My Thoughts, As A Native Texan, On King Of The Hill’s Return

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I don't know too many people who don't really love King of the Hill. Mostly because I don't know too many people who don't live in Texas, or grew up in Texas.

Never in the history of television has a show gotten what it is to be "Texan" so incredibly right. With nuance, hilarity, a little self-criticism, and a whole lot of love, King of the Hill shows us- us. It's a gently lapping pond that mirrors our image back to us, just a little softer, just a little distorted, but a true image nonetheless.

Every Texan knows (or is) a stubborn Hank, an over-confident Peggy, a well-meaning Luanne, or an indecipherable Boomhauer. And we all have a cousin Lucky.

As for me, I have always related to the awkward optimism and determination of Bobby. I try to constantly entertain those around me who I care about, but if I don't know you, well, that's my purse! 

So how do I, as a native Texan, with a tremendous love for this show feel about it coming back? I am so happy I could cry. When I found out I hugged every single one of my Manger Babies (which is the long-standing collective nickname of my pets).

I have no doubt it will be good, mostly because Mike Judge's other massive hit, Beavis and Butthead already returned to Hulu, and it is hilarious. If you haven't watched it yet, you owe it to yourself to see Beavis in yoga pants- and any other the many other moments that made me laugh so hard my stomach hurt.

The only thing that gives me pause is Lucky and Luanne. Both voice actors, Tom Petty and Brittany Murphy, have passed rather tragically since the original run of KOTH ended. I don't want them voiced by anyone else. I'm not sure how their deaths will be handled by the show, but I have to trust it will be handled with the same nuance and grace with which this show has always tackled the darker parts of life.

Welcome back, KOTH, we are all ready to taste the meat, not the heat.