Ep 6. Hank's Unmentionable Problem

Hank's Unmentionable Problem is the sixth episode of the first season of King of the Hill. The show is an animated sitcom created by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, and it aired on Fox from 1997 to 2010.

In this episode, the plot revolves around Hank Hill, the protagonist and a propane salesman from Texas, who starts experiencing an embarrassing health problem. As he struggles to find a solution, he becomes more and more anxious about discussing the issue with his friends and family.

The episode opens with Hank and his friends, Dale, Bill, and Boomhauer, playing poker in Hank's garage. While they are chatting and drinking beer, Hank starts to feel uncomfortable and eventually excuses himself to go to the bathroom. However, he quickly realizes that he is unable to urinate properly, and he experiences a sharp pain in his groin area.

Hank tries to ignore the problem at first, but as the pain persists, he becomes increasingly worried. He visits a urologist who diagnoses him with a condition called "prostate hypertrophy", which simply means that his prostate gland has grown too large and is blocking his urinary tract.

Even though the condition is quite common among middle-aged men and not life-threatening, Hank is deeply embarrassed about it. He is afraid of discussing the issue with his friends and family, as he fears that they will make jokes or judge him. Even his wife Peggy, a substitute teacher who is usually supportive, doesn't understand how serious the problem is.

As a result, Hank tries to hide his discomfort and keep up appearances, even though his condition makes him unable to do basic activities such as mowing the lawn or driving his truck without pain. He also tries various home remedies, such as drinking cranberry juice or sitting in a bathtub full of cold water, but nothing seems to work.

Eventually, Hank's anxiety and denial lead to a series of mishaps. At a barbecue party with the neighbors, he accidentally burns his crotch while trying to grill sausages, and later, he gets his pants stuck in a fence while chasing his runaway lawnmower. These incidents are played for laughs, but they also highlight the absurdity of Hank's behavior and the consequences of avoiding medical treatment.

In the end, Hank realizes that he needs to face his problem head-on and seek proper medical care. With the help of his wife and a sympathetic doctor, he undergoes a minor surgery that successfully alleviates his symptoms and restores his confidence. The episode ends on a positive note, with Hank feeling relieved and grateful for his supportive community.

Overall, Hank's Unmentionable Problem is a humorous and relatable episode that tackles a serious health issue in a lighthearted way. It combines witty dialogue, physical comedy, and heartfelt moments to create a memorable and entertaining half-hour of television. The show's realistic portrayal of Hank's struggles with masculinity and stigma around prostate health resonates with many viewers, especially male ones who may have experienced similar problems.