[MacGirl]

So I've just recently gotten into Knight Rider. I know, I know, I'm late to that party. I first saw it by chance a few times in reruns when I was younger, really liked it, then could never find it on TV again. I finally got around to picking up the first two seasons on DVD this week. Anyway, I find it interesting that there are some similarities, like plot lines. Some KR plot lines are nearly identical to MacGyver plotlines... I wonder if the writers for Mac watched KR for inspiration? I also see a few similarities between the main characters, for example, both Mac and Michael are obviously a hit with the ladies, though Michael is more forward about it. Their personalities are strikingly similar. They're both tough-*looking* guys, but have big hearts and are always ready to help someone who needs it. The humor is along the same lines, and both characters are unorthodox types who drive their bosses crazy, but always get the job done. Both shows have the "assignment" stories and the "on his own time" stories, if you know what I mean. And of course, there are all the guest stars the two shows shared (Patricia McPherson, Dana Elcar, Michael D. Roberts, etc.)

[Jediferret]

I haven't watched Knight Rider in a LOOOOONG time. The whole series is on Netflix and I really should re-watch it. I noticed that as MacGyver went on, Mac seemed to pick up Micheal's sense of style with the black leather jacket.

I can totally see some similarities though.

When I first started re-watching MacGyver, I remember seeing Patricia McPherson (who I love) and recognized her immediately.

I really need to re-watch Knight Rider. On my list of things to re-watch. XD

[KiwiTek]

I'm assuming your talking about The Old Series here and not the 2008 reboot.

There's an episode in KR: TOS which I've been thinking for years would make a great and easy cross-over if the main guest character where written to be MacGyver. If I remember correctly the episode even had John Vernon as the main bad guy. John played Dave Ryerson in The Gauntlet episode.

[MacFan092985]

I recently (within the last three months) rewatched all of the episodes of the original Knight Rider and thought the same thing MacGirl brought up. The one episode inparticular was when K.I.T.T. was outfitted with the Super Pursuit Mode technology. It was done by a group, dare I say gang, of talented, streetwise kids, much like the members of The Challengers Club on MacGyver.

There was also an episode where Michael helped out a group of illegal immigrants, much like MacGyver did.

Prior to rewatching Knight Rider, I hadn't seen it since I was in jr. high in the 1980s and now that I've seen it all . . . again, I never have to see it again . . . for the rest of my life. It's just too cheesy for my tastes.

[KiwiTek]

Yes it is very strong on the cheese factor, but that's 80's family viewing for you.

I can't help thinking that the similarities are really just due to the style of show making in that era.

I read a TV Guide article years ago talking about how MacGyver follows the same formula as some other successful shows before it, such as 6 Million Dollar Man and Knight Rider.

The formula was something along the lines of...

• solo "agent" with special gifts, tools, etc
• works for independent organization with strong connections/influence to government
• is friends with boss of organization
• get's the "special" jobs.

I'm sure there were some others which I can't remember, but you get the idea.

[MACGYVERISMYDAD]

Both shows have an episode where the stars (michael and mac) are entered into a professional race, many of the actors on KR were on Mac. KR has an episode where a blind person is the main focus of the episode (a women who also was in Mac). Pete is loosing his eyesight in another Both shows have episodes that take place in junk yards (the same junkyard apparently as the car crusher has the same jagged teeth spray painted on it) Both shows have episodes involving submarines. Both have episodes with trouble teens who are in gangs and the star of the show is helping them. Both have episodes involving illegal logging.

These are just some of the similarities. I haven't watched either for some time now (I am gonna start them over) If I think of anymore I will post back. There is many many similarities. Especially with the plots of the stories.

[KiwiTek]

Makes you wonder if some of the writers didn't work on both shows.

Didn't Elyssa Davalos play a blind girl in Knight Rider? So we have cross-over actors going both ways - Nikki in KR and Bonnie in MacGyver.

[MacFan092985]

Yes, she did.

[BrakeFluid]

There was also a KR episode where Michael suffers amnesia.

[MacFan092985]

Oh yeah, I forgot about that one.