Ah, Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. But for Hank Hill the patriarch of the animated sitcom King of the Hill, Thanksgiving is also a time for stress, anxiety, and the ever-present threat of culinary catastrophe. In the classic episode “Happy Hank’s Giving,” Hank’s determination to cook the perfect Thanksgiving turkey using his beloved propane grill leads to a series of hilarious mishaps, culminating in a burnt, inedible bird and a family dinner that’s anything but harmonious.
The Recipe for Disaster:
Hank’s obsession with propane grilling knows no bounds. He believes that propane is the superior fuel source for everything, from barbecuing to heating his home. So, naturally, when Thanksgiving rolls around, Hank decides to ditch the traditional oven and cook his turkey on his trusty propane grill.
However, Hank’s unwavering faith in propane is soon tested. The turkey which he has meticulously brined and seasoned, proves to be too large for the grill. As he struggles to maneuver the massive bird, the flames flare up, scorching the skin and leaving the meat raw in the center.
Chaos in the Kitchen:
As the turkey disaster unfolds Hank’s wife Peggy and son Bobby try to salvage the situation. Peggy, ever the resourceful one, suggests using the oven to finish cooking the turkey. But Hank, in his stubbornness, refuses to admit defeat and insists on using the grill.
Meanwhile, Bobby, who has been tasked with making the mashed potatoes, accidentally adds too much salt, rendering them inedible. The cranberry sauce, which Peggy has lovingly prepared, is accidentally knocked over by the family dog, Ladybird.
A Thanksgiving to Remember (for the Wrong Reasons):
By the time dinner is served, the Thanksgiving feast is a complete shambles. The turkey is burnt, the mashed potatoes are inedible, and the cranberry sauce is splattered across the floor. The family is forced to order pizza, and Hank’s dream of a perfect Thanksgiving is shattered.
“Happy Hank’s Giving” is a hilarious and relatable episode of King of the Hill that perfectly captures the chaos and stress that can sometimes accompany the holidays. Hank’s unwavering belief in propane, his stubbornness, and his inability to admit defeat are all sources of amusement for the viewers. But ultimately, the episode reminds us that even the most well-laid plans can go awry, and that sometimes, the best Thanksgiving memories are made when things don’t go according to plan.
Additional Notes:
- The episode “Happy Hank’s Giving” originally aired on November 21, 1999.
- The episode was written by John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky.
- The episode was directed by Kyoung Hee Lim.
- The episode features a guest appearance by Kathy Najimy as the voice of Mrs. Wakefield, Hank’s neighbor.
- The episode was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the significance of propane in the episode?
Propane is a symbol of Hank’s stubbornness and his unwavering belief in his own abilities. He believes that propane is the superior fuel source for everything, and he refuses to admit that it might not be the best choice for cooking a Thanksgiving turkey.
- Why does Hank insist on using the grill even though it’s clearly not working?
Hank’s insistence on using the grill is a reflection of his pride and his unwillingness to admit defeat. He has invested a lot of time and effort into perfecting his grilling skills, and he doesn’t want to give up on his dream of cooking the perfect Thanksgiving turkey.
- What is the message of the episode?
The message of the episode is that even the best-laid plans can go awry, and that sometimes, the best Thanksgiving memories are made when things don’t go according to plan. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to laugh at our mistakes and to enjoy the company of our loved ones, even when things are less than perfect.
Additional Resources:
Plot[]
When Hank finds out that Bobby is taking Home Economics, he is less than pleased. Peggy offers to assist Bobby during one of his tests, where he is cleaning a stained cheerleader’s outfit. Unknowingly, she puts Hank’s jeans in the washing machine with them, ruining them due to the strong bleach. Bobby begs his teacher for help to fix his dads jeans. The following day, he tells Hank that he made him a new pair of jeans, which Hank loves, adding that Peggy destroyed his old pair. Peggy starts becoming jealous. Later, Bobby makes a pot roast which Hank also praises and eats instead of Peggys pork chops.
Peggy asks Nancy for assistance and receives a magazine featuring a gorgeous table piece that she chooses to construct entirely from yard waste. This only succeeds in giving her ticks. When she approaches her hairstylist, he notes that, in addition to being a fantastic lover, Peggy can also wow Hank by doing housework and cooking. He does her hair in a new style and she goes home to reap the rewards. Bobby once again takes her place in cooking a wonderful meal. Peggy tries to court Hank before they go to bed, but he rejects her because he doesn’t like the way her hair smells. When she wakes up that night, he’s tearing apart their beds—which are made up of two twins—and he says he can’t sleep because of the smell. She eventually finds herself sleeping in Bobby’s room, and Hank invites Bobby to join him in the bedroom to watch TV. Peggy listens as the two talk and have fun, hears them discuss someone else being needed, and perks. However, they end up calling Ladybird, not herself.
On Thanksgiving eve the following day, Peggy discovers the identical homemaking magazine in Bobby’s room and instructs Hank to get her son in trouble. She is shocked and disappointed to learn that Hank just asks Bobby to prepare a special turkey for the magazine, even though Bobby says he started it the previous evening. When Peggy finally loses it, she steals Bobby’s turkey from his bike while still in her pajamas and rides to her hair salon. Peggy discovers then that her hairdresser, whom she had assumed to be gay and who was, therefore, by herself on Thanksgiving, is actually married to a stunning woman and the couple has a newborn child. Her hairdresser calls Hank and berates him for making Peggy feel worthless. Upon arriving home, Peggy discovers that Hank has prepared all of her meals and Bobby is dining at the neighbors. He drives her home. Peggy is appalled when she realizes that Hank doesn’t require her to prepare any of the meals she says she makes differently. Hank continues by pointing out that he married her because he loves her, not so that she would cook and clean for him.
In the side story, Bill loses his savings with a fictitious million-dollar check after he bets with Dale that he can’t toss a beer can into the cooler and loses. It was later discovered that Bobby now owed Dale the million dollars after winning a wager to see who would get the largest piece of the wishbone.
Summary[]
Peggy’s jealousy reaches an all-time high and nearly spoils Thanksgiving when Bobby effortlessly outperforms her in cooking, cleaning, sewing, and other household chores.