The key to Quindas compatibility
Quinn and Rhonda’s compatibility is obvious to most people. But, it’s especially interesting how fast and easily Rhonda lets Quinn in, after spending 60+ years (and maybe even her living life) struggling to make meaningful connections with other ghosts. Rhonda eventually finds unique comfort in her relationship with Maddie, but it takes at least a week for her to let her guard down around her.
Quinn, on the other hand, was able to make Rhonda laugh fully and freely on the day they met. This is a big deal, and it’s not just something the writers did to speed up their relationship. There are very important and subtle details that point to exactly why Rhonda is able to so quickly feel safe with Quinn.
The first moment that distinctly established Quinn and Rhonda’s compatibility is a moment that can be easily overlooked as just a comedic moment. This is when Rhonda scolds Quinn for hovering over her, and Quinn responds with “I’m not hovering, I’m 6 inches. That's the regulation distance from a tuba.” And Rhonda responds by accepting that. This is strange for her, as she is one to defy and snap back with snarky remarks. In this instance, she accepts Quinn’s reasoning, and even uses the same reasoning to establish that boundary with Charlie.
The reason this interaction is different from anything similar in the past, is because here, Rhonda rudely expresses a boundary, and Quinn does not respond in the way Rhonda expects (or fears).
Rhonda doesn't “hate people who hover.”, she is afraid of how hovering so close to her space could lead to further pushing of boundaries. (Like how Mr Manfredo's mentorship is what started him pushing further for more) basically:
“I don’t want to give anyone an inch, because I’m afraid they will take a mile.”
Quinn directly challenges this belief in this interaction. Consciously, or subconsciously, they recognize the type of discomfort Rhonda is experiencing, and they proceed to set a clear boundary. They communicate with Rhonda that they will not be pushing closer. There is a rule. A boundary with numbers to it. A clear boundary. One that Quinn does not intend to cross. They need to be 6 inches away, so they can see what Rhonda is holding.
Quinn is proving to be the antithesis of the source of Rhonda’s greatest traumas. They don’t have ulterior motives.
And this isn’t just about Rhonda immediately feeling a level of safety with this person. This also provides Quinn with a reason to gravitate towards Rhonda. Quinn used terminology that could be seen as strange and out of place, but they did it because it was the best way for them to communicate an idea. I have no doubt that in their living life, a habit like this would get them made fun of. We know they’ve been bullied, and had issues connecting with others. (I think it’s pretty clear that they are written to be autistic, especially based on how they described the issues they had with the band. And this is coming from an autistic writer myself.) Rhonda not only accepts this concept, but she later USES it herself. She takes Quinn’s words, to be able to communicate her boundaries in a way she didn’t have access to before. (Besides “Stop that. I hate that.) Quinn sees that their explanation wasn’t seen as weird or inappropriate. It made sense to someone, and it helped give her a voice.
This interaction immediately flagged each other as safe people in a unique and important way that it seems like neither had in their life.
This is just the tip of the iceberg of interactions that reinforce this idea and build a solid foundation of what is most likely the most important relationship for these two characters they’ve ever had. One that starts with something so tiny that carries so much weight.
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