Sep 14, 2009
King of the Hill
This Sunday, FOX’s King of the Hill ended its 13-season run with its 255th and final episode. Don’t feel bad if you didn’t know — since its first few seasons, the series has received little attention from the network, critics, or the public at large. But King of Hill plugged along regardless, delivering consistent laughs and seeing only a relatively minor drop in quality in its final seasons. Centering on the Hill family of husband Hank, wife Peggy, son Bobby, and niece Luanne, the show always had a much more low-key sense of humor in comparison to shows like The Simpsons or Family Guy. Yet that tone served as a strength rather than a weakness, allowing creators and television comedy icons Mike Judge and Greg Daniels to showcase a number of hilarious and emotionally believable characters. As seen through the eyes of Hank, series setting Arlen, TX is changing too fast for a man who really only wants to sell propane and propane accessories. While another show might have done nothing but mock the Hills for their old-fashioned views, KotH allows us to see the value in them, as well. Additionally, stoic Hank’s bond with the endlessly goofy and dissimilar Bobby is one of the most touching father-son bonds you’ll ever see; it’s a testament to its greatness that a simple image of the two grilling side-by-side during the finale made me tear up. In my opinion, this is the most underrated show in the history of the medium. – Eric Freeman