King of the Hill Review

Poniewozik style

Word count: 771

King of the Hill is an animated sitcom created by Mike Judge. The series ran for 13 seasons on Fox Network from 1997 to 2010. King of the Hill is an underrated satire, whose subtlety often led people to view it as slow, boring and conservative. Why would anyone choose to watch a cartoon about a seemingly completely normal family and their neighbors in a small town? I’m convinced that these people haven't bothered to sit down and what an episode in it’s entirety. While King of the Hill is a series about an average family living an average, All-American, blue-collar life. Yet, average as they are, the Hills manage to be extraordinary. 

Hank Hill is the epitome of a stereotypical All-American male living the stereotypical American dream in his hometown of Arlen, Texas. He is incredibly traditional, reveling in a simple, old-fashioned way of life. Far from luxurious, Hank is the assistant manager of Strickland Propane where he proudly sells propane and propane accessories. He loves his job and gives 110% no matter what. He was once suspected of fraud for being so unbelievably reluctant to go on workers compensation and take time off from work after being injured. No one could believe anyone would be so genuinely upset over two weeks of paid leave. 

When not working, Hank can be found in the back alley drinking beers with his 3 dysfunctional childhood friends. While Hank has successfully navigated life after high school, Dale, Bill and Boomhauer have not fared so well. More often than not Hank is left to save the from impossibly hilarious shenanigans that he would really rather not deal with. 

More important than anything to Hank is his family, which he views in the most traditional sense. As the patriarch of the Hill family, Hank is the man of the house, the alpha male. He takes care of his family completely. He can fix anything with his complete inventory of well organized tools, he keeps his lawn flawless at all times, and he will kick your ass if you mess with his home or his family. 

Even though Hank is conservative and a complete traditionalist who would like nothing more than to live a quiet, relaxing life, his wife and his son’s antics frequently challenge his ideals and force him to open up and accept new things in the most ridiculous ways. 

Peggy Hill, three time substitute teacher of the year at Tom Landry Middle School, is the most amazing woman you will ever meet and she lets you know it. Peggy teaches español with a level of comprehension that once led to the inadvertent kidnapping of a young Mexican girl. Peggy exudes confidence in everything she does and there is nothing she won’t try once. She won’t be stopped by a skydiving accident or a full body cast. 

Hank and Peggy’s pride and joy is Bobby. He is often revered as a miracle child, on account of Hank’s narrow urethra. Bobby is the child they always wanted, but he’s nothing like the son Hank expected. Opting for prop comedy, magic and competitive rose growing over sports or cars. Hank is constantly questioning if the boy is “right,” but ultimately accepts him for who he is and whatever he does. Like his mother, Bobby is very confident and challenges his dad to open up to new things. 

The best thing about the Hill family is how good they are and how that kindness makes them so incredibly delusional and oblivious. Being totally honest and loyal, the Hill family will take anyone for their word and think the best of them. Hank’s boss and mentor, Buck Strickland, is a sleazy alcoholic who blatantly steals, cheats and gambles. No matter how destructive he is to himself or his employees, Hank looks up to Mr. Strickland and considers him his role model. For introducing him to propane and for saving him from the retail life, Hank is eternally grateful to Mr. Strickland and he lets it be known. In their neighborhood there is a well known affair between Dale’s wife, Nancy and John Redcorn, a Native American holistic healer. Peggy being best friends with Nancy remains unaware of the relationship for well over 10 years, despite even catching them multiple times. 

King of the Hill is a really underrated show. Since it takes a little while to get acquainted with the characters, many see it as boring. Instead, it is a hilarious satire which comments on everything from politics to religion to natural gases. It’s a clever show with lovable characters, morals, standards and values.