
All the ‘flaws’ in Joe’s kidney transplant scheme – from Caleb stabbing error to Dr Crowley surgery mishap
Just a tad far-fetched?
Emmerdale fans have spotted some major ‘flaws’ within Joe Tate’s kidney transplant surgery scenes – and, they have a point.
With Caleb flatlining, things aren’t looking too promising for Joe and his plan to get a new kidney. But, he should’ve known it would be a challenge from the off! Here are the ‘flaws.’

Emmerdale Joe kidney plot ‘flaw’ 1. Just ask
Joe plotted away to initially take a kidney from Noah, before moving onto Caleb. But, he’s made things awfully and unnecessarily complicated for himself.
If only he’d just asked Noah for a kidney in the first place. Noah, who worshipped the ground he walked on, would’ve probably said yes!
One fan commented: “Did it not ever occur to Joe to come back, speak to Noah and ASK for a kidney? Most people will help if they can, especially his brother.”
Another person agreed: “Why can’t Joe not just get a kidney transplant or ask family to help? Why the steal a kidney storyline? It makes no sense.”
2. Nobody finding out
So, now that Caleb’s on the operating table, Joe’s hoping that his plan will prove successful. And that Caleb will never find out what happened.
But, surely, no matter whether Caleb lives or dies, it won’t take someone long to put the pieces together?
On X, one viewer noted: “He won’t die, otherwise the autopsy will show his kidney being missing. But then if he survives everyone finds out Joe never left the country? So many issues with this.”

3. It takes a team
Dr Crowley might be a skilled surgeon but the dodgy doc surely needed some sort of back-up for the operation to be a success.
Kidney transplants in hospitals are carried out by a team of hospital staff, never just one.
A viewer complained: “No way could 1 Dr do a kidney transplant. It’d take at least 2 surgeons + anaesthetist & a few nurses. Again they treat fans as idiots.”
A second person added: “Lifesaving op and kidney removal all done solely by Dr Death, without a single theatre assistant, anaesthetist or nurse in sight.”
Emmerdale Joe kidney plot ‘flaw’ 4. Stabbing error
Joe arranged for Caleb to be stabbed in what reminded of us of a whole Snow White and the woodcutter situation. But, silly Joe didn’t consider the risks…
Caleb could’ve lost his life in the stabbing, and the kidney could’ve ended up severely damaged and of no use.
One person wrote: “Don’t think that was a good idea!!! Joe’s not gonna get his kidney now, is he?”

Emmerdale Joe kidney plot ‘flaw’ 5. Magic money
With the stabbing ending up pretty severe, Dr Crowley demanded more money to continue with the plan.
Joe offered him tens of thousands more as if it was mere pennies to him. But, just where is he getting all of this cash from? It can’t be Kim…
“How does Joe always have tens of thousands of pounds whenever the doctor demands it? Where does it come from?”
6. Sterile? We think not
The whole operation was done in a random spot Joe found, with a pop-up theatre at the ready. It wasn’t exactly the most clean of places. And, Crowley calls himself a professional…
“So much for a sterile environment letting stinky, dirty Joe into the makeshift theatre. The whole thing is laughable!,” one fan commented.
Another said: “No masks, no scrubs, no gloves, no extra staff on hand. Absolutely pathetic.”
Read more: John Sugden behind Chas collapse, Emmerdale fans convinced – here’s all the evidence
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