Here’s Why Patricia McPherson Disappeared During ‘Knight Rider’s Second Season

Knight Rider, David Hasselhoff, Patricia McPherson — Everett Collection

One of the most frustrating things for loyal television viewers is when a main character vanishes with little or no explanation. Such was the case with the mysterious disappearance of Michael Knight’s (David Hasselhoff) loyal ally, Bonnie Barstow (Patricia McPherson), during Season 2 of Knight Rider.

For those unfamiliar with early 1980s television, Knight Rider is an American series created and produced by Glenn A. Larson. Yes, the same Glenn Larson who brought us Battlestar Galactica, Buck Rogers and The Six Million Dollar Man. Those shows were truly beloved, and Knight Rider was no exception.

The series originally aired on NBC from 1982 to 1986, and starred David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight, a crime fighter assisted by K.I.T.T., an advanced, artificially intelligent, self-aware and nearly indestructible car (voiced by William Daniels). The show also featured Edward Mulhare as Devon Miles, the leader of the secret organization that employed Michael, and Patricia McPherson as Bonnie Barstow, K.I.T.T.’s chief technician.

KNIGHT RIDER, clockwise from top: David Hasselhoff, Edward Mulhare, Patricia McPherson, 1982-86,

Knight Rider was a ratings hit from the start, and the cast quickly developed a loyal following. Of course, no one was bigger than “The Hoff,” but Patricia also became quite popular. This led the producers to ponder: Was there an opportunity to “upgrade” Michael and K.I.T.T.’s female companion? Could they recast and find someone a little sassier, a little sexier?

Before you could say “va-va-voom,” actress Rebecca Holden arrived, playing a new character named April Curtis. A frequent guest star on primetime television in the early 1980s, Rebecca certainly fit the producers’ vision. For a time, it seemed as though everything might work out … at least for Rebecca. For Patricia, however, this was an unwelcome turn of events. Even so, she did not let it get the best of her.

Although at the time it felt like “a smack in the face,” she told journalist Gillian George in 1985 that she realized that “it was just business.”

KNIGHT RIDER, Patricia McPherson, (1984), 1982-1986.

ph: Jim Britt / TV Guide / ©NBC / courtesy Everett Collection

As Patricia’s management team continued to communicate with the Knight Rider production team, another group began to do the same: the fans. Every now and then, the collective voice of a show’s fanbase rises up and speaks loudly and clearly. Such was the case this time. Ultimately, the fans rallied to Patricia’s side of the negotiation table and made a strong case for her return. When Season 3 commenced filming, April Curtis was gone. Bonnie Barstow was back from her “graduate studies” and ready to aid Michael and K.I.T.T. once more.

Looking back on what had transpired, here’s what Patricia said, again to journalist Gillian George: “I tried not to take it personally. I finally got a call from a producer who apologized for what happened. He asked if I’d consider signing on for the show’s third season. I said yes almost immediately.”

Now, getting back to Bonnie’s backstory. Yes, you heard correctly: the somewhat half-hearted explanation for her absence was that she had gone back to further her education. As a college instructor myself, I can say that is truly a noble cause. But still, really? That’s the best that the creative team could come up with?

Of course, there were fans who enjoyed April Curtis’ presence during Season 2. In fact, I was one of them. But I also wanted Bonnie Barstow back. For the life of me, I don’t understand why the producers couldn’t have had Rebecca return a handful of times during the later seasons to lend a helping hand. It seems to me like that was the least that they could do for leading the lady on.