Ep 1. Peggy Hill: the Decline and Fall (2)

Peggy Hill: The Decline and Fall (2) is the first episode of the fourth season of the animated comedy series King of the Hill. The episode continues the story of Peggy Hill's downfall after she inadvertently injures herself during a skydiving attempt.

At the beginning of the episode, Peggy is shown lying in a hospital bed with a broken back and a cloud of depression hanging over her. Her husband Hank tries to lift her spirits with gifts and jokes, but nothing seems to help. Even her favorite television show, Jumbotronic, is no longer able to provide her with any pleasure.

As Peggy's physical rehabilitation begins, it becomes clear that her injury has affected not just her body, but her sense of self. She has always prided herself on being strong and capable, and now she feels weak and helpless. She becomes obsessed with her injury, constantly researching it online and worrying about her future.

To make matters worse, Peggy's job as a substitute teacher is in jeopardy. She had initially tried to keep working while she recovered, but her pain medication caused her to act erratic and inappropriate in the classroom. Now she must face the principal and try to convince him to give her another chance.

Meanwhile, Peggy's friend and fellow substitute teacher, Buck Strickland's mistress Debbie, is stealing from the school and framing Peggy for the crime. Hank and the other characters try to help Peggy clear her name, but she becomes more and more paranoid and suspicious of everyone around her.

Despite the setbacks, Peggy starts to make progress in her physical recovery, joining a support group for people with back injuries and slowly regaining her strength. However, her mental health remains fragile. She lashes out at Hank for trying to help her and becomes consumed with jealousy when she discovers that he has been skydiving with a new friend.

The episode's title, Peggy Hill: The Decline and Fall (2), alludes to the Roman emperor Nero's reign, which ended in a period of chaos and destruction. Like Nero, Peggy's downfall is inextricably linked to her own character flaws and misjudgments. However, unlike Nero, Peggy is able to redeem herself and rebuild her life, albeit in a slightly different form.

Overall, Peggy Hill: The Decline and Fall (2) is a poignant and well-crafted episode that explores the complexities of disability and mental health in a sensitive and nuanced way. The show's trademark humor is also present, providing some much-needed levity in the face of Peggy's struggles.