RECAP: It’s baseball season in Arlen again – Hank decides to avoid the yearly humiliation of watching Bobby flail out on the field by signing him up for little league in West Arlen.

Bobby’s coach proves himself an encouraging-to-the-point-of-overbearing fellow.When Bobby confesses that Hank’s been unsupportive of his baseball playing, the coach shuns Hank, who soon feels guilty and tries to take a position helping out at the kid’s games.

Working a torturous volunteer position at the refreshment stand, Hank yearns to get on the field and help out with the team’s coaching – Bobby’s coach, believing him to be a negative influence – stands in his way.Bill, meanwhile, takes a position within the organization and, through the obsessive devotion that only Billcan provide, ends up in a fairly high-ranking position in the team’s hierarchy.Hank tries to get Bill to change his assignment, but Bill sticks by the organization’s ruling.

Hank eventually ends up lying, insisting Bill authorized his transfer.He enjoys his position as a catcher and advisor – which comes to a quick end when he accidentally hits a kid in the face while tagging him out.

Hank’s banned from attending any more games.When he leans that Bobby’s going to start for the first time, he sneaks to the field and hides in the bushes to watch.

Unfortunately, in spite of his coach’s encouragement, Bobby can’t seem to hit a ball, and he panics as the crowd jeers and the audience demands he be taken out (even the always-supportive Peggy).Hank intervenes before the crowd can rip Bobby to shreds.

In their retreating car, Hank admits to Bobby he isn’t a very good player, but he’s good at a lot of other things – including comedy.Reconciled, father and son happily return home.

REVIEW: King of the Hill always shines when it focuses on the Bobby/Hank relationship – “Bad News Bill” definitely continues that proud tradition.Hank is at his best, once again the father who cares about his son, but has reasonable expectations about the limits of his talents.

Bobby’s naive assumption that his level of talent had improved simply due to his coach’s belief in his talents; through this moral, we learn a little lesson about honesty and truthful assessment. And, perhaps most importantly, Bobby finally got a compliment from Hank for his acting!

Bill once again took the antagonist’s role, as he did in “Après Hank…” and “Texas City Twister”; Bill often clings neurotically to Hank; it’s fun to see him take a position of superiority over his friend.

It was a fun, affecting outing, beautifully written.A solid, touching effort.

RATINGS: Nielsen results have been delayed due to a glitch; I will report them next week..

NEXT EPISODE: The next new episode of King of the Hill, “Manger Baby Einstein,” will air May tenth.Be sure to check back here or a full recap on the eleventh!