Ming Of The Hill

Can't wait for FOX's revival of King of the Hill as a Flash Gordon crossover with Ming the Merciless. I think Dale Gribble would make an excellent second-in-command (Via tokyosexwhale)

Previously on Popped Culture...

The Ghosts Of Sitcoms Past

The Dukes of Mos Eisley

Mr. T Party

RIP Brittany Murphy

Brittany Murphy died early this morning after she went into full cardiac arrest and could not be revived, multiple sources tell TMZ. (Pic via The Daily What)

Previously on Popped Culture...
Boot Hill For King of The Hill
8 Kilomètres
Toon City

Boot Hill For King of The Hill

It's the end of the line for the Hill family of Arlen, Texas, after 13 years. Most TV shows don't make it that long, let alone cartoon. It would be a remarkable run were it not airing at the same time as The Simpsons, the juggernaut of the cartoon world.

The show was never as flashy as The Simpsons or as edgy as South Park or Family Guy, yet it carved out its own niche as an almost-realistic animated show. It was that realism that made the show unique in the 2D world. Characters felt real emotions and, most unusually, time progressed. Bobby grew older (ok, not 13 years older, but still) and characters changed. I was stunned when Nancy Gribble ended her 14-year dalliance with native "healer" John Redcorn and renewed her vows with her conspiracy-obsessed husband Dale. Changing a major focus of a character is just not done.

But all good things must come to an end and the show has had a good run — already having survived once cancellation from Fox. Hopefully the network allows for a finale, but I'll be happy if they just end the show like any other episode and I can go on believing that these congenial, redneck suburbanite Texans are carrying in the alley as normal. Yep.

Boy Howdy: King of the Hill Review

King of the Hill is the forgotten stepchild of prime time animation.

Overshadowed by The Simpsons and Family Guy, the Hill clan has quietly become the second-longest-running comedy on TV. Season 6 showcases how the Texas redneck suburbanites made their mark: by embracing reality and continuity.

Unlike most cartoons, the characters grow if not necessarily improve, as seen in "My Own Private Rodeo." One of the series' longest-running jokes is neighbour Nancy Gribble's 14-year dalliance with native "healer" John Redcorn.

She ends the affair and the storyline by renewing her wedding vows with her conspiracy-minded yet oblivious husband Dale, and invites his estranged gay-rodeo-riding father to the ceremony.

That's how the Hills embrace the comedic peculiarities of daily life. Mmm-hmm. Yup.

Extras: None, it's as bare bones as they come.

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I haven't done reviews for years but I'm starting up again. This review originally appeared in Dose on May 3, 2006.