Ty Watches "King of the Hill"

I was kind of unaware that they were going to do another season of "King of the Hill" until one of my brothers mentioned it to me at coffee a month or so back. Then it dawned on me that they did announce an updated season. We were going to see what the Hill family and friends were up to since they were last on tv.

I loved "King of the Hill" during its initial run. It was funny, made great observations and had some poignant and moving episodes. I always sided with Bobby because he was the kid in the family and he was, for me, the funniest. I often think about the episode where he gets gout to this day and it still makes me laugh out loud. Hank and Peggy Hill were great too, but Bobby was my guy. The rest of the cast held a place for me too. The Supennewsinpons, I'm sure I misspelled that, always fought with the Hills and it was always pretty funny. Dale, Boomhower and Bill were great side characters as Hank's buddies. John Redcorn and Dale's wife's relationship had tons of jokes that made me crack up. Joseph, Dale's kid, although it is clear that John Redcorn is his real father, was a nice mix of his folks. And everyone else did a great job. I will say with this new season, it was kind of a bummer that Brittany Murphy tragically died so young because that meant no Luanne. And it was pretty obvious that they were going to address Hank's dad passing, but they did do it in a very funny way, and then heartfelt way, throughout this new season.

Going into this season I really didn't know what to expect. I also had my guard up because I really do not like all the remakes or retelling or bringing back old shows for a new season. Right from the jump though, I enjoyed what I saw. It had the same cozy feeling of the original "King of the Hill". The way they explained the reason for taking a break was that Hank and Peggy moved to Saudi Arabia for Hank's job. This led to some funny stuff throughout the season. The way Peggy announced Saudi Arabia was great. Hank found out that he loved soccer. There were times when they missed the life they had overseas. I thought they explained that really well. They did great with Bobby, making him a chef that co-owns a restaurant. He does Japanese/German fusion food, and that is so perfect for his character. He also has the same voice from the original, and it was wild to hear that voice come from a 21 year old Bobby. And I loved it. Hank's buddies are back, although Dale is now voiced by Toby Huss, who I thought did a serviceable job. The stuff with Bill and COVID was great. Dale is as wacky as ever and Boomhower is just living his best life. The task rabbit episode featuring Boomhower does a great job of explaining his whole vibe I felt. And having Joseph and Connie back, and hanging with Bobby, it was just great.

This season did a very good job of coming back because they did a good job of sticking to what made the original series so wonderful. They update some jokes and talk about all that has been going on in the world, but in the end this is a show about a typical family in Texas. And is it clear that Hank Hill is still the main character. This show revolves around him and I'm here for it. And the way it ended definitely lends itself to more episodes, which I hope they do.

If you liked the original "King of the Hill", check out this new season. It is well worth your time. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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SeedSing's Advent Calendar of Awesome Holiday Television Programs: Day 20 - "King of the Hill: Pretty, Pretty Dresses"

The pre-Christmas Day season of Advent is upon us. Here at SeedSing we love the chocolaty goodness of getting a piece of candy once a day until we get to open our presents. As our gift to you we will present a new awesome holiday television program for every day of Advent. This is the greatest tv of the season. Enjoy.

Day 20 "King of the Hill - Pretty, Pretty, Dresses"

Original air date - December 15th, 1998 

Opened Doors: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten, Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen,  Fourteen, Fifteen, Sixteen, Seventeen, Eighteen, Nineteen

We will stand by our good friends through almost anything, at any time of the year. These people became our best friends because they did something that made our lives better. Sometimes it is the little things, like sitting nest to you at lunch in the second grade when no one else would, or standing up for you when a bigger kid was being a bully. Maybe you were on the same sports team, and this particular friend was blocking the opposing team as you got all the glory. They took some big hits for you, and you will in turn take some big hits for them.

King of the Hill is the often forgotten Fox Animated show that aired alongside the early years of The Simpsons.  King of the Hill was centered on Hank Hill, his family, and his group of best friends. Nearly every week, Hank's existence would be upset by the misadventures of his wife Peggy, his son Bobby, or one of his alleyway drinking buddies. Even if he hesitated, Hank would always try to do the right thing, because that is what you do for friends and family.

The season three episode "Pretty, Pretty, Dresses" takes place Christmastime in Arlen Texas. The Hills are planning their annual holiday party, and Hank's sad sack friend Bill is feeling down. Bill's wife Lenore left him on Christmas many years ago, and he is not over the separation. Bill embarrasses the Hill's a few times with his mental agony, until Peggy finally decides that Bill is not welcome at the party. 

Hank attempts to help his friend out by destroying the lot of old gifts Bill has left for Lenore. This causes Bill to seemingly get better, until the next day when Hank sees his friend outside wearing a dress. Hank is not at all comfortable with this, and asks Bill what in the hell is going on. Bill is not Bill, he is Lenore. Hank's friend has lost his mind.

Through this struggle, Hank goes above and beyond to try and shield his friend from ridicule. Hank explains to the family that Bill blocked for him when they both played football at Arlen High. Bill's blocking helped Hank set the season record for rushing yards. When Bill shows up to the Hill's holiday party as Lenore, Hank is left with only one choice. As the crowd mocks and laughs at Bill, Hank emerges from his bedroom in a dress. He went above and beyond his own comfort to help a friend. Once outside, Hank gets Bill to finally understand that Lenore is gone and it is time to move on. Bill takes off the dress and thanks Hank for being a good friend.

The holidays are not an easy time for a lot of people. We may be filled with joy, while our friends are on the edge of a nervous breakdown. The best we can do is find a way to reach to these freinds and to let them no know we will do almost anything to get them back to good spirits. They were pushing opoosing players out of the way so we can reach glory, wearing a dress is the least we can do for them.

RD

RD Kulik is the Head Editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He has been sad, and he has worn a dress, but never at the same time.

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