I have a Netflix weakness. I have this strange ability to consume entire seasons and even full series within a few days (insomnia has its perks). My most recent obsession, King of the Hill, has resulted in my adoration for one character in particular, Bobby Hill. The show itself focuses on the Hill family of Arlen, Texas, led by the straightforward propane patriarch, Hank Hill. King of the Hill approaches common situations encountered by the average individual and handles them in a comedic manner. Mike Judge, one of the show’s creators, based some of his characters around people he had known while living in Texas.
Residing with Hank in the Hill household are Hank’s wife, Peggy, their teenage son Bobby, and occasionally Bobby’s maternal cousin Luanne Platter. Bobby, much to his father’s displeasure, aspires to be a famous prop comic and is often the victim of bullying due to his passive nature. Many episodes in King of the Hill are centered on Hank and Bobby’s somewhat strained relationship, filled with misunderstanding. Hank’s perception of masculinity often interferes with any attempts to understand Bobby, often resulting in Hank’s famous line, “the boy ain’t right.”
Bobby has a wonderful ability to shamelessly and subconsciously resist the gendered expectations set before him by his father. Bobby isn’t the stunning athlete or talented craftsman that his father is, which often results in Hank doubting Bobby’s masculinity and heterosexuality. Part of the tension that exists between the father and son early in the show is because of Hank’s assumption that Bobby is queer. This suspicion is set aside when Bobby begins to develop romantic feelings for their neighbor Kahn (Connie) Souphanousinphone Jr. Bobby himself appears to be aware of his less than masculine attributes, as hinted during an exchange with Connie in the episode “Westie Side Story.”
Bobby: “Why are you named Kahn Jr.?”
Kahn Jr.: “My father wanted a boy.”
Bobby: “Yeah, so did mine.” Continue reading
