In the past few years, there has been a trend within popular culture to revisit the past. To be honest, the trend has always been around, but it’s taken on a sense of urgency to the point where re-made versions of TV shows and movies have been shoved down the throats of viewing audiences with a limited amount of respect to the source material.
Last night, I caught the latest in the parade of re-makes, NBC’s updated version of Knight Rider. Considering the fairly predictable plot and inconsistencies with the original version, the show was actually watchable.
My biggest problem with the show was the voice of KITT. I was expecting to hear Will Arnett, which I had originally thought was a bad casting choice, but actually warmed up to. However, because of a non-complete clause, Arnett was replaced by Chris Knight himself, Val Kilmer. I didn’t think Kilmer was a bad choice, but at times, his voice had zero personality.
My other main problem was a scene which showed an instance in which the original KITT as superior to the new version. In last night’s movie, the bad guys hack into KITT, leading to the computer’s deactivation so Mike Traceur (pronounced Tracer, son of Michael Knight) can catch up to them using the car. Well, new KITT is not indestructible because the computer controls self-repairing nanotechnology, which means when the computer’s off, KITT can get scratched. Original recipe KITT had some type of molecular bonding which didn’t need a computer. Still, the nanobots in new KITT can also change the color of the paint, which is a good feature.
Despite my complaints, the show contained a decent serving of car chases and action. And the picture quality looked great–even more than usual fare on HD.
Seems like NBC is going to make this into a series for next season. As long as it isn’t up against Lost, I may watch.
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