I just am skeptical that Jafar has his humanity intact, and maybe the Sultan knows it. Perhaps all Jafar wants is for the Sultan to love him so he can kill him and make him feel the pain he felt–the ultimate in cold revenge. Jafar’s lack of compassion for Alice’s father or for Alice who suffered so similarly to him in some ways is what makes me really wonder if Jafar does want love at all.
I see what you’re saying but I think Jafar just has an incredibly myopic vision of his plan, come heck or high water he is GOING to have his father say he loves Jafar–he’s very Regina with making Snow suffer and Rumple with making sure Regina cast the Curse.
But as far as Jafar’s humanity, I disagree with you. I go back to 107 where Jafar was standing in front of his father and said, “just say it. Just say the words. Just call me your son,” and I really truly believe that in that moment had the Sultan said in (even if it was a lie) Jafar might have given up his plans. Naveen is such a great actor and he did a great job being that wounded little boy in that moment when his father rejects him again.
He might not be satisfied down the road knowing it was false coerced love, but right then and there I think all he wanted was some proof that he could get the Sultan’s love without breaking the laws of magic.