Bobby quickly learns that there is such a thing as too much family togetherness in this week’s episode of King of the Hill, “Master of Puppets”.

SUMMARY: When Hank learns of Nancy and Dale’s regular date night, he decides to establish one with Peggy. They pick Fridays, which interrupts the Hills’ regular game night. Bobby’s upset but is willing to go along with the occurrence as a one-time thing.

Peggy and Hank drop Bobby off at the mall and go out to an ersatz Olive Garden, where they’re overwhelmed by the complimentary salad and bread sticks and have such a good time that they order dessert and coffee – making them an hour and a half late to their agreed pick-up time with Bobby, who’s forced to walk to the In-and-Out and call his parents from a pay phone.

Peggy’s overwhelmed with guilt, and does anything she can think of to get Bobby to forgive her…while blaming Hank for ordering his dessert. Hank responds by lavishing Bobby with money and other presents…while blaming Peggy for ordering her coffee. Bobby gleefully fakes further depression while playing his parents against one another, working toward the goal of attending a Cane Skretteburg (!!) concert.

Hank and Peggy finally catch on to Bobby’s scheme when they bump into each other in the Mega-Lo-Mart, where they’re buying Bobby a truckload of new gifts (Hank’s in the middle of buying him a new bike). Their fight results in them coming to an understanding, and they decide to spend time with Bobby, versus simply buying him things.

Bobby’s horrified by his parent’s nearly obsessive over-smothering, and finally admits that he’d been faking his depression to get things from them. The Hills ultimately strike a balance between time spent together and time spent apart.

The b-plot features Dale’s attempt at creating his own survival-based reality show, which he ultimately abandons after nearly blowing himself to smithereens with propane.

REVIEW: This one – to be frank – is an out-and-out mess. Bobby’s characterization felt way off; he’s always yearned for more independence and maturity, and this episode is a low mark in a continued backslide he’s made from confident adolescent to a babyish and rather greedy figure.

Peggy’s behavior was the most in-character; she’s always seen Bobby as her little “golden child” and the notion that something might happen to him has always been an upsetting prospect for Peggy.

On the other hand, all of the stuff about the mock-Olive Garden Peggy and Hank become enamored with proved fun. It was also nice to see season one’s Cane Skretteburg appear in a non-speaking but pivotal role.

Dale’s subplot was amusing, and typical of his barely-collected psyche.  Watching him “hunt” Mihn and Kahn’s groceries for sport proved the highlight of his journey.

However, the Bobby side of the plot drags “Master of Puppets” down.   Ultimately, the episode may prove to be the worst of this season, and isn’t quite worth repeated watchings.

RATINGS:  “Master of Puppets”, delayed forty-five minutes by NASCAR-related overrun, drew a rounded-up 2.9, second to The Simpsons.

NEXT EPISODE: The next episode of King of the Hill, “Bwah My Nose”, is scheduled to air March eighth.   Be sure to check back here on the ninth for a full review!