One teacup steams beside another tipped onto its side, with spilled tea across an olive-green surface.

Original artwork, not a still

Life, the Universe and Everything ‧ 1982

Douglas Adams

After nearly four years of total isolation he was so pleased and relieved to see Ford that he could almost cry. Ford was, on the other hand, an almost immediately annoying person.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

After nearly four years alone, the sight of Ford brings relief strong enough to prompt tears. The next sentence abruptly restores his annoying side. The joke lets deep gratitude and everyday irritation exist together, cutting a tender reunion down to a more familiar size.

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