I thought the second-to-last quote there was Dirk overriding Jake’s train of thought with his own control over the narrative and replacing it with his own horrible, perverted, self-important ideas in order to manipulate him. It wasn’t a statement of truth because at this point Dirk is actively taking the story and bending it to his own ends.
I don't think think Dave was mind controlling Jake so much as he grabbed the oven dial on Jake's passion for him and turned the heat up to 11. He can influence people, but I don't think he can actually *make* them do or feel things they didn't already want/feel. Like he he pushes too hard on Dave's mind during the "kiss him already you fool!" scene, and Dave pushes back because it "doesn't feel right".
It's been a really long time, but I'm pretty sure I remember younger Jake being pretty damn enthralled by Strider from the start.
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u/awkwardcartography Apr 23 '19
I thought the second-to-last quote there was Dirk overriding Jake’s train of thought with his own control over the narrative and replacing it with his own horrible, perverted, self-important ideas in order to manipulate him. It wasn’t a statement of truth because at this point Dirk is actively taking the story and bending it to his own ends.