Michael Knight, the happy hero

I recently finished watching Season 1—the first time I'd really watched the series since it fist aired—and I was struck most by Michael's attitude. Obviously I knew the tone would be much lighter than the kind of stuff we get today, but I was surprised by how cheerfully Michael goes about his job.

Nearly every episode begins with Michael and K.I.T.T. trading bon mots while heading for some much needed R&R, only to be interrupted by Devon, who has an urgent (and dangerous) assignment for them; usually in the opposite direction from where they're going. But not only does Michael answer Devon's call with the excitement of a kid getting a phone call from his best friend "Devon! What's up my main man?" (you half expect him to fist bump the screen), he accepts his assignment with a cheerful enthusiasm "Let's go get 'em, buddy!".

I don't know why this stood out. Maybe because the last decade or so has conditioned me to expect dour, navel-gazing heroes. It was kinda refreshing.

'Cause there's thunder in your heart... every move is like lightning!