TRIVIA:

This is the second time K.I.T.T. has faced destruction this season (the first being in the season premiere KNIGHT OF THE DRONES). The car would be destroyed once more before the end of 1985 (and the conclusion of the series) in the fourth season premiere KNIGHT OF THE JUGGERNAUT. Never was the car totalled so dramatically as in this segment.

This is the first time we see K.I.T.T. in his white undercoat. The next would be during his reconstruction in Knight of the Juggernaut.

Bonnie and Devon call in the original team assembled by Wilton Knight who designed and realized K.I.T.T. -- Dr. Von Voorman, Dr. Breeland, and Dr. Yamata. Others responsible for the supercar's capabilities include Marco Berio, Dr. William Albert (both from KILLER K.I.T.T.) and Dr. Ian Browning (DEADLY KNIGHTSHADE). Sequel series TEAM KNIGHT RIDER names Dr. William Key as the creator of K.I.T.T.'s scanner, although he was never given credit for it (Legion of Doom).

Actor Ramon Bieri guest starred in the first season episode THE FINAL VERDICT, while Kathy Shower, who plays his gangster's moll, would return the following season in KNIGHT OF A THOUSAND DEVILS. Alex Kubik previously appeared in the episodes JUST MY BILL and BIG IRON. Louis Elias returns in Knight of the Juggernaut as the truck driver who sprays K.I.T.T. with the de-stabilizing agent, and also played a truck driver in the first season's NO BIG THING. Heather McNair was a regular on Glen A. Larson's following series Automan and Cover-Up.

Devon remains at Foundation headquarters throughout this episode because he sprained his back. Bonnie performs double duty and takes his place.

SCRIPT TO SCREEN:

Like the later script THE SCENT OF ROSES, this episode was to begin with some light-hearted banter between Michael and K.I.T.T. to contrast the dramatic scenes later on. Michael suggests K.I.T.T. has a custom paint-job with lettering and pin-striping; K.I.T.T. is humorless at the prospect, and reminds us he doesn't have a paint job -- he has a Molecular Bonded Shell.

The "monster machine" that dumps K.I.T.T. in the toxic waste pit is described as "a custom tractor truck, (figuratively) the meanest 'junk yard dog' to K.I.T.T.'s 'pedigree.' It hauls some barrels of God knows what...tires throwing up rooster tails of sand or mud, engine screaming as it plows its way through the toxicity it's grown used to and now calls home. We never see who's at the controls of the thing..."

After K.I.T.T.'s 'skeleton' was pulled from the pit, Michael was to reach for the remnants of his voice box, which crumbled at his touch. This scene was changed for obvious reasons -- Michael and Bonnie aren't able to touch any part of the car since it still may be toxic.

The picnic in the Tag was originally to take place in a field. The locale is shifted to the Foundation semi trailer in the episode.

SCRIPT - 7TH DRAFT - REV. 12/14/84

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