It shows that that man is still in him and is starting to shine through but that it takes time. Also really helped cement the fact that Hook is the mask he hides behind but that Emma brings out the Killian side (looking forward to him calling him Killian and saying pirate as a term of endearment rather than one that hurts him!)
It’s like what Colin said in the DVD featurette, “Hook” and “Killian” are two separate personas.
No redemption is perfect or easy and it would be too easy if he just completed shed his Hook persona over night.
Yup.
He’s already toned down the things he says and the way he says them, and his voice changes when you know he’s emotional and serious. More and more of Killian is shining through but that doesn’t mean he just forgets all the bad stuff.
This.