and has a personality.

The talking car is not the only futuristic element of the show. Knight Rider accurately predicted society's dependence on technology, and the relationship between Michael and KITT reflects this. The show also features a self-driving car, a concept that was considered far-fetched at the time but is now an emerging technology.

In addition to its high-tech premise, Knight Rider is also an action-packed series with plenty of car chases and stunts. KITT's advanced capabilities often come in handy as Michael goes up against dangerous criminals and spies. The show combines elements of science fiction, action, and crime drama to create a unique and entertaining series.

Despite its absurd premise, Knight Rider has gained a cult following over the years, with fans appreciating its over-the-top action and its prediction of future technologies.

The show's protagonist is believable

The protagonist of Knight Rider, Michael Knight, is a believable character despite the show's fantastical elements. Knight is an undercover police officer who, in the first few minutes of the series, sees his plan to bust some bad guys go awry. This leads to a series of events that result in him getting a new identity and working for a foundation that combats people and organizations above the law.

Knight is portrayed as a believable character because of the way he is written and portrayed on screen. His actions and decisions are driven by his background and experiences, such as his time in the field as a police lieutenant and his tours of duty in Vietnam. For example, it is revealed that Knight has a metal plate in his head from his time in Vietnam, which ends up saving his life when he is shot in the face. Additionally, Knight's new identity as "Michael Knight" is forged with the help of Devon, who provides him with a wallet full of forged documents and cards.

Knight's relationship with KITT, his talking car with advanced capabilities, is also believable. KITT is portrayed as having a bit of an attitude, which causes Knight's brain to nearly hemorrhage as the idea of a piece of technology with an interactive voice is still novel in the early 1980s. Their dynamic is one of the show's highlights, with KITT often providing Knight with helpful suggestions and getting him out of tricky situations.

Knight is also shown to be a skilled fighter, dispatching several toughs in a bar without throwing a single punch or kick. He is also trained in the martial arts and is a smooth operator, attempting to put the moves on a woman named Maggie despite her husband having recently died.

Overall, Knight is a well-written and well-rounded character, with a believable background, skills, and relationships that drive the story of Knight Rider forward. His portrayal by David Hasselhoff also adds to the believability of the character, despite the show's fantastical elements.

The show's prediction of society's dependence on technology

Knight Rider, the 1982 TV show, may have been ahead of its time in its prediction of society's dependence on technology. The show features a self-driving car, KITT, that can communicate with its driver, Michael Knight. At the time, this was considered far-fetched science fiction, but now, self-driving cars and interactive voice technology are becoming a reality.

The relationship between Michael Knight and KITT can be seen as a reflection of how humans rely on technology in their daily lives. KITT is not just a car but a companion and a source of information and assistance for Michael Knight. In one episode, KITT even saves Michael's life by performing facial reconstruction surgery on him after he is shot in the face.

Knight Rider also explores the potential dangers of technology. In one episode, KITT is stolen, and the thieves attempt to use it for their own criminal purposes. This storyline highlights the potential risks of technology falling into the wrong hands and the importance of responsible use and security.

The show also touches on issues of privacy and surveillance. KITT is equipped with advanced weaponry and has the ability to track and locate people, raising questions about the balance between technological capabilities and individual freedoms.

While Knight Rider may have seemed like a futuristic fantasy at the time, its exploration of the role of technology in society was prescient. The show predicted the increasing integration of technology into our daily lives and the complex ethical and social issues that arise from this dependence.

The show's dope theme song

The shows dope theme song.

Knight Rider's theme song is a bop. It's the kind of tune that gets stuck in your head and stays there. The song is so catchy that even people who haven't watched the show know it. The theme song is iconic and has become synonymous with the show itself. It's the perfect blend of 80s synths and anthemic vocals, creating a sound that is instantly recognizable and undeniably cool.

The theme song is not just a catchy tune, it also serves as a perfect representation of the show's tone and style. With its pulsating synths and driving rhythm, the theme song captures the high-octane, action-packed nature of the show. It evokes the image of Knight Rider's iconic talking car, KITT, speeding down the highway in a blur of flashing lights and burning rubber. The song becomes a character in itself, injecting energy and excitement into every scene it appears in.

The theme song has also had a lasting impact on popular culture. It has been referenced and sampled by numerous artists and has found its way into the hearts of fans around the world. The song has become a nostalgic reminder of the 1980s, a time when shows like Knight Rider pushed the boundaries of what was possible on television. It's a testament to the show's enduring legacy and its place in the cultural zeitgeist.

Knight Rider's theme song is more than just an opening credits sequence, it's a cultural phenomenon. It's the perfect blend of catchy melodies and the show's unique spirit, creating a theme song that is as memorable as it is iconic. So, don't sleep on Knight Rider, and definitely don't sleep on its theme song – it might just be the dopest theme song in TV history.

The show's ability to be referenced in Mr. Robot

The show *Knight Rider* is referenced in Season 3, Episode 7 of *Mr. Robot*, titled "eps3.6_fredrick+tanya.chk". The reference occurs during a monologue by the character Leon, who is passionate about TV shows. In the scene, Leon talks about how *Knight Rider* predicted society's dependence on technology, drawing a parallel between the relationship between Michael Knight and KITT in *Knight Rider* and Elliot and his hacking abilities in *Mr. Robot*.

The reference to *Knight Rider* is also notable for its meta-commentary on pop culture. The opening credits of *Knight Rider* are played in the context of *Mr. Robot*, highlighting the similarities between the two shows' protagonists:

> Knight Rider, a shadowy flight into the dangerous world of a man who does not exist. Michael Knight, a young loner on a crusade to champion the cause of the innocent, the helpless, the powerless in a world of criminals who operate above the law.

This monologue describes both Michael Knight's and Elliot's characters, emphasizing their shared mission to fight for justice in a world of powerful criminals. Additionally, the reference to Knight Rider's theme song taking over as the theme song for *Mr. Robot* further emphasizes the show's ability to be referenced and integrated into the narrative of *Mr. Robot*.

The reference to *Knight Rider* in *Mr. Robot* serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it is a fun nod to a classic TV show that the writers of *Mr. Robot* likely admired. Secondly, it is a meta-reference to the similarities between the two shows, particularly in their exploration of technology and the impact it can have on society. Finally, it also serves as a commentary on the evolution of technology, with *Knight Rider* being ahead of its time in predicting the role technology would play in our lives.

Overall, the reference to *Knight Rider* in *Mr. Robot* is a clever and thoughtful inclusion that adds depth to the narrative and provides a fun easter egg for viewers familiar with the classic show.

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