These two reunions follow the same steps with an arrival after a separation, emotional hugs with kids, and a romantic embrace between spouses. But the vibes couldn’t be more different.
Janelle’s Reunion (Early COVID): After telling him to stop coming to her house because her household would stick to CDC guidelines but not K's extra rules, Janelle agreed to let K come back into her household. When he arrives, the family stays inside, waiting without opening the door for him. As he enters, he goes straight to Janelle, hugs and kisses her, then greets each child. The reunion is warm, but cautious. K admits he was anxious but is happy to be home. The vibe is hopeful and affectionate, but with a sense of foreboding. On the interview couch, Janelle tells him how upset Gabe and Garrison are with him.
R’s Reunion (Later, after Sheryl’s Funeral):
After quarantining with Janelle post-funeral, K visits R’s home. Ari opens the door before he reachs it. He first hugs the kids, then casually says, “I gotta give Mommy a hug, I guess” which was weird. He tried taking off his jacket first, but she started hugging him before he could get an arm out. The tone is overall happy without anxiety. No one expresses criticism toward him.
Same steps. Same man. Two very different emotional dynamic.
Just to overanalize even more:
* The opening of the door in each scene is partially telling. The door being opened for him at R's house signifies how much they cater to him and facilitate an easy, egoboosting existence. K opens the door for himself at Janelle's house, showing that he has to make an equal effort before being welcomed with open arms.
* Ari is called sweetie while Savanah is sweetheart.
* Its also interesting that his embrace with Janelle is without hesitation while the KR embrace happens after an, "I guess."