Ep 15. An Officer and a Gentle Boy

Hank Hill is a proud Texan, husband, and father of one son named Bobby. He also works for Strickland Propane, where he takes his job very seriously. In season 7 episode 15 of King Of The Hill, titled An Officer and a Gentle Boy, Hank is faced with a dilemma when he discovers that Bobby is interested in joining the army.

The episode begins with Bobby Hill attending a school career day event. He is drawn to the booth for the U.S. Army and listens intently as the recruiter talks about the benefits of joining. Bobby is convinced that he wants to join the army, much to the surprise and disapproval of his father Hank.

Hank is initially opposed to the idea of Bobby joining the army. His own experiences in the military were less than glamorous and he believes that the army isn't a good fit for his son. However, Bobby is determined to join and begins researching the army online. He even starts doing push-ups around the house to prepare for basic training.

As Bobby's interest in joining the army grows, he enlists the help of his friend Joseph, whose father is a retired army sergeant. Together, the two boys begin performing military drills and even dress up in army gear. This only heightens Hank's concerns about Bobby joining the army and he sets out to dissuade his son from pursuing this path.

Hank's attempts to talk Bobby out of joining the army initially fall on deaf ears. Bobby is convinced that he has found his calling and nothing will deter him from his dream of serving his country. However, a chance encounter with an army recruiter at a local mall gives Hank an opportunity to try a new approach.

The recruiter, Sergeant Strickland, takes an interest in Bobby and offers to take him on a tour of the army base. Hank accompanies them on the tour and is surprised to find that the army has changed significantly since his time in the service. The modern army base is clean, organized, and offers a range of amenities for soldiers. Hank begins to see that the army may not be such a bad option for his son after all.

As the episode progresses, Hank starts to warm up to the idea of Bobby joining the army. He even goes as far as offering to help Bobby with his push-ups and enroll him in a military prep course. However, things come to a head when Hank discovers that Bobby has forged his signature on an army recruitment form.

Hank is furious with Bobby for going behind his back and taking such a major step without his permission. The two have a heated argument and it becomes clear that Hank is still struggling with the idea of his son joining the army. However, a heartfelt conversation with Bobby's mother, Peggy, gives Hank a new perspective.

Peggy reminds Hank that Bobby is his own person and that he has to make his own choices in life. She also points out that Bobby has a lot of positive qualities that would make him an asset to the army. With Peggy's encouragement, Hank finally comes around to accepting Bobby's decision to join the army.

The episode closes with Bobby getting ready to leave for basic training. He is nervous but excited for the adventure that awaits him. Hank and Peggy send him off with pride and a renewed appreciation for the sacrifices that soldiers make for their country.

Overall, King Of The Hill season 7 episode 15 is a touching exploration of the relationship between a father and his son. It shows how difficult it can be for parents to accept their children's choices, but also the importance of supporting them no matter what. It's a heartwarming episode that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with a major decision in their life.