Emmerdale and Eric Pollard Shifting Morality

Recent episodes of Emmerdale have presented a fascinating development in the character of Eric Pollard, as he reverts to his scheming ways, leaving viewers questioning whether this shift signifies a temporary lapse or a descent back into his villainous roots.

In a storyline that began April, Eric Pollard, a former antiques dealer, takes advantage of Kerry Wyatt’s vulnerability. Having returned to the village after a stint working on a cruise ship, Kerry seeks to sell a necklace from her ex-lover to fund her daughter Amy Wyatt’s wedding to Matty Barton. However, Eric deceives Kerry, undervaluing the necklace and secretly selling it for a substantial profit. He then expects Kerry to repay him, setting off a chain of events filled with deception and revenge.

This twist has divided audience opinions. Some speculate that Eric’s recent Parkinson’s diagnosis may be influencing his judgment and leading to a return to his old, unscrupulous ways. Others believe that Eric’s inherently scheming nature is simply re-emerging, taking advantage of Kerry’s vulnerable situation.

As the storyline unfolds, the question arises: Will Eric be exposed and face the consequences of his actions, or will he continue to evade the truth and maintain his ill-gotten gains? The outcome will have significant implications for both Eric and Kerry, as well as the wider community of Emmerdale.

A complex character journey

Pollard, one of the longest-serving characters in Emmerdale, has undergone a significant transformation since his debut in 1986. Initially introduced as a villainous and unscrupulous character, Eric has evolved over the years, with his sharp edges softened by personal losses, romantic entanglements, and the discovery of a long-lost son.

Upon his arrival in the village, Eric quickly established himself as a scheming and manipulative presence, clashing with Sandie Merrick and engaging in various illegal schemes. His reputation as a “villain” and a “spiv” was solidified, with his underhanded business deals and mistreatment of others making him a divisive figure.

However, over time, Eric’s character development took a different turn. The introduction of his long-lost son, David Metcalfe, and his marriage to Val Lambert added new dimensions to his story. While his relationship with Val had its fair share of ups and downs, including a brief separation and Val’s tragic death in a helicopter crash, it also served as a source of character growth for Eric.

The death of his second wife, Elizabeth Feldmann, in a plane crash in 1993, remains one of the most significant storylines in Emmerdale’s history. For years, Eric was suspected of murdering Elizabeth, as she had threatened to expose his fraudulent activities. This dark chapter in Eric’s life cast a shadow over his relationships and led to a confrontation with Elizabeth’s son, Michael Feldmann, who was convinced of Eric’s guilt.

The show also explored Eric’s personal struggles, including his battle with depression and a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. In a 2017 storyline, Eric was portrayed as a vulnerable individual, coming to terms with his health issues and seeking comfort in his loved ones.

In recent episodes, Eric has found himself reverting to his villainous ways, manipulating Kerry Wyatt and scheming against Victoria Sugden. However, it remains to be seen if this is a permanent return to form or a temporary lapse in character.

With a character as complex and multifaceted as Eric Pollard, Emmerdale continues to explore the grey areas of human nature, challenging our perceptions of good and evil and reminding us that redemption is always within reach.