Leaving April and Celia, Emmerdale this week has another equally tense line: Robert Sugden and Kev Townsend.

New spoilers reveal that Kev is secretly manipulating Robert’s emotions, turning a harmless lie into a rope around his neck, making Robert lose control of himself.

The story begins when Robert – out of sympathy – lies to Kev about his health condition.

No one thought this little lie would have consequences. But Kev thought otherwise. He began to take advantage of Robert’s guilt to force him to help, support, even do things Robert didn’t want to get involved in.

Kev understands Robert’s psychology very well: when Robert feels “responsible”, he will try to make amends at all costs. And Kev turns that into a weapon.

In a scene that fans will have to rewind to see his expression, Kev stops Robert on his way home, saying softly,
“You owe me. And now it’s time to pay.”
Without a loud threat, Kev’s eyes are filled with a suppressed, ready-to-explode look that freezes Robert.

Robert tries to escape, tries to keep his distance, but his own inner turmoil makes it easy for Kev to navigate. Kev slowly creeps into Robert’s life – showing up at the pub, showing up at the door, showing up when Robert goes to see Aaron. Each time, he uses the excuse that he “needs help.”

The toxicity escalates as Kev begins to plant in Robert’s head the thought:

“You’re the reason I’m suffering. You have to be with me until the end.”

This is a very real Emmerdale trope: the manipulator pretends to be weak, but it’s the victim who gets squeezed.

Aaron – who is used to spotting danger signs – begins to have doubts. But Robert, too tormented, defends himself, causing conflict between the two to develop. Kev knows this and does not hesitate to provoke more.

At the end of the episode, Kev asks Robert to do something dangerous – it is not clear what – but it is enough to make Robert confused, eyes wide open. Kev stands close by, whispering a sentence that makes the audience shiver:

“You choose. I will not ask again.”