When Emmerdale brought Joe Tate back on at the end of 2024, there was a clear mystery. But two months on and we still have no answers. It’s time for Emmerdale to give us some – without killing him off.
There have been so many different theories as to what’s actually wrong with Joe. And while last night we looked like we were about to get some answers, we still don’t actually know anything.
Viewers were thrilled at his return announcement. But his mystery storyline is becoming extreme and lengthy, when it could be neatly wrapped up. And with so much potential for his character, killing him off would be a huge mistake.
Why Emmerdale should not kill Joe Tate
If it is to be revealed that Emmerdale did truly bring Ned Porteous back just to give Joe a final exit, what was the point? They could have left it as it was so that there was always that opportunity for a return.
Not to mention, his return storyline hasn’t actually brought that much to further plots. Yes, he was linked to Will’s exit, and he’s providing somewhat of a storyline for Noah. And there is the whole affair with Dawn.
But if progressing other people’s stories was the only reason that he was brought back before he dies, then what a waste of a character. And what a waste of the talent that Ned is.
When Joe was previously on our screens, he was the ultimate bad boy, who was embroiled in so many different storylines and feuds. But whatever is going on with him prevents him from reaching the potential that is clearly there.
If Emmerdale were to fix whatever is going on, then we could see the old Joe come back. And perhaps he could even get back to his scheming. The soap needs someone like him.
There is also the fact that his comeback paves the way for some iconic Tate comebacks and mentions. Away from the village there are still a few Tate’s around, so by having Joe in the village, there will always be that connection and that possibility.
With Kim, Noah and Caleb the only other ties Joe has to family, it should make for some interesting scenes. the dynamics have so much potential. But at the minute they’re trapped by this illness storyline.
It’s time to tell us what’s happening
For the last two months the storyline has been lingering. And quite frankly, if it lasts any longer it’s going to lose any shock factor at all. It’s already been going on long enough.
Things move quickly in soaps, and so if a storyline is unnecessarily lengthy, viewers will become bored of it. And Joe Tate is not a boring character – so let’s not make him one.
Not only have we been waiting way too long for answers, but the storyline is also taking a strange turn. If Joe needs a donor, why doesn’t he just ask? Noah has always worshipped his brother, so he would have jumped at the chance to help.
And let’s face it, while people in Emmerdale may say they hate Joe Tate, when it comes down to reality, someone would step up and help him stay alive. But going to the extreme lengths of drugging Noah and having mysterious late night doctor calls just seems a bit far-fetched – even for Joe.
We, along with a lot of others, love Joe Tate and the potential he brings to the show. And because of that, watching a slow burner storyline of him dying is not something we want to see.
So Emmerdale, tell us what’s going on and sort it out. Let’s not have it drag on much longer, please.
Read more: 15 Emmerdale spoilers for next week: funerals, pregnancy and a return
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Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an early release at 7am on ITVX.Â
Classic Emmerdale usually airs weekdays at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm on ITV3.Â
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