TRIVIA:

This episode contains several references to the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey, Writer/Producer Tom Greene's favorite film: the characters Frank Poole and Officer Bowman take their names from characters in the movie (as does Roger Floyd in the episode SPEED DEMONS). K.I.T.T. also paraphrases HAL, the 2001 computer, by saying, "I'm sorry, Michael, but I can't do that." There are two more 2001 references, again to the characters of Frank Poole and Bowman, in the TEAM KNIGHT RIDER episodes Et Tu, Dante? and Spy Girls. Look closely in the shopping mall in KNIGHT RIDER 2000 and you'll see a poster for the film's (fictional) re-release.

About the time this episode was produced, the network became concerned about the nature of Michael and K.I.T.T.'s relationship. Tom Greene remembers: "The network were afraid that Michael and K.I.T.T. were having a gay relationship! If you remember they looked after each other, and K.I.T.T. was a bit prissy, sort of like Felix Unger of Odd Couple fame... Michael being a macho-slob like Oscar. The network at first were very uncomfortable with Michael's soon-to-be trademark 'cry' when in trouble: 'K.I.T.T., I need you!'"

Michael Long lived at 1834 Shoreborne Avenue, and worked at the 11th Precinct Police Station. His serial number was 10509, badge number 8043.

SCRIPT TO SCREEN:

Brief flashbacks of K.I.T.T. were intended in the first act, although ultimately they weren't included. As Cara drives away from Michael after giving him the wallet and gun, his memory flashes on K.I.T.T. peeling away in like fashion, and the KNIGHT license plate.

A montage was originally intended to bridge the scenes between Michael's accident and his reawakening in the hospital. He sees the gears in the dam's hydraulic room, hears himself calling for K.I.T.T., and sees paramedics arriving.

According to the script, the newspaper item on Michael Long begins: "POLICE OFFICER VANISHES, PRESUMED DEAD. Officer Michael Long was presumed dead today when his car was found in the desert...."

In a scene cut from the episode, K.I.T.T. tells Devon and April how distressed he is that Michael has lost his memory. If he were to experience file loss, he would just switch to an alternate data bank.

SCRIPT - 7TH DRAFT - REV. 10/21/83

NITPICKS:

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FILMING LOCATIONS:

Bedford Dam:
Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area, 6335 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91406-6473

Chasing Michael, Turbo Boost:
10543 Woodbridge St., N Hollywood, CA 91602

"Let's see what you can do":
Royal Oak Rd, Encino, CA 91436

Caines Boutique:
15928 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91436

Cara's Apartment Building:
Wilshire Blvd. & Holmby Ave.

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