Hank Hill Could Never Be Replaced By A.I., ‘King of the Hill’ Creators Argue
A.I., in all its yellow-tinted mediocrity, is coming for us all. But no matter how many times the so-called innovative technology spits out uncanny six-fingered portraits or advises people to burn two to three cigarettes a day during pregnancy, it’ll never be able to replace guys like Hank Hill, gottdangit.
During a recent conversation with Texas Monthly, King of the Hill co-creator Mike Judge talked about how Hank has managed to fare in a modern-day version of Arlen, explaining how robots aren’t gonna take over the propane market — or his beloved handiwork hobbies — any time soon.
“People like that actually might be more in demand now,” Judge replied when asked if men like Hill are “a dying breed” in an era defined by computers, handyman apps and Mega Lo Mart drone deliveries, per the show’s promotional poster. “I mean, if you’re a paralegal, you’re in trouble. But you need a handyman. Robot plumbers are a long ways away.”
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As scientists have yet to develop robots with both plumbing and butt-crack flashing skills — showing hole is the last remaining facet separating man from machine, I guess — this opening in the market may serve as a good sign for not only Hank, but the rest of his Rainey Street pals as well. “There might be a rise of the Hank Hill type,” Judge joked.
Man versus technology isn’t the only battle the King of the Hill protagonist has won ahead of the show’s Hulu revival. When asked about who between Hank or Dallas’ J.R. Ewing has left the biggest impact on the Lone Star State, the show’s admittedly biased crew had to stand with their own.
“I’d vote for Hank Hill,” Judge explained, confessing that he and his colleagues “might be the wrong people to ask.” Despite “liking” the iconic ‘80s drama, Hank’s down-to-Earth persona is more representative of the average Texan than an asshole oil baron. “I think King of the Hill is a more realistic portrayal,” Judge concluded.
He’s not wrong. If anyone ever tried to shoot Hank, they’d land a foot up their ass, not a six-month cliffhanger.
