John Sugden has been lurking in Emmerdale for quite some time, but is he really the villain we’ve been waiting for? His actions surrounding Nate Robinson’s death may raise questions, but fans are torn on whether he’s a true antagonist. Do you think John has what it takes to become the villain of the year?

John Sugden – The Most Boring Villain in Emmerdale?

John Sugden has been one of the most controversial characters to grace Emmerdale. Played by Oliver Farnworth, John’s character has become the center of attention for all the wrong reasons—many fans find him uninteresting and too “boring” to be a true soap villain. While other villains in the soap have stormed through dramatic plots, John seems to be stuck in a slow-burn storyline, leaving viewers wanting more.

John Sugden’s Involvement in Nate Robinson’s Death
Recently, John’s actions took a dark turn. He discovered Owen Michaels unconscious during a home visit but chose not to call for help. Instead, he wrote a note on Owen’s laptop, “confessing” to Nate’s death, leaving fans questioning his motivations. Was this just another attempt by John to play the hero, or is there a deeper, darker side to him?

This was a prime opportunity for John to step up as a villain, yet his subdued and uneventful actions have many viewers wondering what the point of his character arc really is. Some even criticized him for being the “dullest villain” they’ve ever seen. With his constant presence in the village and his rolled-up sleeves, he’s been more of a background character than a central villain driving any real excitement.

Viewer Opinions – A Divisive Character
The Emmerdale fandom is sharply divided when it comes to John Sugden. Many Reddit users have expressed frustration with his lack of development. One fan wrote: “I’ve been waiting for him to go full psycho, but it feels like we’ve been stuck with this boring character for nearly a year now.” The slow nature of John’s progression has left some feeling like he’s not fulfilling the expectations of what a soap opera villain should be.

On the flip side, some viewers argue that John’s subtlety is what makes him intriguing. “He’s not your typical soap villain,” one fan said. “I enjoy the way his character develops slowly. We get to see his guilt, his moral struggle, and his attempt to be a savior. It’s a fresh angle for a villain, and I think it’s one of the most interesting things on the show right now.”

For some, his character’s complexity—the mix of guilt, desperation, and a desire to be a hero—offers a different kind of villainy. His lack of over-the-top schemes and dramatic murders makes him stand out, though it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. While other villains in soaps are known for unrealistic kidnappings or elaborate hostage situations, John’s more grounded and psychological approach is polarizing.

The Slow-Burn Villainy and Missed Potential
John Sugden’s journey so far has lacked the kind of explosive, high-stakes drama typically associated with soap villains. His moral struggles and inability to stop himself from committing darker actions, despite feeling guilty, offer a unique twist. However, many fans feel the show is missing a deeper backstory or a more intense development of John’s character. Without understanding his past more, viewers are left with a feeling that they are not fully invested in his story.

Some fans speculate that John’s eventual downfall might come with more dramatic moments, including kidnapping or further murder attempts. While the character has yet to evolve into the villain people want him to be, it’s possible that as the story progresses, he will take a darker, more explosive turn.

The Verdict – A Villain Who Needs More Time?
John Sugden might not be the most thrilling villain Emmerdale has ever seen, but there’s still potential for his character to evolve. Some viewers are hopeful that the slow burn will eventually lead to a more powerful and complex villain arc. Others, however, feel that John’s lack of dynamism is holding back what could be a much more exciting storyline.

Ultimately, whether John Sugden becomes the villain Emmerdale fans expect or remains the subdued character he is now, one thing is clear: he’s a divisive figure. His future in the soap will likely continue to spark debate, but for now, his character remains one to watch with anticipation.