Midnight cop

Sometimes shows that don't get life the first time around get lucky a few years later. That is the case with Nick Knight, a 1989 TV movie with big names and a big budget. You can tell that by watching it. Rick Springfield is up for the role and Michael Nader is at his devilish best. Also John Kapelos is great if not better in this original version of the cult series. The TV show, which I thought was good, did not really live up to this original unsold pilot. CBS decided to cut costs by moving the show to Canada, and hiring mostly unknowns to replace the big stars. The pilot of the show "Forever Knight" almost follows this movie's script line for line (with a few deveations). Watch this movie and ask yourself if Forever Knight would've lasted long with this cast. Maybe, maybe not.

I simply had to see this made for TV vampire flick because Forever Knight is still one of my favorite shows. Nick Knight was the inspiration for the cult series that many of us know and love. If you ever dug Forever Knight, I would recommend checking this out. But I also warn you, if you've seen the pilot episode of Forever Knight, you've basically seen this movie. But for completists, it's neat to see someone else in the shoes of our vampire cop, Nick Knight. Rick Springfield (that's right, "Jessie's Girl") was the first to don the fangs, but I can't agree that he's the best. Rick Springfield and Michael Nader aren't nearly as cool as their Canadian counterparts. Geraint Wyn Davies and Nigel Bennett just have a completely different look to them and I think they fit the parts perfectly. It's also cool to see John Kapelos playing a louder, yet skinnier Detective Donald Schanke. He would be the only cast member to reprise his role for the duration of the series (I can't see anyone else in this role anyway). And, interestingly enough, the role of Natalie was played by...Robert Harper. That's right, Nick's doctor and confidant was a man originally. The show would have played out much differently if this concept hadn't changed. Much differently indeed. Anchor Bay released Nick Knight on DVD, so if you liked Forever Knight, pick it up.

The majority of people who have seen the made-for-TV movie Nick Knight are probably devoted fans of the short-lived horror series "Forever Knight." While this movie is a pilot for the series, it has the added curiosity of throwing Rick Springfield into the starring role as the cop/vampire who is trying to make the world a better place. As made-for-TV movies go, this one is about as good as can be expected. Which is to say, it's average. It doesn't hold a candle to "Forever Knight," but for fans of the show it is an interesting diversion. Sadly, like the show this unpolished gem hasn't made it to video or DVD. Maybe you'll get lucky and catch it on television sometime. It's worth setting the VCR for it.

This is my favourite movie. I know that sounds pathetic, but the first time I watched it, it kept me guessing. Most movies are predictable. Of course it only worked the first time I watched it, but I never knew if the vampire was good or bad until well into the movie and thoroughly enjoyed the whole movie. I was disappointed at that time to find it was a pilot which of course leaves room for more at the end. I thought the music was great and actually tracked down (it was of course by then getting old) some of the CDs. It was disappointing that 'Forever Knight' the series that followed didn't keep to the high standard set by this pilot, although I've still watched all the episodes several times. Anyway, for what it's worth, I think this movie is worth a look.

I haven't seen the series based on this movie called Forever Knight but I wouldn't mind seeing being a fan of both Buffy and Angel tv series. I have to wonder if this is where some of the inspiration for those shows came from considering the movie on Buffy came out only 3 years later. Lets just say that if you enjoy Angel and you are looking for a decade earlier equivalent then you'll probably find something in Nick Knight to enjoy.