Hickey's fixation on Crozier

Listened to the podcast recently, and it fascinated me that Adam Nagaitis said the Tuunbaq and Crozier were the only two figures Hickey respected. It got me thinking on why it was Crozier, and no other higher-ranking officer, who left a mark.

The most obvious reason is that Crozier made him feel seen in the way he believed he deserved to be. The whiskey scene is such a great performance-- he delivers his lines like he believes himself to be the main character, and you can see how he glows at the acknowledgment of a captain.

I also think, for reasons both valid and not, he saw Crozier as a kindred spirit. Hickey perceives himself as a great intellect who doesn't get the respect he deserves-- which is where Crozier begins, as the most qualified Arctic vet who's brushed aside by his superiors. Neither are of high birth, and both have marks of degeneracy about them considering Crozier's drinking. That "to ourselves" toast Hickey misunderstands might also speak to his deeper belief about serving yourself over anyone.

Such a fascinating character. What do you make of their relationship?