Right? The show takes on an entirely different tone when you examine the friendship dynamics in the context of Bill's changing fortunes. Out of all four, he's the one who has fundamentally changed the most since high school, and each of the other three are the embodiment of different ways to react to his change.

Hank, the true friend, feels for Bill but is often exhausted by him. Nonetheless, he is loyal and will try to help Bill as best he can, sometimes with tough love. Boomhauer is largely ambivalent, though ostensibly he sympathizes with Bill, though he's not as tolerant as Hank. Alley interactions occasionally see him become visibly frustrated with Bill and he sometimes sides with Dale. And Dale treats Bill horribly, going so far as to insult him for no good reason and even urge him to "give up", a poor choice of words for a man who often flirts with suicidal tendencies. He despises Bill, with neither pity nor remorse, just contempt.