
Originally Posted by
Paul_Robs
One of the stand out elements of the past 12 months has been the various strands of Robert's coming out. I think from the discussion with Aaron in the enchanted wood through to Robert's correction of Lawrence last week has just validated this story and been very well done.
I think ED have actually written these elements very well, Robert of old was clearly trying to be the big man living up to his father's vision of him. I also think his inability for many years to be faithful stems from him being conflicted about what and who he was and trying to prove himself. It is only since he met and started an affair and subsequent relationship with Aaron has he managed to come to terms with who Robert Sugden is and even that has taken quite a long time.
It is clear, like many, he felt the need to conform with what society expected of a man and this conflict drove his behaviour.
I really do like that Robert is very proud of being in a relationship with Aaron and has never seemed to be embarrassed about showing his love and affection of Aaron to Aaron's family or even more so in front of anyone else. I think it would be really compelling to see an episode where Robert is confronted with prejudice or homophobia and him having one his his usual cutting responses ready along with a line about how proud he is of his male partner and his sexuality.
I think after ED put this dreadful ONS/break-up behind them we need to see a little of what happened to Robert whilst he was away from Emmerdale and him and Aaron dealing with these things as a partnership NOT in conflict.
Enough of my ramblings for now.