I don’t think a comparison between HD’s situation and the NOP’s is valid. I am not aware of NOPkins ever feeling like he was a “chicken.” He can be quite confrontational when it is called for. I suspect Mrs Nop is well aware of this.
MRsHD is different. She can intimidate HD and she knows it. This whole mindset will be difficult to turn around, and I don’t think she will relinquish power without a fight. Eventually I think she will be fine with it, but at first I think HD challenging her will casue a lot of anxiety and anger in her. He needs to be mentally prepared to take this on. NOP never had to prepare himself for this.
