King of the Hill

Cherish these episodes of KOTH, for they will be the last — a conclusion that still perplexes insiders. ''Our ratings are stronger than anything else they put in our time slot, and we feel that the quality is as good or better than ever,'' says executive producer John Altschuler, who's clearly high on the show's 10th season. Episodes include Peggy discovering the town's true history as a den of prostitution and Bobby going to clown college under the tutelage of a mean clown. Also look for Tom Petty to reprise his role as Lucky, this time as a suitor for Luanne, a story line that will lead toward the finale. ''You know those series enders that make you go back and dislike the show that you liked? We wanted to make sure we stayed true to the show.'' Unlike, say, Seinfeld? ''You said that.''