The revived King of the Hill Season 14 is a surprising delight, offering a fresh take on the beloved animated sitcom nearly a decade after its series finale. Mike Judge and Greg Daniels’ 10-episode continuation revisits the Hill family in their fictional hometown of Arlen, Texas, where Hank and Peggy have just returned from a stint in Saudi Arabia.
As they settle into retirement, Hank struggles to comprehend the changing world around him, from all-gender restrooms to toxic manfluencers. The show tackles the tension between his conservative views and the hateful rhetoric of today’s right. Meanwhile, Hank and Peggy embark on new adventures due to their restlessness in retirement.
However, one major issue arises with the revival: Bobby Hill’s transition into adulthood. His character, which defined the show for 13 seasons, has evolved significantly. The creators have retained Bobby’s distinct voice but struggled to adapt him to his new role as a stable, 21-year-old man.
Despite this change, the revival remains a pleasure, thanks to its portrayal of Hank and Peggy’s restlessness in retirement and the continued humor from characters like Boomhauer and Dale Gribble. The show’s ability to capture Bobby’s oddball search for belonging remains universal and endearing, making it a fun novelty to revisit adult Bobby.
By keeping the character’s distinct voice intact and making his parents the central focus, the revival has successfully bridged the gap between old and new. However, this shift also means that the revived King of the Hill doesn’t quite match the original in its essence.
Source: https://time.com/7306821/king-of-the-hill-season-14-bobby