King of the Hill Episode 4.12 Rodeo Days

When the rodeo comes to town, Bobby finds his calling as a rodeo clown

The Heimlich County Rodeo is heading to town, and rodeo fever has hit the neighborhood. Bobby and Dale's stepson, Joseph, practice roping Bill on his rider mower and polish their cowboy boots in preparation. At the rodeo, Bobby fails miserably when he gets roped by the cow, but is impressed by the work of the rodeo clowns. Meanwhile, Joseph excels at roping and riding and is soon accepted by the "real" cowboys.

Bobby asks the rodeo clowns to let him work with them, but they only laugh, saying he's too young to handle the job. But after Bobby gives them some shrewd pointers on their tired comedy schtick, the clowns are impressed and invite Bobby to join their ranks. Totally excited, Bobby throws together a clown costume with some stolen clothes and Luanne's makeup. He tells no one except Joseph of his secret ambition. Unfortunately, Joseph's new cowboy friends don't think too highly of rodeo clowns--and Joseph begins to share their attitude. The cowboy-clown rivalry puts a strain on Joseph and Bobby's friendship.

When Bill recognizes his underwear as part of Bobby's costume, Hank learns the truth about his son's rodeo dreams. Hank's disappointed that Bobby doesn't want to be a roughrider, and tells him, "A rodeo clown is just a carny who's too stupid to flip a ride switch on and off." The next day, a dejected Bobby takes a seat in the stands to watch Joseph attempt his first bull ride. Joseph gets thrown hard and the clowns run in to distract the bull. But this time, the bull flattens both clowns, leaving Joseph in mortal danger. Bobby rises to the challenge, plucking a clownish outfit from crowd members and leaping into the ring. With a gag and a fire extinguisher, Bobby distracts the bull, cracks up the audience, and makes his father proud.