#pre ck

I didn't at first but after rewatching the show and focusing more on his character I do see it. I disagree with how he acts with Johnny though.

It's interesting because the show and the fandom often thinks of Terry as the manipulative one (rightfully so) when John's entire character is based on manipulation.

I would argue Terry is manipulative in a different way. His motivations are more obvious. More black and white.

Rewatching s2 it alarmed me just how textbook his emotional manipulation of Johnny was. Just how effective it was. It reminded me of DARVO tbh.

Kreese does this interesting thing with both Terry and Johnny where he brings up "the good times" specifically when they're rightfully upset.

Tory and Robby are interesting. He doesn't put on a false "helpless old man" front like he does with Johnny. He's straight forward. He's helpful but he's pragmatic. He doesn't lie to them, but he doesn't tell them all of the truth either. He views them as competent individuals but he reminds them of their weakness. They're fair game, in a way.

With Terry it's some sort of power play. His ego is always being fed. He's kind to Terry as long as Terry doesn't get too confident in himself. Then it's time to pull rank.

I think he might do that out of fear. As if he thinks Terry will leave him if he no longer sees Kreese as he used to. The most important person in the world.

He's saying "you can't ever leave me" and convincing himself it's a statement rather than a question.

And with Daniel, it really is ... Something.

Kreese's preoccupation with Daniel has always been different than his with Johnny or Terry. Daniel stands as something that Kreese is against. But he still respects him in a way. At the same time he's always belittling him. As if to make Daniel feel younger or smaller.

And I think that's why it comes across as flirty. It's almost like he's negging Daniel.

John "but I like that" Kreese wants to put Daniel in his place but he wants to have fun while doing so.

He's the only person in canon other than Terry to call Daniel "Danny." And he HAD to get that knowledge from Terry. He had to know it would specifically push Daniel's buttons.

And he enjoys seeing Daniel riled up. It's almost like that one asshole who harasses girls because "you're cute when you're mad."

Dominance is John's thing. Imagine if you can't intimidate someone out of fear, trying to do so sexually. 🤔

The extremely flirty and creepy way he acts towards Amanda is to be noted. It's similar to how he acts towards Daniel but more obvious. And I think ultimately this all ties in to how Daniel's enemies have always tried to feminize him in an attempt to belittle him.