King of the Hill shifts into affectionate satire with "New Ref in Town," showcasing the revival's knack for blending old-school Arlen charm with unexpected character growth.
Hank's surprising embrace of soccer "honed during his time in Saudi Arabia" turns heads as he steps into the role of a local referee, putting him at odds with his traditionalist friends. The humor skews delightfully absurd, topped by Dale's over-the-top conspiracy belief that Hank has been "turned," yet the emotional kernel remains intact: a gentle nudge toward change, acceptance, and the rules that connect us.
Meanwhile, Bobby navigates a completely separate storyline at a car dealership - one that underscores how his old niceness is now paired with adult ambition and savvy, though not without a comedic twist.
Performances are sweetly grounded: Mike Judge's Hank is buoyed by sincerity, Pamela Adlon's Bobby shows maturity without losing his warmth, and the ensemble lifts the spotlight around them just enough to preserve that lived-in Arlen vibe.
Lighter than its predecessors but still rich in character, "New Ref in Town" quietly reaffirms that this revival isn't about flashy reinvention... it's about watching people grow without changing their essence. 7.5/10.
