I think his subdued demeanor is owing to the fact that he's not standing before visible vast audience but sitting before a camera.
Regarding his comments: I think they're feeling the heat. A lot of JWs are waking up, and maybe writing letters with difficult questions about the Royal Commission in Australia and other matters that expose the organization. One of the popular matters people are probably writing in about is the apparent blind and unquestioning obedience that the organization seems to want from the members.