Hank takes the whole gang to Memphis when Buck's honored with an award by the National Propane Gas Association. We're provided with a glimpse at the seamy underbelly of the world of Propane in this week's episode of King of the Hill, "What Happens at the National Propane Gas Convention In Memphis Stays At The National Propane Gas Convention In Memphis."

SUMMARY: Buck, Hank, Peggy, Dale, Boomhauer, Bill, Bobby and Joseph all fly to Memphis to watch Buck's induction into the association's Hall Of Flame. Hank is overwhelmed and honored by the fact that he's going to be inducting Buck, who will receive a special dip-dyed jacket on his induction.

Buck, meanwhile, meets the acquaintance of his illegitimate son, Jody (whom Buck awkwardly dubs Ray-Roy). A chip off the old block, "Ray Roy" takes Buck carousing, causing Buck to shirk every responsibility and commitment he's made for the convention.
 
Hank shoulders the weight of his commitments, until Buck misses an important meeting. Hank gets drunk on Long Island Iced Teas and makes a fool out of himself during Buck's induction, eventually vomiting right there on the stage.

Hank's put up for review by the Association's board, and Buck fails to assist him even at this dire point, until he comes to the realization that he and "Ray Roy" are a volatile combination and ought not to keep company. They team up for one last scheme that manages to get Hank out of hot water (and win him an induction into the Hall of Flame); and, though Ray Roy and Buck vow never to see one another again, they end up riding off into the sunset with a convertible and a couple of girls together.

In the subplot, Peggy tries to enter the "platinum circle", an elite group of well-to-do propane wives. Though she eventually is accepted by them, Hank's drunken speech ruins her chances of maintaining any friendships within the circle.

STINGER: BUCK:  "My breath stinks like blood and peppermint"!
 
REVIEW: Another "Buck goes off the rails" episode, "WHATNPGCAMSATNPGAIM" explores again the always-strained bonds of affection between Hank and Buck Strikland, with the twist of Hank finally (FINALLY) having enough and denouncing his mentor in public. Hank gets more than his just desserts at the end - and the credit that he's long accrued for taking care of Buck for all of these years.

The character of Buck won't ever learn, and bless the producers for insisting that it stay that way. His roguishness has survived many attempts at reformation (including a religious conversion and a heart attack), and that is as it always should.

The episode's funniest lines came from Dale this episode, who's incredulous reaction to the smashed Hank were priceless (his disbelief at Hank being bombed on ice tea provided the highlight).

Bobby and Joseph's minimal appearances felt forced - perhaps it would have been easier to have them stay with the Kleinshmidts?

Peggy's subplot developed organically from her overbearing character, though ultimately it didn't do anything aside from providing deus ex machina for the Hank subplot.

All in all, a decent episode with some great stuff from Hank's character.

RATINGS: The episode drew a 5.3, trailing American Dad by .5 to become the lowest-rated show of the block.

NEXT EPISODE: The next new episode of King of the Hill will be "Master of Puppets", set to air on March first. Check back on the second for a full review!