Hank and Peggy Hill return to Arlen, Texas is not going well. After a decade working in Saudi Arabia (for Aramco, a propane provider-what more?), The now retired “King of the Hill” Couple no longer recognize America. The stores at the airport are unknown. (“What, are we still in Amsterdam?”, Says Hank.) The bathrooms are “All-Ke.” (“Are we all genders?” Says Hank. “I think I’m female presenting,” says Peggy. “Well, I don’t want to present my maleness to any kind of woman who goes to me.”) Worst of all, there are signs that advertise Kansa’s city style grill-in Texas! (The only sight forcing Hank to pull over.)
Such astonishing changes are more than enough to have these once proud Americans who dream of the hollow-America built for them abroad. Aramco’s residential building was a popular green oasis in the large brown desert – a made suburb so picturesque that it may as well have been sent over from Pleasantville. And maybe it was! Aramco could certainly afford it, just as they can afford to offer Hank an increase of 30 percent to come back and work on a new propane project.
It is a tempting offer considering the hill’s cultural shock and one they almost take. But then, outside the Arlen’s mega-lo-Mart, they stumble across a girl scout squad. For starters, Hank and Peggy’s growing distrust in everything they once trusted better of them. Does each box cost with cookies $ 50 now? Has all tasty sugars been replaced with healthy alternatives? Is metavere involved in any way? No, no, and no, the young Speids reports, happily soothing their potential customers. There is a gluten-free alternative, safe, and these squares cost an extra dollar, but otherwise all your favorites are still here-to and with Hanks Samoas, now called caramel delites. “It’s more respectful for people from Samoa,” explains a scout.
“It’s a good change,” Hank says and smiles. “Yes,” says the little girl. “It’s nice to be nice.” “It’s safe,” Peggy says, holding his husband’s hand and enjoying the moment the hills rediscovered their hope for their homeland in the parking lot in a large box shop.
From there, it is clear that the hills are not going anywhere. Sure, there was little chance that they would do earlier, because the above events took place in the first episode of HuluSeason’s 10-part revival. But the message-that community and kindness can overcome superficial changes in daily life-is more than the practical problems and co-creators Mike judge And Greg Daniels, along with the new showrunner Saladin K. Patterson, make sure they stay at it throughout “Litter king‘S’ rewarding return.
Season 14 is not just a revival for a revival; It is a reminder that times change, but the host does not; This compassion, decency and common sense still have a place in America, as long as we make room for them, and to follow these principles gives a much better life than to stick to outdated ideas about what America and Americans should be like. Why not stop and stand up for what is real, for what really means than escaping to a false memory of a rose -colored farm?
And if you couldn’t already tell from my chosen excerpts, season 14 is also very, very fun.
“King of the Hill’s” mix of SLU, dry humor, socio -political comment and stupid slapstick remain intact, and Season 14 finds a nice rhythm from section to section. Given the different changes – the characters are all aged 10 years the season is only 10 sections Instead of broadcasting standard 24, and there is plenty of roll turnover, most noticeable in Luanne’s dazzling absence (expressed by the late Brittany Murphy)-a sustainable balance is far from guaranteed. But judges, Daniels and Patterson crafts strong episodic arches that build into a subtle stronger whole, which you may not even notice in the middle of all the laughs.
After the opening section (told above), Hank (expressed by judges) and Peggy (Kathy Najimy) fight to adapt to the vacant pace of retired life. Their empty Bo does not help, especially with Bobby (Emmywinner Pamela Adlon) who works in Dallas at his own restaurant – a “Japanese BBQ … with techniques from the German tradition in Texas Hill country ”(paid by Ted Wassonasong, a not so quiet partner).
Fortunately, parents and children find regular reasons to visit or check in. Bobby and Hanki battle and are tied over different generational departments, as if beer should taste like fruit and if, perhapsCOPD can be a useful cooking tool sometimes. Even when the nuclear family is kept apart, their respective plot lines are thought -provoking and fun.
A highlight of late season focuses on Bobby and his childhood crusher, Connie (Lauren Tom), when they try to define their resumed adult relationship in addition to how they felt (and who they were) as children. It is a mature, layered attitude to the characters and their developing dynamic, which takes up more than a surprising turn, but there is still room for stupid gags and a satisfactory page story about Boomhauer (also expressed by judges) that starts a new swine hunting business called Boar No More.
Animation allows sitcom more playing rooms like live-action revivals can pick up whenever and how it wants, but in an era of too many RestartThe restartand RedosIt is the effort and purpose that makes “King of the Hill” fourteenth Season so darn funny. Most of your favorite exans are back (as well as some valuable Guest stars), and they do what they do best, which includes reminding us of how we can bridge gaps – generation, regional, political and personal – without preaching or talking down to anyone.
“King of the Hill’s” sore core was rooted in their investments in neighbors, new and old. When Hank takes on the manosphere or Bobby tries to understand ethical non-monogamy, they are still approaching every new weirdness with curiosity, not contempt. They talk to the person who presents every new thing rather than talking on the new thing. They want to live in a community of people, not a made copy of a time that has passed.
As naive as it may sound in a world where so many of course Rights and incorrectly is routinely, dishonestly evaluated and re -evaluated, the series raises simple truths in ways that are absolutely inspiring. Would a little girl say: “It’s nice to be nice” sound so disturbing 15 years ago? Maybe, maybe not, but “King of the Hill” knows how to keep up with the times.
Rating: B+
“King of the Hill” premieres Monday 4 August at Hulu. All ten episodes will be released at once.
