Ep 14. Board Games

In the episode "Board Games" of King Of The Hill season 7, Hank and his friends become obsessed with a strategic board game called "Dragon Slayer" that pits medieval knights against dragons. Their competitive nature drives them to invest hours of their free time studying the game's strategies and practicing different moves to get better. But when Peggy finds out that the game was invented by a feminist artist, she starts to question her husband's interest in it and begins to challenge his enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Bobby and Connie start to get close again after a long period of distance. Bobby has matured and is now able to communicate better and appreciate Connie's company. When they discover that they both enjoy strategy games, they decide to try and learn "Dragon Slayer" together. Their sweet and innocent romance forms a contrast with the grown-up disagreements and drama happening around them.

As Hank becomes more and more invested in winning the "Dragon Slayer" tournament that his friends organized, he starts to alienate himself from his family and grows increasingly frustrated when the game doesn't go his way. Peggy, who has always been a supportive wife, tries to understand what's causing Hank's obsession and slowly realizes that the game is not just a pastime for him, but a way of bonding with his friends and feeling like he belongs somewhere.

However, as the tournament goes on, tensions between the players raise, and some of the friends start to cheat to get ahead. This puts Hank in a difficult position, as he has always valued honesty and integrity. He must decide whether to follow his principles and lose the game or compromise his beliefs to come out on top.

Through the episode, the underlying message is that people can become overly invested in things that don't matter in the grand scheme of things. Hank's obsession with a board game divides him from his family, and Peggy's reaction to it shows how people can become prejudiced without realizing it. At the same time, Bobby and Connie's relationship shows that some pleasures in life can be simple and meaningful and that they can bring us closer to others.

The script treats these themes with the same humor, wit, and subtlety that King of the Hill is famous for. The characters are all well-drawn, with their strengths, faults, and quirks. Their journeys are authentic, relatable, and, at times, poignant. The animation style is charming and detailed, with vibrant colors and expressive movements that enhance the storytelling.

Overall, "Board Games" is a standout episode of King of the Hill that showcases the show's ability to use comedy to explore deeper issues about human nature. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves smart, character-driven animated sitcoms that are not afraid to tackle sensitive topics with nuance and heart.