With King of the Hill about to return from its lengthy hiatus, hope of a fan-favorite character’s return stays excessive. King of the Hill season 14 is ready to debut on August 4, greater than 15 years after its unique ending, and each character is significantly older. With many unique solid members returning, there are hopes for surprising reintroductions.
Junichiro (David Carradine) is one character that audiences have been clamoring for for the reason that present was first canceled. The half-brother of Hank Hill (Mike Decide), Junichiro was launched in season 6, episode 21, “Returning Japanese”. Whereas he and Hank bonded over their similarities, Junichiro not often reappeared after the episode ended.
In an interview with ScreenRant‘s Jezzer Reyes and Ash Crossan at San Diego Comedian-Con, showrunner Saladin Okay. Patterson and creator Greg Daniels addressed the concept of Junichiro’s eventual return. Whereas they made no guarantees, as they want extra “assist” from viewers, Patterson shared his love for Junichiro and hinted at a possible reintroduction. Take a look at their quotes beneath:
ScreenRant (Jezzer Reyes): I’ve acquired to know: are we ever going to get to see Junichiro once more? That episode was one among my favourite episodes, and we did not get to see him after that.
Greg Daniels: It is humorous you need to convey that up.
Saladin Patterson: I do not need to give any spoilers away, however that is a personality that can also be expensive to all of us. And so, given the opportunity–meaning, if sufficient followers present assist and we’re capable of do the episodes we need to do going ahead, there is a huge likelihood you might even see him once more. And, clearly if we get to go to Comedian-Con Tokyo, if anybody from twentieth or Hulu is listening, then there’d be another excuse to convey that character again, proper?
What This Means For Junichiro’s Future
Junichiro Might Return
Junichiro did seem after the “Returning Japanese” episode, however he by no means had a lot of a spotlight. At finest, he had a cameo look in season 11, episode 12, “Fortunate’s Wedding ceremony Swimsuit” to witness Luane (Brittany Murphy) and Fortunate (Tom Petty)’s wedding ceremony. On condition that he by no means met them earlier than the marriage, he will need to have been invited by Hank.
If that’s the case, the truth that Hank and Junichiro are nonetheless on talking phrases is an thrilling prospect and guarantees a possible return for Junichiro. The character is genuinely humorous, however he’s finest regarded for his potential inside the collection. A secret half-brother to Hank Hill is just an thrilling idea that must be explored.
This promise signifies that Junichiro’s return is feasible, although it’s going to rely on viewers reception. With that in thoughts, it’s unlikely that he’ll come this season. Audiences might want to rally for a season renewal, if Junichiro is to return. If that’s the case, it’s a pretty seemingly prospect.
Our Take On Junichiro’s Potential Return
It Would Be A Lengthy-Awaited Reconnection
Junichiro was shelved shortly after his introduction, and it was a severe missed alternative. In spite of everything, he and Hank had been very a lot alike, as they shared the identical pursuits, shames, and even perspective in the direction of their work. Junichiro’s return may assist to strengthen these themes by higher portraying their variations.
A lot of the two-part “Returning Japanese” particular was about Hank studying extra about cultures. The identical theme may have been explored via a “Returning American” episode, as Junichiro may have visited the US and had the prospect to determine his personal response to American tradition.

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It was a missed alternative for the present, given {that a} new member of the family ought to have simply turn into an necessary character in King of the Hill. If he does return, he may work together extra carefully together with his nephew, his brother, and his sister-in-law. On condition that Hank additionally supported his brother’s medical struggles, he may actually have a little one of his personal.
Leaving Ichiro as a cameo character was a mistake, however the revival may assist him to obtain some extra character growth. The King of the Hill revival is giving the present an opportunity to right long-standing points, and Junichiro’s return is the proper alternative to unravel these issues.

King of the Hill
- Launch Date
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January 12, 1997
- Community
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FOX, Hulu
- Administrators
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Tricia Garcia, Adam Kuhlman, Dominic Polcino, Gary McCarver, Anthony Lioi, Jeff Myers, Allan Jacobsen, Shaun Cashman, Klay Corridor, Ken Wong, Ron Rubio, Tony Kluck, Wes Archer, Matt Engstrom, Anthony Chun, John Rice, Michael Dante DiMartino, Monte Younger, Brian Sheesley, Julius Wu, Lauren MacMullan, Yvette Kaplan, Steve Robertson, Pat Shinagawa
- Writers
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Jim Dauterive, Equipment Boss, Dan McGrath, Paul Lieberstein, Jonathan Collier, Christy Stratton, Etan Cohen, Garland Testa, Norm Hiscock, Johnny Hardwick, Rebecca Could, Tony Gama-Lobo, Peter Huyck, Dan Sterling, J.B. Cook dinner, Alan Freedland, Alan R. Cohen, Brad Walsh, Joe Stillman, Jon Vitti, Paul Corrigan, Judah Miller, Murray Miller, Sivert Glarum
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Mike Decide
Hank Hill / Boomhauer (voice)
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Kathy Najimy
Peggy Hill (voice)