Watch King Of The Hill Season 1 Episode 1

Yep. First Impressions of King of the Hill: Pilot Edition

Okay, let's be honest. We've all been there. Watching a show's pilot and thinking, "Hmm, not sure about this one."

I just re-watched King of the Hill's first episode, "Pilot." It's good, right? But is it... amazing from the get-go?

The Hank Factor

Hank Hill, propane enthusiast and all-around good guy. He's the heart of the show, obviously. But in this episode, he's almost too concerned about Bobby.

Like, relax, Hank. The kid is experimenting. He'll probably grow out of wanting to be a mascot. It's like a phase, you know?

I get it, he wants Bobby to be a man. But maybe let him figure it out himself? Just a thought.

Peggy's Early Days

Peggy Hill is... Peggy. She's always confident. Even when she shouldn't be.

Her substituting at Bobby's school feels a bit forced in this episode. It's a setup for the mascot thing, sure. But it feels rushed.

I mean, they did Peggy a little dirty in season one. Her antics are a little off, too wacky. But then Peggy is Peggy.

Bobby: The Unfiltered Version

Speaking of Bobby Hill, he's… precious. Absolutely precious.

His mascot dreams are hilarious and endearing. He's just a kid trying to find his place. It’s pure.

But even his humor feels a little different here. It's like they hadn't quite nailed his character yet. But who are we kidding, the kid is great.

The Gang's All Here (Sort Of)

Boomhauer is mumbling. As always.

Dale Gribble is conspiracy-theorizing. Naturally. He's already on point.

And Bill Dauterive is... well, being Bill. Unlucky in love and perpetually sad. Poor guy, right from the start.

Arlen, Texas: Slightly Different Shade?

Arlen feels... a bit generic? Like, it's there, but the charm isn't fully developed.

The show becomes such a loving parody of Texas culture. This episode feels like it's still finding its footing.

Not that I'm complaining. The foundation is there. But Arlen is just still being build.

The Mascot Dilemma

The whole mascot plotline is a little...over the top? Like, why is everyone so concerned about a middle school mascot?

Hank's reaction is understandable (sort of). But the school's reaction feels exaggerated.

I know it's supposed to be funny. I just think it's not as funny as later episodes.

Unpopular Opinion Time

Okay, here it is: the King of the Hill pilot isn't even in the top 50 episodes. Maybe even top 100.

I know, I know. Blasphemy. But hear me out.

The show gets so much better. The characters become richer. The stories become funnier.

It's a Grower, Not a Shower

Don't get me wrong. The King of the Hill pilot is good. It's just not peak King of the Hill.

It's like a seed that hasn't fully sprouted yet. You see the potential. But the flower is still to come.

It takes time to develop the magic. You gotta give Arlen time to build character.

Still Worth Watching (Duh)

Ultimately, should you watch the King of the Hill pilot? Absolutely.

It's the beginning of a beautiful thing. You need to see where it all started.

Just don't expect it to be the funniest episode. You’ll be in for a ride.