After a period of relative quiet, Robert Sugden is back in Emmerdale with a vengeance, and he’s not keeping his plans for “mayhem” a secret. Fresh out of prison and seemingly biding his time as a farm labourer for Moira Dingle, Robert wasted no time in revealing his true, manipulative colours. Overhearing Ross Barton and Mackenzie Boyd’s scheme to sell Lewis’s weed stash, Robert swooped in, double-crossing them by selling the drugs himself to newcomer Ray. Armed with a wad of cash, Robert has declared his intentions to stir up significant trouble, leaving many in the village wondering who will be caught in his crosshairs.
Robert’s return has already seen his ruthless side re-emerge. Initially, many speculated his focus would solely be on bringing down his half-brother, Jon Sugden, and winning back Aaron Dingle’s affections. While Jon’s downfall is undoubtedly still on his to-do list, Robert’s cunning manipulation of Moira Dingle proves his formidable nature extends far beyond a family feud. In a shocking move, Robert approached Moira to buy Annie’s field, claiming sentimental reasons and appealing to her vulnerable financial position due to a recent slurry tank leak. Moira, believing she was helping him, accepted a low offer. However, in a secret meeting with Kim Tate, Robert revealed his true intention: to flip the land to Kim for a quick profit, cementing a new, formidable alliance that promises to shake up the Dales.
Several residents of Emmerdale should certainly be on high alert. Top of the list is Jon Sugden, Robert’s primary rival. Robert’s relentless digging for information on Jon, coupled with fan theories about him using his newfound cash to expose Jon and reclaim Aaron, suggests a simmering war is about to erupt. Jon already tried to get Robert sacked from Caleb Milligan’s depot, even resorting to blackmail, indicating just how threatened he feels by Robert’s presence.
Next, Moira Dingle finds herself in a precarious position. Unbeknownst to her, Robert initially stole the weed stash from her own barn. Now, his betrayal over Annie’s field adds insult to injury. With Moira already facing a hefty fine from the slurry leak, Robert’s actions could destabilize her farming business, potentially bringing back the Sugden farming legacy at her expense. This double-cross is sure to ignite her famous temper when the truth inevitably comes out.
The long-standing rivalry between Robert and Ross Barton is also set for a heated revisit. Their history is fraught with tension, including Ross shooting Robert in 2015 and a previous cannabis theft by Robert. Ross’s loyalty to Moira means he’s already on a collision course with Robert over the missing weed. While Ross temporarily called off hostilities to protect Moira’s land deal, Robert’s threat to him, stating he was “only just getting warmed up,” ensures their feud is far from over. This dynamic, potentially amplified by Robert and Kim’s new alliance, could lead to explosive confrontations.
Finally, Caleb Milligan could also become a target. Despite giving Robert a job, Caleb was easily swayed by Jon’s blackmail attempts. Robert’s deep-seated resentment for being fired could prompt him to use his illicit gains to start a rival business, challenging Caleb’s growing empire. This would also tie into the larger power struggle anticipated between Caleb and Kim Tate.
Beyond Robert’s immediate targets, the village is also grappling with other significant developments. Moira Dingle has had to revisit the tragic death of her daughter, Holly Barton, reminding Ross and Mac of the devastating consequences of drugs as she chastised them for their weed scheming. Meanwhile, Kim Tate is re-entering the dating scene just eight months after Will’s passing, with speculation swirling that her new man could be Dawn’s estranged husband, Billy, or even the sinister Dr. Crowley, setting the stage for further heartbreak or power plays.
Robert Sugden’s return has brought a new wave of ruthless manipulation and strategic alliances to Emmerdale. His actions are not only exposing long-held secrets but also reshaping the dynamics of key relationships and power structures within the village.