King of the Hill

[Spark Of Spirit]

The smoking episode is funny and I like it, but I'll be honest when I say that it's not really "KOTH funny", it's something any other show probably could have done. It's well executed and funny, but that was my problem with a lot of the early stuff. It felt like it could be a part of any other show.

While episodes like Kahndo would only really work like they did in KOTH.

[gunswordfist]

Was that the anger management episode? Dammit, if I knew who Chuck was back then, I would have laughed.

Anyway, this show making me laugh has made me feel better since I have nerd depression and whatnot. I especially loved those two Joseph and Dale episodes they showed in the last week. Why didn't they do more of that?

[Spark Of Spirit]

The episode is called Texas Silksaw Massacre.

IMO, one of the best episodes of the series.

[gunswordfist]

I'll be sure to watch all of it for once.

[Spark Of Spirit]

I'm going to do a post on each season of KOTH as I get to rewatch them, for fun. Unfortunately, I won't be able to go beyond season 6 unless I'm lucky enough to be able to watch the remaining episodes. The lack of DVD sets truly sucks.


Season 1

Where it all started. From what I can recall, KOTH was heavily anticipated back in 1996 as the follow up to Beavis & Butthead. The show was absolutely huge for the first two seasons before dying out (I blame FOX for this) and it wasn't because it was a repeat of B&B's success. I'm not going to sugarcoat it, season 1 is a bit rough. Much like other first seasons of animated comedies, the framework is there to be built upon and what's there is pretty solid on it's own, but as a whole it doesn't stack up to what was to come. This season mostly focuses on introduction over plots and character, so there isn't much to compare it much with what came later.


1. Pilot

This is not KOTH. I understand what Mike Judge and Greg Daniels were going to do with this series but the first episode is very much generic overall. There are good lines (the fixing the truck moments are the only real KOTH-style moments, though), but as a whole, there isn't much reason to re-watch this unless you like Hank more angry than awkward (I mean, he yells about EVERYTHING here) or seeing Bobby totally out of character. IMO, it was a decent start to a TV show, but it doesn't really do much besides introduce characters and situations with a plot that's completely unlike the show.


2. Square Peg

Now this is more like it. This is one of the few early KOTH episodes that could be rerun in between more recent episodes and fit right in. The characters fit in more, and the plot is a vehicle to get the characters to interact. The only real fault could be because it's so early, the humor can't really go deep enough to really hit any marks. But Dale threatening the sex ed teacher with phone calls is easily an early show highlight.


3. The Order Of The Straight Arrow

Much like the previous episode in that it's an early execution of a great idea, but this one feels more natural in writing and animation. Dale is especially hilarious in this episode, as well as Bobby with his ignorance. This was when we all realized how great this show could get and how much potential it had. The guys' fathers however, are all pretty OOC for what came later on.


4. Hank's Got The Willies

This is a bizarre episode, but has some truly great dialogue. Especially the stuff Willie Nelson says. It feels a bit too much like a "guest star" episode, however, and too much of it seems unnaturally centered on Willie Nelson. Still, it's solid.


5. Luanne's Saga

Mostly a character introduction of Luanne featuring both the first appearance of Chuck Mangione and Buckley, it's an introduction of Luanne as a character. Few shows are able to do episodes like this so early in a series run, but thankfully KOTH was. It's also nice to see more Boomhauer then we had up to that point.


6. Hank's Unmentionable Problem

This was more centered on Hank's embarrassment adding more to the character trait. But there isn't really much to help this stand out.


7. Westie Side Story

Meet the Soupansouanphones. Again, some good lines, but it just doesn't stand out aside from that fact. Kahn's family was done much better later on.


8. Shins Of The Father

Okay, now THIS episode... THIS one holds up to later Cotton appearances. I still quote that Fatty line to this day. Cotton was one of the best characters on the show, and his first appearance easily holds up to what came later. Though the moment where Cotton breaks a plate to fight with Hank and Hank is eager to join in is really strange.


9. Peggy The Boggle Champ

I personally feel this is the best episode of the entire season. It has great character moments, great jokes, and a wonderful one shot character ("AU-HUA-HUA") and succeeds in developing the characters in the process. This is when the show started to get it's own identity.


10. Keeping Up With Our Joneses

I know I've said it before, but this episode doesn't really feel like a KOTH episode. I mean, it's funny and all, but that's because of one gimmick (smoking) that's used throughout it to center all the jokes on. Fun episode, but it doesn't really fit in much with the show.


11. King Of The Ant Hill

The ant stuff is really weird. Dale again has some good moments, but it doesn't shake the fact that the ant stuff is... well, really weird. I'm not sure what the aim of this episode actually is.


12. Plastic White Female

Now unlike the weird ant thing, Bobby's weirdness in this episode makes sense. Hank and Peggy's reactions are both understandable, and add to the episode tremendously. It culminates in a sweet moment between Connie and Bobby. A good episode, and a great end to the first season.


All in all, season 1 is a bit bland in retrospect featuring many ideas that were done WAY better later on in the show's run, but a few episodes still manage to stand out and push ahead of the pack. However, season 2 would really push forward towards greatness and take the show to a whole new level by the end of it.

Anyone else have any opinions on the first season of KOTH?

[Avaitor]

Season 1 feels very weird in comparison to later seasons, but I do still enjoy it. I pretty agree with you here.

This is also one of my favorite moments from the show, and more than makes the season useful.

[Spark Of Spirit]

Season 1 may be rough, but because it has moments like this, I can't help but like it:

"I was 14, just a little older than Bobby. But I knew Uncle Sam needed me, so I lied and signed up. We had beat the Nazzys in Italy, and they shipped me to the Pacific theater. A Tojo torpedo sent our troop ship to the bottom. I could only save three of my buddies: Fatty, Stinky, and Brooklyn. They were kind of like you fellas [to Bill, Dale, and Boomhauer], only one of them was from Brooklyn. Out of the sun came a Tojo Zero and put fitty bullets in my back. The blood attracted sharks. I had to give 'em Fatty. Then things took a turn for the worse. I made it to an island, but it was full of Tojos! They were spitting on the U.S. flag! So I rushed 'em, but it was a trap. They opened fire and blew my shins off. Last thing I remember, I beat 'em all to death with a big piece of Fatty. I woke up in a field hospital, and they were sewing my feet to my knees."

[Avaitor]

"Hank, Bobby and me have decided he's gonna stick vegetables up his nose. He's not gonna take over the family gas station."

Definitely one of the highlights from season 1.

[Spark Of Spirit]

Why not do season 2 now? There's really not much to dwell on in season 1.

Season 2

For all intents and purposes, season 2 is basically season 1 but better. Because the characters are now established, we can dig deeper and introduce better plotlines and more interesting subplots. Some of the all time best episodes are included in this season, which was also where the show achieved it's greatest ratings. (For some reason the ratings dipped after this and I have no idea why considering season 3's quality) It's still quite a good season despite a few decent episodes pulling it down a bit.


13. How To Fire A Rifle Without Really Trying

I know people love this episode, but IMO, it's merely decent. The therapist and gun safety teacher are the best parts of the episode, the Cotton flashbacks and the awkward ending are really funny, but as a whole it's merely decent. "I want my Binky back" is gold.


14. Texas City Twister

A better version of an episode you would see in season 1, and has some really good moments including the downed power line quote. I remember this one being advertised heavily back in the day, and for good reason. But I still don't think it's quite up to par with the better stuff.


15. The Arrow Head

This episode started the trend of "everyone's wrong except Hank" episodes that a lot of people tend to dislike. However, this one has a really good payoff at the end that makes the whole thing worth it. I only wish someone would gif that scene. Maurice Lamarche is hysterical as always. As someone who lives on a native reserve, I do get a kick out of how the native artifacts are treated, however.


16. Hilloween

This is a hard one for me to talk about. I mean, it's funny, and has some good character moments... But it feels more like a Simpsons episode to me. I'm not sure what it is, but I guess that the plot feels like it's more important than what the characters are going through. It's hard to explain.


17. Jumpin' Crack Bass

This is when the series picked up steam, for me. The Layaway Ray scenes alone would guarantee this a classic episode, Dale buying a frozen fish, the crazy judge who assigns some really cracked out punishments, and the dealer who I have no idea what the heck he's saying. Seriously classic stuff here.


18. Husky Bobby

Meh. Outside of Andy Maynard, the photo sessions, and the ending, I usually have to struggle to remember anything about this one. Not bad, just forgettable. "Dad! Dad! A man took pictures of me!"


19. The Man Who Shot Cane Skretteberg

One of the best episodes of the series, there isn't anything about this that isn't hysterical. The guys dealing with getting older, their reactions to their humiliating defeats, and the fantastic one liners, this is on of the best things to come out of KOTH. I think the best part about this episode is that it's relate-able, both to kids (all the physical pratfalls) and adults (realizing you're not young anymore) while still retaining all the trademark character moments KOTH is know for. "I laugh at Tony Danza."


20. The Son That Got Away

I think if the Bobby/Connie/Joseph thing ever went anywhere after this episode, this episode would be better. But it kind of made itself OOC for things that would come later. Still, some funny lines and moments make this fun for when the reruns come around. "You'll be sorry! You'll be-AGH"


21. The Company Man

A season 1 holdover, we meet Thatherton (in retrospect, an underused character) and meet quite the annoying Yankee. I'm not going to lie, I like this episode but there really isn't much to say. It's just kind of generic, in the end.


22. Bobby Slam

Better than the last few episodes, but not quite up to the best, Bobby joins the wrestling team and ends up having to fight Connie to stay on it. Quite the dilemma, and it's played up quite well. The wrestling match at the end is easily the highlight of the episode.


23. The Unbearable Blindness Of Laying

This episode kind of depresses me, I'm not sure why. It's a Christmas episode, but for some reason Hank is just so miserable throughout that it just totally brings me down. Gary is a good addition to the series, though.


24. Meet The Manger Babies

A cute episode about Luanne finding a perfect hobby over her own, we meet the best puppets to ever appear on a TV show (I went there!), the Manger Babies. The ending featuring Hank choosing between football and his family is a sweet little moment as is the weird Troy Aikman cameo at the end. IMO, this is one of the best episodes of the early seasons and is quite fun to watch in reruns. "Let's not forget a very British bird, Sir Reginald Featherbottom the Third! 'Charmed, I'm sure, Governor!'"


25. Snow Job

The first episode to really shine a light on Strickland Propane, this one has some great moments both at Strickland and outside of it. I don't think I'll ever forget that strange meathook line, Hank feeding the dogs at Strickland's place anytime soon. Hank's final decision at the end is touching and very true to the character, and is the first to show the true colors of Buck. "Now I know why they call you 'Ma', cuz you're always riding ma ass!"


26. I Remember Mono

Peggy's mom sure is different, huh? This is a cute episode, but it's not really particularly funny overall. The end also seems a bit disjointed in how everything is solved. This is one episode that could easily fit into season 1, but it's not a very strong episode over all.


27. Three Days Of The Kahndo

Hilarious. There's so much going on in this episode, and the dialogue is so sharp that it's hard to imagine this is the same show we saw in season 1. Featuring possibly the best act breaks in the show's history, and a subplot that goes nowhere but is actually funny about it, it even features a surprising sense of patriotism about the whole thing which manages to fit in with the whole thing. I could really gush about this episode because it really is one of the best episodes the show has to offer. "This tastes like turtles!"


28. Traffic Jam

To me, this has kind of the same problem as the Willie Nelson episode, more focused on the guest star than the actual story. Chris Rock works well as Buddha Sack (and later, Roger), but I think the character worked better when Phil Lamarr took over for the character. Hank not "getting" insult comics was interesting, as were his reactions, but plot wise they didn't really do much for it.


29. Hank's Dirty Laundry

Probably the best episode that deals with "Hank Vs. Everybody", sees Hank fighting "the beast" over a porno tape that he didn't rent. Bobby's subplot about his birthday is weird, but funny, and Peggy is at her most annoying, but the plot itself is fun and the ending is among the most satisfying in the show.


30. The Final Shinsult

Weird. Funny, but weird. There isn't really much I can add to this one. Probably the best part is how fast Dale sells Cotton out, he seriously has no spine at all.


31. Leanne's Saga

Depressing as hell to watch. Leanne is a scumbag, so it was nice to see Peggy kick her ass at the end. Overall though, it's hard to re watch just because of how Leanne treats everyone.


32. Junkie Business

I hate this episode. Not because it's bad, but because of the junkie in it who uses a legal loophole to prevent getting fired. It's not a bad episode at all, and I wouldn't recommend skipping watching it, but I can't stand watching it just because of that guy.


33. Life In The Fast Lane, Bobby's Saga

Hilarious episode. Watching Hank actually kick someone's ass repeatedly is hilarious, as is poor Bobby's plight at his job. In fact, I'd say this is the first episode where Bobby finally grows up a little from being totally ignorant of the world around him and is actually able to hold his own even with a boss as stupid as his is. Boomhauer also takes the b-plot focus, making this a great episode.


34. Peggy's Turtle Song

Eh, not really a fan of this one. Kind of forgettable, and it doesn't really warrant repeat watches. The plot is kinda dull, too.


35. Propane Boom (Part 1)

Great season finale and cliffhanger. A lot happens in this episode, and a lot of characters are put through some tough situations. At the end we are left to wonder if they will truly be able to make it through. We also end with what is probably the most unexpected season finale (if it wasn't totally ruined in the ads) where the Megalo Mart actually blows up leaving us with Hank Hill possibly dead. KOTH was masterful at two-parters, and this first one was just as good as the ones that came later.


So season 2 was uneven, as you can see. Their are some fantastic top shelf episodes, and some mediocre and average ones to round it out. It isn't until season 3 when KOTH really took off, but you can clearly see the potential the show still had in season 2. Not a great season, despite being the highest rated one, but a merely good one. Season 3 is when we truly get to the meat of the show.

I'll leave you with this until my next list... Which will probably take some time. I definitely don't want to rush that one out. 

[Spark Of Spirit]

Season 3

Season 3 is what I believe to be the best season of King Of The Hill. While season 1 was a good start, and season 2 was an uphill set of episodes, season 3 is excellent. This season has the first real ongoing plots weaving throughout the episodes, more layered jokes, and some really interesting concepts that most "edgy" shows these days don't even come close to touching. But best of all, about every episode here is a classic, and there are very few modern shows that are able to claim to have a perfect season, but I'd say outside of classic Simpsons, KOTH has the best batting record in that area.


36. Death Of A Propane Salesman (Propane Boom - Part II)

The first mark of change comes with the death of Buckley, Luanne's idiotic ex-boyfriend. As a season opener, is surprisingly downbeat in everything that's going on, but it does help give it a different flavor than the first part of the episode. There's a shift in tone with this episode that feels really subtle, but from season 3 to about season 6 or so, the show seems to have this weird aura about it where things feel less relaxed and more urgent. It's hard to describe, but it's something I tend to think about when watching these episodes. This is also the first episode Chuck Mangione gets some real time devoted to him.


37. And They Call It Bobby Love

Love hurts, huh? Bobby finds out the hard way in one of the funniest episodes of the show. While we saw Bobby getting used to the idea of girls in season 2, here he seems like he might have a grasp on them... until he is absolutely crushed by one. Thankfully, he bounces back, but it's a real journey for him. Major props has to be given to the subplot, which has an absolutely weird ending. (Why, Bill? Why?)


38. Peggy's Headache

Peggy's musing job was a short side-story going on in KOTH, but I always enjoyed it. This episode, however, is where we really learn how perceptive the "genius" Peggy Hill is. The answer is 'not very'. It's a new side of Peggy that we hadn't seen up to that point, and would be expanded upon in the future, but it's still very well done here. My personal favorite scene is where Hank threatens John Redcorn and the wind blows his hair slightly and Hank awkwardly walks away. A joke like that only works in animation.


39. Pregnant Paws

The Hank and Peggy getting older and contemplating another kid story drifted throughout this season, here Hank uses Ladybird as an outlet for his feelings that he is unable to show Peggy, and Bobby pays for their lack of attention by having to bribe Bill with dog biscuits (Wha?)... The subplot is another plot that drifts throughout the season and beyond, Dale becomes a licensed Bounty Hunter... and is awful at it. (Props to Jim Cummings for doing a funny Dale Gribble impression in the episode, too)


40. Next Of Shin

This isn't really a part two, but it feels like it. Both of the plots from the previous episode are continued, but not directly. Just the Hank and Peggy dilemma, and Dale being a Bounty Hunter. This time, Cotton gets involved and shares his own worries about becoming a father(!?) despite the fact he will be dead by the time his son reaches adulthood.


41. Peggy's Pageant Fever

As much as I love this episode, the best part, by far, is everyone's reactions when they learn Peggy is going to be in a pageant. You really get a sense of every character, as they try to spare (or not, in some cases) her feelings on the issue. Best moment, Minh slinging insults at a dressed up Peggy Hill, only to get ignored and calling her rude. Also points go to Strickland whining about paying money for the pageant only to say "she could have at least smiled..."


42. Nine Pretty Darn Angry Men

Gosh... there's so much I could say about this episode. This episode pretty much epitomizes Hank Hill. He can't express himself emotionally, so he has to work around his inability by showing it to others... through his mower. Not only is it fascinating (as well as being a homage to the great classic film, 12 Angry Men), but it's extremely funny. By far one of the best episodes in the series, I just don't know what to talk about here. It's just too good.


43. Good Hill Hunting

The Bobby season-story of him getting older continues here as he is unable to go on a rite of passage hunt due to his father's negligence at getting a license on time. Focusing on the offbeat father-son relationship of Bobby and Hank, this is another winner that ends the only way it can. By the two of them coming to their own terms on what it means for Bobby to become a man. A great episode.


44. Pretty, Pretty Dresses

Probably one of the darkest episodes in the show's history, Bill hits rock bottom. His yearly Christmas depression finally becomes too much as he is denied being with his friends on Christmas, and is once again destined to be alone. He attempts to kill himself multiple times, but is unsuccessful, and after a tiff with Hank, he completely loses it and creates a new persona where he wears a dress and pretends to be his wife, Lenore. However, despite being dark, this episode is both very funny (and somehow light on dark humor) and touching in how it ends. This is the episode where Bill really comes into his own as a character, and he never really goes this low again. (Despite the random episode here or there where he relapses)


45. A Firefighting We Will Go

Oh come on, I'm not going on about this again. It's the perfect KOTH episode, and there's nothing more I can say on it. Every joke is hilarious, every idea works, and every character is dead on. It's just the perfect episode.


46. To Spank With Love

A funny episode of KOTH where we find out how uncool a teacher Peggy really is. The concept of punishment in schools is brought up here (KOTH comments a lot on the school system), and taken to it's furthest extreme. This also includes one of the funniest running gags in the show, ("Take off your top!") and is just another great episode in a great season.


47. Three Coaches & A Bobby

Watch it, love it, memorize it.




48. De-Kahnstructing Henry

The first real focus on Kahn here. We learn more about Kahn's personality, his life, and just what exactly he really thinks of Hank Hill. Another important episode, this is the episode where most people finally come around to Kahn even when they hate him beforehand. With good cause, this episode really fleshes him out wonderfully.


49. The Wedding Of Bobby Hill

This is a pretty good gag episode, though it's really more gimmicky like a season 2 episode. So it looks a bit weaker compared to the rest of the season, even though it's a fine episode. It's fun, though.


50. Sleight Of Hank

Hank always needs to know everything. This kind of runs with the same gimmick throughout, but because it's so funny, it never wears out it's welcome. He does get a bit jerky here, but it's nothing too annoying.


51. Jon Vitti Presents: 'Return To La Grunta'

Oh how I wish for audio commentary for a behind the scenes on this episode's title. One of my favorite Simpsons writers delivers a top notch KOTH episode. This one is just really funny from start to finish, with enough quotable lines to shake a stick at. Who knew Bill liked dolphins so much, huh?


52. Escape From Party Island

This one is just drop dead hysterical from start to finish. In many ways, it is like Hank's version of a horror movie as he tries desperately to escape the jaws of an MTV Spring Break party with a gaggle of old ladies led by his mother. "I know your kind" gets a lot of play with me and my friends, too.


53. Love Hurts & So Does Art

Bobby's plot here is both sweet and funny as he finally learns to do the right thing instead of being a lazy cripple with gout. The Hank subplot is a bit boring, though it's nothing bad. This one is mostly about Bobby.


54. Hank's Cowboy Movie

More worrying for the future, this time about the children of Arlen and how there's nothing really there for them when they get older and they'll most likely move. Hank makes an effort to try to get the Dallas Cowboy training camp to move to Arlen in hopes that it will make the town more attractive to new business. It continues the theme of previous episodes, but comes to the conclusion at the end that while things might change in the future, what is important is to live in the now. Nice episode.


55. Dog Dale Afternoon

VIGILANTE! Another really funny Dale episode, someone steals his mower (it's Hank) and he loses his mind trying to get it back. Oh yeah, and he also holes himself up in a bell tower and the local police keep trying to snipe him out.


56. Revenge Of The Lutefisk

I love mystery style KOTH episodes. This one, however, we know the culprit but we can't help but feel bad for him as everything he does is not out of spite, just bad luck. Another fun episode, this one introduces us to Karen Stroup, the new reverend of the Hill's church.


57. Death & Texas

Another different episode, this one dealing with Peggy's trusting nature (her naivety) is another funny episode, but also continues the theme of worrying about the future. Here, the Hill family's future is put in doubt as Peggy might possibly get taken away from them, as they are unable to think of what to do. Fortunately it all works out, but it is a close one.


58. Wings Of The Dope

A touching episode dealing with Luanne. She had a rough year since Buckley died and it is here where she really gets fleshed out more. We also get to see Buckley's trampoline one last time as we learn the porthole to hell is next to Hank's tools. Another funny episode, with perhaps one of the best endings in the show's run.


59. Take Me Out Of The Ball Game

Thatherton(!) has formed a rival baseball team! Let's take 'em out!  A fun sport themed episode, we see what happens when Hank is unable to take control of a situation. Dale is also a good catch, surprisingly.


60. As Old As The Hills (Part 1)

This is where the season long plot of getting older reaches it's conclusion. A whole bunch of stuff happens here including Didi having the baby mentioned early in the season, Bobby having to take care of them, Luanne not having any place to stay, and Hank and Peggy skydiving. Peggy's chute however, does not open, leading us to wonder if she lived through her jump. It's a great episode that's mostly internal in the strife the family faces, and ends with the only possible conclusion. Face the future head on! The only question is will the family pull through it?


That's season 3. What I consider the best season of KOTH and one of my favorite seasons of television in general. While the next couple of seasons are just as good and have many other great episodes, I feel season 3 has the greatest number of classic episodes with the fewest amount of duds (I'd say there were none, but your mileage my vary), leading it to be the most re-watchable one.

Any thoughts on season 3?

[Avaitor]

Loving these. Great stuff. I pretty much agree.

[Spark Of Spirit]

That was a fun one to do. Season 3 is just really that good, but watching season 4 again I think I may have underrated it a little, it's actually pretty close in quality. It's just that it's best episodes can't quite outmatch the best ones here. It's close, though!

I think Escape From Party Island is the one episode I tend to forget about when talking about KOTH, but I really shouldn't. It's pretty much perfect, and it is the first time we get to learn about his mother in a way that actually comes back in the future seasons.

[Spark Of Spirit]

Season 4

Season 4 of KOTH goes a bit deeper into the characters than season 3 does (for the most part) focusing more on the secondary characters and bringing them to the level of our main characters. For some reason I deemed this season to be totally inferior to season 3, but that was judging it as if it was merely attempting to do the same thing as season 3 was. Judging it for what it is, an effort to expand the scope and world of King Of The Hill, it could be argued that it is the best season of the show. It was also with this season when KOTH became the undisputed king of the FOX Sunday Line up, IMO, with no other show quite matching it at the time.


61. Peggy Hill: The Decline & Fall (As Old As The Hills - Part II)

A great season premiere closing of the theme of mortality from the previous season, this time focusing more from the opposite ends of the spectrum, near death and early birth. It gives us a clear window again at how fragile life is and how easily the simple things (like walking and dignity) could easily be taken away. But as the ending showed, there is more to us than simply rolling over and taking the punches we're delivered. It is how we deal with those punches that show exactly what we're made of. At least that was how I saw it. On an aside, this episode really brought out the dumb in Luanne as she was never close to this dumb prior to this episode. Oh well, at least the jokes were funny so all is forgiven, I guess we can just chalk it up to her being emotionally confused by the events of the episode.


62. Cotton's Plot

Sort of a third part to the previous two-parter, we continue seeing Peggy's rehabilitation from her near death experience. Of all people, it's Cotton who gives her the motivation to start walking again, and it is in this episode that we learn a little bit more about the man who killed fitty men. This sort of closes off the mortality theme with Peggy finally regaining her strength to walk again, and Cotton getting the plot he deserves.


63. Bills Are Made To Be Broken

With this episode we move out into the world of Arlen to learn more about it. Bill loses his high school football record because of foul play, and plots to get it back by proving to the world that even as a middle aged bald man he is still "the Billdozer" and well deserving of his old record. It's an inspiring episode that proves to us that Bill isn't merely a pathetic loser, but a man who also lost his fire and direction in life. Underneath it all, he's still the Billdozer.


64. Little Horrors Of Shop

The school gets its first real focus episode (outside of Peggy's job or Bobby's problems) as Hank joins the school as a substitute shop teacher. We learn more about the school system and the students as well as finally get to know Principal Moss, who would become a major player later. This episode also shows exactly what is wrong with teachers between Hank and Peggy, one merely wants to teach his passion to others and bring them together with it and the other merely wants to look smart and isn't really invested in the actual students. Of all the teachers I have ever had in my life, the best ones are closer to Hank, and the worst are much closer to Peggy. A very real, but funny, episode.


65. Aisle 8A

Things change. While Connie begins to grow up, Bobby feels confused and left behind (something that is explored in greater detail later) and Hank feels awkward stuck in the middle of it. Another very funny, but interesting, episode as things begin to change for the kids of Arlen.


66. A Beer Can Named Desire

After some world building, we end up going into backstory, this time for Bill. Easily one of the best episodes of the entire series, this episode is hysterical. The sub plot with Hank thinking about his family's future over a simple toss is intriguing, too, but the real star is guest character Gilbert. Easily one of the funniest characters to ever grace this show. It's a real missed opportunity that he only showed up once more after this, however in a far more serious role. "Dinner; like youth... is served."


67. Happy Hank's Giving

A cute Thanksgiving episode where the family and their friends are trapped at the airport on Thanksgiving, and have to depend on each other to get through it. It's a simple episode, but it works so well, there's nothing to complain about.


68. Not In My Back Hoe

Another smaller episode focusing on Hank finding the "perfect" friend. The episode ends atypically (no, "weird quirk" or anything to kill the relationship between the two... it just ends), and the comedy is as strong as usual. The subplot with Bill and Dale is very funny, too.


69. To Kill A Ladybird

Another one of the best episodes of KOTH, this is probably one of the funniest episodes in the entire show's run. I could probably count all the hysterical Dale lines in this episode off all day, but it's not just him... everything is top notch. Bobby's sense of rejection and Hank's sense of regret over Ladybird is strong as well, this episode is just classic. "FALSE ALARM!"


70. Hillennium

In retrospect, a dated episode, but despite the material, the episode itself is very funny and fully realized in the paranoia it tends to parody. If there's one thing KOTH knows well, it's definitely paranoia. We also learn why there isn't a Mrs. Chappy in this episode.


71. Old Glory

Back at the school, Bobby is tortured by a petty teacher who has it out for Peggy and has her write an essay to raise his grade. When their plan falls apart and they are confronted on what they did, the two go through quite the journey to save their own necks. This wouldn't seem too out of place in a later season like 11 or 12 in it's ideas, and that's not an insult either. This is funny stuff.


72. Rodeo Days

A funny episode, but there isn't much to talk about here. It is weird seeing any episode where Joseph is thought of as "cool" now, though.


73. Hanky Panky (Part I)

One of the best two-parters in the series, a murder mystery filled with twists and turns with some greatly developed characters, this episode is a joy to watch. Special mention should be made of Miz Liz's lawyer, who is truly a character to watch, and we finally get a real glimpse into what Buck is really like outside of the job.


74. High Anxiety (Hanky Panky - Part II)

This is when everything comes together, and the conclusion is glorious. My only disappointment is that we rarely ever see most of these episode specific characters again, as they really do help make this two parter awesome. Easily one of the highlights of the whole show, this two parter really shows how interesting KOTH could get when they wanted to.


75. Naked Ambition

Another episode focusing on the kids becoming teenagers, this time we learn of just how creepy Joseph can get (which we learn in greater detail later), and that bird watching at night is definitely the best time to be bird watching. Another funny one.


76. Movin' On Up

This was a personal favorite of mine because we got to see Luanne grow up a bit as a character. Seeing her deal with the roommates from hell and learning from Hank (who she is surprisingly a lot like in many ways) how to deal with them was a nice touch. Though I did wonder if Topsy and Cotton killed the German one at the end. 


77. Bill Of Sales

Something I didn't think would be brought up, an episode that deals with Peggy and Bill's awkward relationship. I think this episode is the first time where we learn that Bill doesn't really love Peggy, but the way she treats him as that is all he knows since he was a kid. It's an interesting episode in more ways than one, though the pyramid stuff is where most of the humor comes from. Or is it "triangle"?


78. Won't You Pimai Neighbor?

My opinion is a bit tainted on this episode, because for some reason it was reran into the ground a long time ago, but I won't deny it's a great episode as we see Bobby trying to apply himself and better his life for others which is a truly noble goal. It's also nice to see more about Buddhism on a TV show. Another interesting episode with a great ending.


79. Hank's Bad Hair Day

Another one of the funniest episodes of the show, simply dealing with nothing more than a haircut. This one is just plain hysterical.


80. Meet The Propaniacs

Propane Maniacs! Another of the best episodes of the series, we get to see more of the gang from Strickland Propane, and delve a bit into the Bobby and Hank dynamic where they finally find some common ground (before it unfortunately comes to an end), all from some simple jokes about liquid gas. Fantastic episode.


81. Nancy's Boys

A great episode where everything changes. Dale, Nancy, and John Redcorn all advance in their own relationships and things are never the same again. I love this episode for making both Nancy and John Redcorn fully fleshed out beyond a single affair joke in random episodes. Thankfully, this episode was never ruined in future episodes (they never cheated again), and remains an early reminder at how KOTH wasn't afraid to change the game when they wanted to.


82. Flush With Power

Another mystery-style episode, this time during a damaging drought affecting Arlen. This one is a joy to watch, as politicians once again use their power in order to benefit themselves instead of helping those who need it, and watching as Hank has to deal with all the betrayals going on around him in the face of this.


83. Transnational Amusements Presents: Peggy's Magic Sex Feet

Wow, this is a bizarre episode. I, uh, don't really know what to say about this one besides that it's really funny. And that Hank is, in fact, not the Tickler.


84. Peggy's Fan Fair

Peggy's ego hits an all time high on this episode as she takes over for priests, takes credit for making food that already exists, and is just plain oblivious to how annoying she is. However, the real star is Randy Travis as he is just a complete jerk in this episode taking credit for everything and even belittling the man who saved his life. It's quite the fun episode, if only to see whose ego will win it out. Also, it's nice to have a season not end on cliffhanger, finally. Unfortunately, we never had one again, either.


So season 4 is another unabashed success for King Of The Hill. We're over 80 episodes in and the ball is still rolling and the ideas are still flowing. Will it be able to keep up the pace of greatness, or will it fall on it's face as so many other shows have done in such a long run? Either way, I should warn you to tune in for season 5 when things... get darker for the residents of Rainey Street. But before that, what do you guys think of season 4? Think it still matches up to the best?

[Avaitor]

I think "Cotton's Plot"is a great advancement towards Peggy and Cotton's relationship. Theirs was a mutual pact of dislike and respect, even if it's mostly dislike. This one gets into that better than pretty much any other episode that isn't "Death Picks Cotton" does.

"A Beer Can Named Desire" is a masterpiece. Like Fire-Fighting, you can list great quotes from it all day.

"I do believe I shall give room service a jingle and have them order us up some etouffees."

Seasons 3 and 4 are probably the best overall, but 12 is no slouch either.

[Spark Of Spirit]

Ah yes, the Peggy and Cotton relationship was a great one. Cotton hates strong women and Peggy hates him because he's... well, Cotton. I did like how that episode showed exactly how alike they really are, even if they can't see it or get past their dislike of each other to see it.

While season 3 was more consistent and laugh out loud funny, I think season 4 succeeded by bringing scope to the humor and branching things out more. I could probably list how each season tries something different from the rest, and I probably will as we go along. Season 5, for instance, is quite considerably different in tone from the rest of the seasons. Season 3 and 4 however, are probably KOTH's best because at their very core they are just straightforward episodes down to the core. Not to take anything away from the other seasons, but I'd say giving someone who wants to watch KOTH seasons 3 and 4 to watch would be a great idea. Even if it starts on a cliffhanger, you can still get a basic handle on what happened in Propane Boom.

Also, looking over the episode guides to future seasons, I may have had wrong impressions about certain seasons and episodes that I will hopefully be able to clear up when I get to them.