How much of what happened was Ben manipulating John?

most, if not all, i think.

I believe Richard was sent there by Ben.

Ben consistently uses people to con his target into believing "ben's con" or, what he is hiding, is something different than what is actually occuring. Just another example.

To me, it was quite fitting that Cooper was killed, because now John is trying to please a new father, a new father to approve and love him, Ben.

In the scenes at their camp, it is, to me, specifically about Ben having power over John, John seeking his approval like that pathetic man Ben told him he has to escape (manipuating his weaknesses, as he said he always does). John is still not willing to stand up for himself and say "no, i don't want to kill him, to hell with you"

Anyways, i think for sure Ben is being deceptive, i dont think this kill is required to be one of them. The only thing that gives me pause is what Richard said. The fact that John is so connected to the island that it can heal such a major problem, that means he's special, and that threatens ben's leadership position (who cannot heal as well). That makes a lot of sense to me.

On the other hand, just as his mother was lying when she said he was special, and he wanted to believe it, Richard said he was special, and he wants to believe it.


On a side note- i think what is shown about Jack and Juliet's secret shows that no one is being duped so easily. Everyone is plotting.