ENGAGING PLOT SYNOPSIS: After spending several years working in a propane job in Saudi Arabia to build their retirement savings, Hank and Peggy Hill return to a transformed Arlen, Texas, eager to reconnect with their old friends Dale, Boomhauer, and Bill. Meanwhile, Bobby is thriving in his dream career as a chef in Dallas, enjoying his twenties alongside his former classmates Connie, Joseph, and Chane.
DETAILED REVIEW OF KING OF THE HILL: King of the Hill has been off the air since 2009, and the world has changed significantly since then. This raises the question of whether the show’s unique humor would resonate in today’s cultural landscape. I’m thrilled to report that this new iteration brilliantly captures the tone and spirit that made KOTH a beloved classic. As my favorite animated series of all time, my expectations were sky-high, and I can confidently say they were met in nearly every aspect.
In Season 14, we witness Hank and Peggy returning to Texas after many years abroad in Saudi Arabia. Their deep-rooted love for Texas is challenged as they confront the shocking transformations that have occurred. Bobby, now a chef in Dallas, has less interaction with his parents, but when they do share moments together, it feels like returning to familiar territory. Dale made headlines by winning his mayoral campaign (though it didn’t last long), Bill has descended into chaos, and Boomhauer now has a stepson. Notably, there’s little mention of Luanne and Lucky, which is understandable given the passing of their original voice actors, Brittany Murphy and Tom Petty. Nevertheless, the majority of the characters are present and feel like respectful continuations of their stories.
THE HUMOR AND CHARACTER DYNAMICS OF KING OF THE HILL: There’s always been a unique charm to KOTH where, once you grasp the intricacies of the character dynamics, even the smallest lines can evoke uncontrollable laughter. This is particularly evident in Peggy Hill’s character, whose blissful ignorance remains a highlight of the season. Her hilarious mispronunciations, such as “Saud-eye Arabi-ee-eye,” and her blatant lack of understanding of the local culture beautifully echo her previous Spanish misadventures. However, if there’s one character who might feel slightly underutilized this season, it’s Peggy. With only ten episodes to explore, some character arcs may inevitably feel a bit rushed.
RETURN TO A SYNDICATED STORY FORMAT: Following Season 6, the network enforced a shift from a syndicated format—where storylines would seamlessly connect throughout the season—to an episodic style, supposedly to enhance accessibility. Thankfully, this new season marks a return to the syndicated storytelling approach, allowing the show to flourish once more. Notably, the Bobby storyline works exceptionally well, showcasing both his personal growth and the enduring traits that fans have cherished over the years. His development from episode to episode, coupled with his passion for his culinary career, reflects the undeniable influence of Hank. I found myself genuinely rooting for his reconnection with Connie, a testament to the exceptional writing in this revival.
HIGHLIGHTED EPISODE: “NEW REF IN TOWN”: Arguably, the standout episode of the season is “New Ref In Town,” where Hank unexpectedly takes on the role of a secret soccer referee. Hank’s previously expressed disdain for soccer makes his character development all the more enjoyable, as we witness logical reasons for his newfound love for the sport. This growth aligns perfectly with the character evolution observed over the previous 13 seasons. However, Connie’s character feels a bit inconsistent at times, diverging from her established persona. This change serves to illustrate how significantly people can evolve during their formative years.
VOICE ACTING: A MIXED BAG: On the downside, some of the voice performances feel slightly off. In line with the trend of animated shows transitioning to actors of color for characters of color, Toby Huss no longer voices Kahn Souphanousinphone. Instead, Ronny Chieng takes over, but unfortunately, his portrayal lacks the essence of the character. While he manages to nail the laugh, his overall delivery feels disconnected, as if he didn’t fully grasp Kahn’s original voice. This misstep diminishes much of the humor associated with Kahn. Ironically, Huss later steps in to voice Dale after episode 7, successfully channeling a more authentic version of Dale than even Johnny Hardwicke achieved. Joseph’s character is also voiced by Tai Leclaire, who brings a refreshing blend of Joseph’s previous voice and John Redcorn’s distinct tone.
A CELEBRATED RETURN FOR KING OF THE HILL: Overall, this season marks a triumphant return to form for the series. Fans who feared that the show would adopt traits from its later seasons can rest easy; this is a continuation that honors the essence of the early years. The season features heartfelt tributes to Johnny Hardwick and Jonathan Joss, two pivotal actors who sadly passed away before the new series aired. I eagerly anticipate Season 15 and hope for more delightful adventures with the unforgettable residents of Arlen.
WATCH KING OF THE HILL: SEASON 14 NOW STREAMING ON HULU AND DISNEY PLUS.
