Reason #13: The Good, The Bad, and The Objectum - 11/17/25
Months ago, in a frenzy of object-based sexual yearning, I started watching NBC's Knight Rider (1982-1986). Knight Rider is a pretty big name in the realm of 80s IPs, but I find it's uncommon to hear from people who've actually watched it. People know that David Hasselhoff drives a sentient car and that's about it.
To be fair, it very much is that. Knight Rider is a live action cartoon created with the sole purpose of putting David Hasselhoff into situations. I'm just now finishing Season 1 and I'll be the first to say, I haven't really cared for most of the episode plots. But within the confusing mediocrity of the show's early days is the real hook - forget the car stunts, forget the episodic heterosexual kissing, I'm obsessed with the relationship between this dumbass and his car!!
KITT
KITT is everything to me. He's hyper intelligent, incredibly smug about it for a computer that supposedly can't feel, but most of all: curious. KITT is very invested in the humans that surround him. He wants to know about their feelings, the motivations behind their illogical actions...And through all his programming and his aim to help humans in need, he's still his own person! He's good at poker! He has music preferences! He is sometimes, quietly in the night, genuinely lonely because he is the only thing like himself in existence.
None of the writing in Knight Rider is what I would call "spectacular", but the speculative elements of KITT are 100% the closest thing in the whole show. To see him move, react, and work in tandem with Michael is really such a joy. Also, I'll say it: he's literally hot. And I'm not even a car person!
MICHAEL KNIGHT
Michael isn't usually my kind of character, but he's pretty compelling as a partner to KITT. He's very very human - headstrong, passionate, constantly doing the best he can. Where he shines is in his care for others. He's incredibly kind and understanding underneath the bravado. Michael teases KITT at times, but ultimately feels genuine compassion for his as a person. KITT isn't a tool or a toy, he's a friend. One of the only friends Michael has now in his new life.
Outside of the sincere joys I get from Michael as a character, I'm mostly charmed by David Hasselhoffs general weirdness. There is something about his performance that is captivating in a "I don't know why you're doing that" sort of way. It's hard to describe, but really punches up the shows overall hokeyness. There is a lot to love about a show as silly as this.
Conclusion
Somehow, someway, they made an objectum yaoi TV show in 1982. There are a lot of problems with it that I have not addressed here; it is far from a perfect show. But the unique relationship between its two main leads (one of which is a car) has bewitched me body and soul. I've made a habit of watching Knight Rider episodes at night during down time and it's proven to be the perfect low energy entertainment for me! I'm excited to continue on with season 2 and maybe one day give my full thoughts in the series.