King of the Hill

[Avaitor]

Well that explains Luanne dropping out of school and marrying Lucky. That never felt right with me, even though I know people who have done similar things with similar uprisings. As well as the pointless retconning.

Maybe Mike came back for the last couple of seasons and helped Altschuler and Krinsky find a better balance between the styles, while Greg focused his attention on the NBC shows. I don't think Mike could have gone too far, since it's not like he could have given up voicing Hank and Boomhauer.

I always thought that Mike was into darker, more character-based stories while Greg preferred softer, slightly wackier storylines, and was what caused the two to clash. Watching some Parks & Recreation lately, as well as considering Mike's other projects has helped me gain a better understanding of how the two work and how their takes would clash.

[Spark Of Spirit]

I think what might have happened is that FOX lost interest in KOTH near the end and they were less concerned with what KOTH was doing since season 9 and 10 had the lowest ratings in the series' history. So the staff felt free enough to go back to the simpler and more quaint ideas of the early seasons.

I honestly don't mind the wackier style of season 6, but I think 7 goes a bit too out there at times and 9 and 10 really feel stale overall. I'm just glad however it happened we got the last few seasons, because few other long running shows ever get that chance to become as good as that after such a long run.

But looking at the Goode Family (or what little we got) which was essentially done with Judge and Altschuler and Krinsky in a team. The show was very similar to KOTH ideals only more cartoony with more subdued humor like KOTH with social commentary, even if it wasn't close to KOTH quality overall. That's what leads me to doubt those two were responsible for KOTH getting outlandish, judging by the Office that was probably more of Greg's influence. Altschuler and Krinsky seem to like character humor more than gag humor.

[Avaitor]

Honestly I don't recall enough of Goode Family to say one way or the other but that wouldn't be too far off.

The Office and P&R are pretty wacky, so that wouldn't be too far off of a guess.

Yeah, season 7 is out there, but considering how dark season 5 was, a little while of goofier storylines was a good idea. Season 7 did go a step or two too far however.

[Spark Of Spirit]

Well, either way, we probably wouldn't have gotten some of the gems we did if they toned it down, so I can't criticize it too much.

Racist Dawg still sucks, though.

[Avaitor]

Yeah, there's no defending that one. Hank really got the short end of the stick there.

[Dr. Insomniac]

Personally thought Mrs. Wakefield was worse, but not really saying much there.

[Avaitor]

That also isn't worth defending.

There are very few truly bad KOTH episodes. Those are two of them.

[Spark Of Spirit]

The worst part is that they have pretty much the same exact flaws.

But yeah, those are the bottom two episodes without a doubt.

[Daxdiv]

For some reason, if I had to pick a worst episode of KOTH I think it might have to go to Mrs. Wakefield. The whole concept of that was rather... strange, and that is an understatement. To this day, I still don't understand why everyone looked down upon Hank for not allowing Wakefield to die in his own home. I know if some random person came up to my family to ask if they can die in our house, of course we would say NO!

Though, when Desensitized is done with this rundown, I would like to see a feature for the blog where he decides to highlight his Top 10 Best and Worst for KOTH.

[Spark Of Spirit]

Sounds like an interesting prospect. Though to make it different I might make a "most important" episode list over best, since I would rather pull from every season.

As for Mrs. Wakefield, yeah it bother me too. I don't understand episodes like that because these people are a tightly knit community and they KNOW what each other are like. Episodes like that and Racist Dawg make no sense because they require everyone to be out of character to work.

[Spark Of Spirit]

Season 8

Now the weird thing about season 7 was not how the cracks starting showing in the show, (after all most shows that make it to season 7 don't stay strong), but how much they seemed to learn with it in season 8. Season 8 as a whole is not as wacky  as season 6 or 7, not as dark as season 5, as expansive as season 4, or as rounded as season 3. No, season 8 is back to basics. I think of it as season 2, if it was made later after the crew found their footing and encompassed everything they learned since. It's actually a great season, though with a few downsides, and easily tops season 7.


150. Patch Boomhauer

Season 8 starts with a bang in perhaps one of the best season premieres in the series, and one of the show's best episodes period. We learn a lot about Boomhauer here, from the reason he can't commit to a relationship (he believes he lost his soul-mate long ago and simply gave up on love) how honorable he is, and how he grew up. It's a great character episode focusing on a character that didn't really get a lot of focus up to this point, and this one episode was enough to make him as interesting as Hank, as complex as Bill, and as fun to watch as Dale. Season 8 brought back the idea of 'big' premieres with Boomhauer's brother Patch being played by Brad Pitt (and he does a fantastic job) and an episode that screamed to the fans that KOTH was back in form.


151. Reborn To be Wild

I always thought this was an interesting concept. Focusing on how youth culture can tear down and demean important aspects of our lives like religion, politics, and what have you, and make them seem like little more than a fad. KOTH tries to assess why that is here, and we learn that it is an effect of the way they are exposed to constant commercialism and really don't know how else to embrace something they like properly like it means something to them. Seriously, it's interesting. The sub-plot is hysterical, too.


152. New Cowboy On The Block

This time back to a smaller scale episode where Hank learns that even sports stars can be jerks. I like this episode because it's one where the neighbourhood bands together to take down a common enemy. Community centered episodes are always fun since we get a lot of every character, and this is no exception. This is also proof of what I said earlier about how Hank's temper had been sheathed. Here Hank is punched in the face, and not only does he roll with it, he quickly thinks of a plan to make it work to his advantage. Season 1 Hank would have just attacked him. That's character development, all right.


153. The Incredible Hank

I'll admit the concept of this episode is a bit silly, but it does work in showing the character of Hank from a more simplified position. "What makes Hank run?", so to speak, at it's most simple. And as such, it's a very fun episode. Also seeing Hank act like a teenager is hilarious, especially his interactions with others (like Joseph), and the ending which shows us just how adult Hank actually is and how he doesn't need youth is a great message. So yeah, this one succeeds despite the somewhat silly idea behind the story.


154. Flirting With The Master

This is clearly a season 7 holdover, and it's... okay. A pretty average episode all together, but more Monsignor Martinez material is always appreciated. But it's standard KOTH, nothing bad, nothing great.


155. After The Mold Rush

Another season 7 holdover, this one is a better episode, but it follows a formula that irks me a bit. Someone tries to profit off off someone's misfortune and almost gets away with it until Hank outsmarts him. At this point it was new territory, but it was a plot that was too heavily leaned upon later. Still, it's fine enough.


156. Livin' On Reds, Vitamin C, & Propane

Finally some fresh season 8 material, and it shows. The material once again works just enough to satisfy, the plot is simple, the jokes are hilarious, and the denouement is satisfying. The sub-plot with the holiday song is surprisingly cute and funny, too.


157. Rich Hank, Poor Hank

Yet ANOTHER season 7 holdover, this one also shows it. Bobby is enormously out of character here (Bobby's Saga already dealt with this concept way back in season 2), and the humor is a bit silly. But it's another episode where that if it's funny enough, it doesn't really bother me, and that's the case here.


158. Ceci N'Est Pas Une King Of The Hill

Much like Reborn, this episode focuses on the idea of what art is. What is considered "real" art, and who are the ones that are allowed to define it and what gave them the right? This episode explores pretty much every avenue of art (this plot is done much better here than in Love Hurts) and exactly how it relates to the common man. The ending, I think, in particular shows what art is defined as. Art is something that everyone can appreciate and see for themselves, something that can't really be explained, but makes perfect sense to the ones experiencing it. This is another great episode of KOTH.


159. That's What She Said

A more simple episode, dealing with office politics, and exactly why the workplace shouldn't be like high school. Ben Stiller does a great job here as Rich, an immature manchild who gets popular by being immature and is thankfully put in his place by the workers. Another great one.


160. My Hair Lady

It's nice seeing Jack the barber again as well as seeing Bill and Luanne move on in their careers. The gay thing might be considered a bit overkill for this kind of show, but as a way to show exactly why "gay stylists" are considered okay over straight ones and Bill is treated entirely different is interesting.


161. Phish & Wild Life

Hippies suck. Yes, South Park constantly tells us this, but I think this episode shows more of why that really is that hippies are just a waste of space. A sillier episode, but since it's funny, who really cares?


162. Cheer Factor

Another episode where Peggy gets in charge of something at the school and goes too far. This one is kind of boring overall, unfortunately. But since it includes more of the school, I can't really dislike this one.


163. Dale Be Not Proud

This is a weird one. Focusing on what makes Dale tick. We learn about his code of honor. Yeah, Dale has honor? Apparently he isn't as selfish as we were lead to believe. No, Dale believes that nothing should be given for free and that something given must have equal value in return (it makes Dale's many 'meditating' jokes make more sense in retrospect, doesn't it?) in order for there to be balance. He takes it a bit too far (he is Dale, after all), but it is an interesting character trait we never really dived into before.


164. Apres Hank, Le Deluge

A fun community episode. All the many plots and character moments make this one stand out from most others, and the final moments at the end where Bill just doesn't want to leave is very telling of the spirit of community. This is one of those episodes that has a bit of everything, and it's all the better for it as it's a great one.


165. DaleTech

Despite the title, this is a Cotton episode. And it's nice to see one where he isn't just being angry and yelling, but actually instead scared of feeling useless and forgotten. The reason Cotton fights so hard is to remain relevant in a world where he is being seen as nothing more than an obstacle. It's a good commentary on how elderly people are treated, and how they deserve much better. Oh yeah, and the episode's really funny.


166. How I Learned To Stop Worrying & Love The Alamo

A siege against revisionist history. To be honest, it's quite deserved here, and it's quite necessary. History is a very important part of any culture, and to treat it with such frivolity and to demean those that lived before us is not only totally disrespectful, but is also no more "the truth" than what actually happened as it is history, and cannot be 100% accurately re-imagined. In short, show respect for those that came before you, even if you don't agree with what happened.


167. Girl, You'll Be A Giant Soon

Man, Hank was angry at that guy when he insulted propane. This was a fun episode that pushed the Hank and Luanne relationship where their mutual interests come together in a fun way. The best line has to be Boomhauer complaining about everyone talking about propane but never asking about his work. Which works much better when you know what his job is. Bobby taking Hank's place in the alley was also a great touch. Fun episode.


168. Stressed For Success

Another great episode focused on Bobby's love of pop culture and how despite totally irrelevant it is, it can be treated just as seriously as "proper" knowledge is. It's a fun episode overall, with some really good lines. Not particularly deep or anything, but it's fun. Plus, it had John Ritter in it.


169. Hank's Back (AKA The Unbearable Lightness Of Being Hank)

Unfortunately, it was at this point where KOTH started losing steam, IMO. This episode is not much different from Mold Rush, simply featuring different jokes (that are still funny) but pretty much the same plot. It is a shame how shaky the series was seeming at this point near the end of season 8, as it carried over into season 9, after the tremendous improvement the beginning of the season showed.


170. The Redneck Of Rainey Street

If this episode is notable for anything, it's obviously because it's the episode that introduces Lucky. As a whole, it's a fun episode to look at the motivations behind Kahn and Minh and how even they can't be so strict and intense all the time. It's a good episode, and one that's surprisingly relevant to the series as a whole. I don't think anyone can say that they saw that coming when they watched this episode.


171. Talking Shop

Unfortunately, this finale has the same problem as season 7's, it's merely an average episode placed into the finale spot. Unlike the season premiere, it seems they didn't learn their lesson by ending the season with a statement or revelation that should carry over to the next. Which is a shame. The episode itself is merely fine.


All in all, season 8 was a step up in quality from season 7, but unfortunately it is held back from a few lesser season 7 holdovers and filler episodes in the second half of the season. It's not quite up to the first 6 seasons, but it isn't far off either. Unfortunately, season 9 and 10 as we have seen, are not quite on par and are much shakier seasons overall, but for a brief moment, season 8 seemed like a step in the right direction for the series. But it would take until season 11 for this direction to get explored further... Anyway, season 8 is a pretty good season and is a lot of fun in retrospect. It's not quite perfect, but it's pretty good overall, and for a series in it's eighth season, that's pretty impressive.

[Avaitor]

You're pretty much hitting it right on the spot with each overlook here. Always great to read.

Can't wait to see how you tackle the last few seasons.

[Spark Of Spirit]

I actually had to watch through Patch Boomhauer twice just because it was so good, to catch everything in it. I think it might be the best season premiere in the whole show.

But yeah, before I skip to season 11, I plan on making a short piece bridging between 8 and 11. Just to make the transition more smooth.

[Spark Of Spirit]

Nearing the end:

King Of The Hill was one of the most inventive animated shows to ever air on TV, plucking from real life and showing it through a cartoon lens, but still keeping everything that was important to both. Mike Judge's love of poking fun at the nuances of society and subverting cliches, and Greg Daniels' focus on characters and atmosphere lead to the perfect storm that (IMO) they were never quite able to achieve on their own.

The first six seasons features the universe of King Of The Hill growing both in scope and ideas, where every episode feels like a new discovery in it. And throughout it, it still remains really funny.

However, around season 7, FOX wanted the show to be more marketable for syndication and basically brought in Mike Judge to temper the show to be more easily digestible like the first two seasons were. The writing remained strong for the most part, but something seemed off in the show. Season 8 featured Mike Judge once again taking his foot off the gas and letting the staff breathe again, but FOX's influence remained over the show. Season 8 was a step back towards continuity and characters, but it felt like it was being held back still by the whole episodic nature FOX tried to force on the show. Which, had they watched the show, would realize the show was always episodic, it just had ongoing sub-plots and subtle character development that would not be lost on people watching in syndication.

Unfortunately, by season 9, fatigue had set in. While I don't know what was going on with the KOTH team at this time, few would deny that the show started feeling tired and bored with itself by this time. The ratings don't lie either, season 9 and 10 were the lowest rated seasons of the entire 13 season run (from the same production order, too), and KOTH was looking like it was nearing it's end.

But something happened. While season 10 was looking to be the last season, syndication reruns were abnormally strong (KOTH was just beginning it's run on a wide scale) and DVD sales were also rather strong (I don't know what happened there, unfortunately :/), lending confusion to everyone involved with the show. King Of The Hill was suddenly regaining popularity and fast. FOX green-lit a new season of KOTH at the 11th hour, and it turned out to be the best decision for the show.

I don't know what happened to the staff when the 11th season was green-lit, but KOTH came back with a strong second wind and brought the show back to it's earlier roots as a character-based show with an ongoing world that is constantly changing. There were sub-plots again, things changed, nuances were explored, and the passion was back and strong. While there are some disagreements overall, I personally feel seasons 11 and 12 are as good as any of the classic seasons, and season 13 (while not as outright hysterical) is an excellent end to the series that closes off storylines and character arcs, and ends in the most perfect way possible.

So yeah, if you don't like positivity, you might not want to read my season 11, 12, and 13 looks. I particularly feel 13 is very underrated for what it is. People need to understand that a character based show has to end on characters first and foremost. The jokes need to take a backseat for the important events that are transpiring. But that's the way the season was made. It's basically the anti-season 7. Characters first and jokes second.

They aren't always funny in season 13, but that's the point, the world isn't always funny and sometimes I don't think people realize that. KOTH is not just a comedy, it's a show. It's not a gag fest, and that's why it stands out the way it does.

[Spark Of Spirit]

Season 11

King Of The Hill was renewed and, well, no one was that excited. Season 9 and 10 were not very exciting and people felt that it had run out of steam. Well, season 11 proved them TOTALLY wrong. I consider this the second wind of the show, and season 11 is the perfect modern take on classic season 3 and 4 era KOTH. What happened? The writing team seems a lot more confident here, the jokes are more character based again, the plots are centered on them and no longer insane, and the social commentary is now in the backseat behind characters to give it a more subtle impact. Most importantly, the people who made these clearly love KOTH and everything about it.


202. The Peggy Horror Picture Show

The concept sounds season 7 levels of insane, but the episode itself is not. The characters are instantly brought down to more human levels, the jokes are funny (surprisingly funny at the time, too), and the plot totally works. Much like "Ho Yeah!" it takes a silly concept and makes it work because KOTH is just that good. I know I criticized other seasons for not having a "big" opener, but I think this one works here to show that KOTH, even with a silly idea, is still able to work and be great. Season 11 starts out remarkably strong.


203. SerPUNt

I hate puns and love this title. This is the example of what I was talking about earlier. It starts out with a simple concept (and hilarious lines and jokes) and snowballs from there. The plot and characters never go off the rails, the social commentary is great, and most importantly it's all very KOTH. Season 11 built it's own niche of using season 7's "crazy" style of humor only in real life situations and I think that's what makes it so strangely funny. You'd think the town hating Hank would annoy me here but it doesn't because it's played RIGHT here in that it works with the message and that his neighbors don't stupidly hate him over it. Funny, funny episode.


204. Blood & Sauce

Another indicator the KOTH is back in full form, this episode not only brings back Gilbert from one of the series' best episodes, but also fleshes him out more as a character, being Bill's only relative left. It's also a touch emotional and idealistic in a way the show hadn't really been in a while. It's not outright hysterical, but it's more the better for it.


205. Luanne Gets Lucky

This was when I knew KOTH was finally back. This episode reminds me of a modern take on Love Hurts where Lucky is made into a far funnier (less obnoxious, IMO) character, and the episode where his relationship with Luanne finally makes sense. It also has a lot of really funny lines and moments, especially when Luanne snaps at people when she gets dumped.


206. Hank Gets Dusted

Not much to say here, except for a pure comedy episode, it's pretty funny. ZZ Top rocks too, so I've got no issue here.


207. Glen Peggy Glen Ross

Peggy loses her job at the Bystander (and no one cares, because nothing ever came of it) and she gets a job as a real estate agent in an episode that is way better in this episode alone than any episode at the Bystander was. Her new boss is also a great character, which is more than I can say than anyone from the Bystander was. Also interesting is the Connie/Peggy dynamic that was rarely ever used. They bounce off each other quite well.


208. The Passion Of Dauterive

Another sub-plot finally explored. The Bill/Reverend Stroup relationship was teased for a while, and we finally see it happen here. The first minute of the show alone where Bill finds his roof collapsed on his bed where he usually sleeps is the kind of opening we hadn't seen on this show in years. It's a more low key and introspective than the show had been in years.


209. Grand Theft Arlen

EASILY one of the most hysterical episodes of the series, an episode that tackles violent video games and how they can affect us. Though the really funny aspects have to be the reason Hank dislikes them (the way they misrepresent propane is literally the only thing that he disliked about the game) and how the sub plot ties in so well with it. Highlight is easily Bill playing the game straight and pretending he's Hank. So weird.


210. Peggy's Gone To Pots

More of Peggy as a real estate agent, only this time seeing her gets sucked into a devious pyramid scheme. Unlike the previous pyramid scheme ideas though, this one is actually explored in full showing us the extent of how messed up it is. Also, the sub plot addresses a nice little character quirk from Dale that again ties into the main plot nicely.


211. Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Final closure on the Nancy/John Redcorn relationship and a nice appearance by Nancy's mother. We hadn't really dived into this aspect of the relationship before, so this episode is more than welcome. Plots like this were what really proved to me that KOTH was truly back in the saddle.


212. Bill, Bulk And The Body Buddies

This episode is so messed up. Honestly, as funny as it is, this is probably the weakest episode of season 11. Not technically bad in any way, but doesn't really do much to stand out other than offer a gimmick to play off of. It is better than similar attempts in season 9 and 10, though, but that's because the writing is way better here.


213. Lucky's Wedding Suit

The 'almost' season finale instead works great as a season finale instead. The 'event' finales are back! We finally get to see Lucky and Luanne marry each other, and Lucky grow up as a character which was not something we expected to see from his character. There's a lot of cameos in this episode leading to be quite memorable at the end. Still, as great as it is, it is a good thing it wasn't the series finale. there's still much more greatness to come.



And unfortunately, that was all we got from season 11. Yeah, it's shorter than any other season, but that only benefits it by cutting out the filler and allowed the crew to focus on tempering all these episodes into something truly funny. In fact that's probably the best way to describe this season, it's sharp and sure footed. The craziness, rehashed plots, and OOC moments are almost completely gone here, making this one of the best and most consistent seasons of KOTH.

Up next, the best modern season (on par with the classics without a doubt) season 12. What other show can you truly argue for season 12 being the best season?