Just a thought. but Goldie and Freddy’s hat symbolism has to be my favorite little analysis quirk thing ever (as of recent). I was looking at how these brothers reflect each other in the way they mope about and slope their shoulders when they feel ashamed or guilty, and it’s such a great parallel with their ear movements signifying distress especially.
I mean, just look- they emulate each other so well >:U
But I was thinking about how Freddy was shown to be nice in recent comics, old ones too (because come on, the fandom demonized him way too much and he’s not as mean as he seems—except for when it comes to Goldie—just very grumpy at times!). And just him comforting his friends, and being there for them, more than just a leader or dictator like he’s made himself to be, which is enabled by the company too. I loved how he brought himself down to their level in this scene.
Not physically, because he’s already there lol, but emotionally, and almost mentally. From his ears in the panel before we know he’s nervous, but most importantly he takes his hat off. The hat that illustrates his status as their leader, and also how he dictates over them. Like it’s an added pedestal to his stance. It demands authority when reminders are needed, and he takes it off for his friends, his bandmates.
BUT WHEN GOLDIE APPEARS!!!!
Freddy puts his hat back on, like he’s demanding authority and respect (or rather fear in Goldie’s case) once again. He hasn’t taken his hat off for Goldie in years. And I just love that. Like a lot.
Bonus points for when Goldie’s hat is removed and now he’s vulnerable again. (They barely take their hats off because they’re always in their roles/positions)