People
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.
— Douglas Adams ‧ Life, the Universe and Everything
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial 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.
Context reviewed