Knight of the Cast Changes
I’ve been really enjoying the new series of Knight Rider so far. While the first couple of episodes were perhaps a bit formulaic, over the last two or three, it really seems to have found its footing, and they’ve been really solid, enjoyable stories. Granted, last week’s Halloween episode could’ve done with a bit more KITT-action, but the teases about KARR were more than enough to make up for that.
However, the big news this week is the leak of cast changes, following a two-part story over episodes 10 and 11. This is interesting, as previously it looked like episodes 12 and 13 would be the KARR 2-parter. I wonder if those plans have changed, or if its just a mistake in the story.
However, the affected characters are Graiman, Carrie and Torres. To be honest, I’ve felt Graiman and Carrie have struggled so far int he series, and haven’t had an awful lot to do. Torres has received more focus, but then he basically nicked Carrie’s role as the FBI liason. I’ll be sorry to lose Graiman though. I like Bruce Davidson as an actor, and he filled the older, mentor slot in the show’s cast nicely (Devon for the new series if you like). Its telling that both FBI characters are leaving, and with the show being said to be getting away from the terrorist-of-the-week formula, and focusing more on Mike and KITT helping the everyman (more in line with the original show), it seems obvious that the fallout from the KARR storyline will have Knight Research severing its official ties with the Government.
I can’t help but think this may be a good thing though. If only because there has been the danger of the episodes becoming a bit formulaic over the start of the season. There seems to have been an awful lot of state-of-the-art weapons smuggling going on that the FBI were powerless to do anything about for some reason.
I am sorry to lose Graiman though. It does slant the cast younger, and I presume this is to appeal more to their target demographic. And of course, while I do like the idea of the character, as I say, it doesn’t feel like he’s had a lot to do this season so far. I do hope that in amongst these changes though, they address some of the forced humour between Zoey and Billy. While I wouldn’t necessarily want to lose either character, giving them a bit more depth wouldn’t hurt either.
Regarding KARR, well going from the revelations in Knight of the Living Dead, I’m still waiting to see how this plays out. Its not been explicitly said that this new KARR doesn’t use the original’s CPU, although it is looking like a new prototype borrowing the name of the original. Of course, given that Graiman was supposed to have been key to the original KITT’s development (and so you presume the original KARR’s as well), it does leave him looking like a bit of an idiot that he gave both prototypes not only the same name, but also the same dodgy programming that resulted in them going a bit evil.
Comments
Comment from Alan
Time November 18, 2008 at 14:52
I will be interested to see how they spin this without making Graiman look a bit silly. I agree though, that its believable he could’ve thought KARR’s program lent itself more to a military vehicle.
I’d still like it to be the original CPU. It could be explained that the military had already salvaged and started work on the project, and by the time Graiman was brought in, the best he could do was to try and keep a leash on things (which ultimately failed).
The fact that its hinted that Mike was involved in the KARR project is interesting, given that Graiman had left specific instructions for KITT to seek out Mike should Sarah be in danger (in the pilot movie). Previously we thought this was just down to Mike being the original Michael Knight’s son, and a friend of the family. I wonder if these events will mean that Mike’s actions during whatever happened with KARR convinced Graiman he was the man for the job.
Comment from Pie Man 70
Time November 18, 2008 at 16:52
Hopefully. In fact it could well be a setup to a season ark idea. Namely this season is mikes past, the military and KARR, next season coudl be Knight Research trying to operate without govt backing, either as illegal vigilantes or with far less clearence and support. It coudl be good regardless.
Comment from Alan
Time November 18, 2008 at 16:55
Actually it looks like both will be happening this season, if these cast changes are anything to go by.
Comment from Pie Man 70
Time November 19, 2008 at 11:33
True, so hopefully there will soon be an episode where michael and KITT have to fend off a gang of bikers from a smal town.
Comment from Alan
Time November 19, 2008 at 12:59
Which is under the thumb of a corrupt Sheriff. Can’t forget the corrupt Sheriff 
Comment from Pie Man 70
Time November 19, 2008 at 15:54
How could I. We need a scene where Mike is arrested and has to call KITT to break through the wall of the local jail.
The footage of that must then be re-used at least 3 times in later episodes.
Comment from Pie Man 70
Time November 18, 2008 at 14:38
Yeah, I actually liked the extended cast, although carrie was pretty much redundant due to Torres.
KARR wise, had a thought, assuming we don’t use the original CPU, it could be explained that Graiman decided the KARR personality would make a good autonomous military vehicle, and went against his better judgement and build an evil tank. Hence his next effort was more like the KITT of old.