World reunion for Henri, after 15 years, confronts transformation
After a 15-year hiatus, the beloved animated series King of the Hill (Henri pis sa gang) is back with a new season, focusing on the life of Hank Hill in retirement.
Hank, the iconic propane salesman, can be seen taking on a new role as a soccer referee, reflecting the show's exploration of how retirement brings unexpected challenges and free time. This thematic shift towards Hank adapting to his drastically changed world and new roles is a key aspect of the new season.
The animation has been upgraded for the new season, with initial concerns about possible changes being alleviated. The update has been well-received and deemed an improvement that respects the show's original look and feel.
In the new season, Hank, along with his wife Peggy, is back in their hometown of Arlon, Texas. Their son, Bobby, is now the chef of a germano-Asian fusion restaurant. The series retains its gentle mockery of modern life, including humorous takes on hipsters, craft beers, bike lanes, and modern outdoor barbecues equipped with sensors and app connections.
Pamela Adlon, who lends her voice to Bobby in the original version, comments on the balance between the classic and new King of the Hill. Saladin K. Patterson, the executive producer and writer of the new season, hopes that fans of the original series will return to see how Hill adapts to modern times.
Dale, Hank's eccentric neighbour, has become more paranoid, becoming a "denialist-denialist" of elections. Humor in the series is grounded in reality, as seen in Patterson's anecdote about calling tech support for his Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatible grill.
Bill, Hank's lazy friend, has let himself go, staying at home and living off Amazon deliveries. Hank, Peggy, and their friends enjoy drinking beer in an alley.
Patterson believes that the return of core fans will help validate the new season and encourage others to appreciate it. The revival keeps the spirit of the original show while introducing new scenarios tied to retirement and generational changes.
Mike Judge, the mind behind Beavis and Butt-Head, and Greg Daniels, who would later co-create The Office, helped Patterson navigate the universe of King of the Hill. A touching moment in the new season is when Boomhauer (Papineau in Quebec) hugs Hank.
Hank, Dale, and Bill maintain their fundamental traits from the original series, with Hank continuing to drink beer, Dale continuing to be a conspiracy theorist, and Bill continuing to be an adorable little jerk. Hank is puzzled by modern concepts like carpooling, gender-neutral restrooms, and a Hawaiian dish called "poke".
The first ten episodes of the new season are available on Hulu since Monday. With its familiar characters, witty humour, and exploration of modern life, King of the Hill promises to be as entertaining as ever.
The new season of King of the Hill continues to delve into entertainment with its engaging stories, as Hank explores his new role as a soccer referee and encounters modern concepts he finds puzzling. Additionally, the series retains its humorous portrayal of various arts, including humorous takes on hipsters, craft beers, and modern outdoor barbecues.
