The longer a show continues, the greater the likelihood the show will have an existential crisis; or rather, the show has a higher probability of discussing the meaning of life. It took King of the Hill just 11 seasons and 7 episodes before the crisis hit. Bill was almost killed when his roof caved in on his bed. But luckily for him, he had fallen asleep on the couch, and his life was spared by divine intervention.
On this Bill has the following to say:
That could have been me under there. I could have died last night.
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Boy, facing your own mortality really makes you think. Feels like someone is trying to tell me something.
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My roof caving in happened for a reason. It wasn't to kill me, it was to wake me up. I have been spared for some greater purpose. But for what? Why am I here?
Boomhauer responds that if Bill is interested in finding the meaning of life, he should go read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and then Boomhauer mumbles something about the number 42. If you are reading this post, you probably get the inside joke. If not, check out the movie for a quick answer.
Bill striving to find answers turns to religion—Christianity. He finds a purpose in Bible study, church events, and religious discussion. But that purpose soon turns to into romantic passion, and he has a fling with Reverend Karen Stroup, much to the dismay and dislike of the rest of the town. The relationship doesn't work out between Bill and the Reverend, and Bill returns to his old life. In the end, Bill jokes that God's plan for him is to listen to whatever Hank says.
If you were looking for a more in-depth philosophical discussion from King of the Hill, sorry to disappoint. However, like other shows, movies, books, and life in general, certain factors force us to re-examine our purpose. Like any good existential crisis, eventually, we return to normality. Life goes on, the crisis ends or is forgotten after a good fling, shopping spree, or globe-trotting journey.
Have you seen the episode? If so, what did you think?