The Game is nearing its conclusion on Channel 5, with Robson Green's character Patrick finally being revealed as The Ripton Stalker - but some viewers didn't stick around for the big reveal...

In episode 3 of the Channel 5 thriller, we got all the proof we needed that Patrick Harbottle was The Ripton Stalker.

After three deaths - Frank Byrne, Ruth Parker, and Paul Oakley - it looked like Patrick was actually going to get away with it, having framed Huw for all of it.

At the end of the penultimate episode, Huw was in cuffs. And Patrick looked pretty damn smug, delivering a killer wink as his frenemy was bundled into the police car...

But some viewers found Robson Green's portrayal of Patrick a little too convincing...

***Warning: spoilers from The Game episodes 1 to 3 ahead***

Robson Green as Patrick - The Ripton Stalker - is 'creepy'

The Channel 5 thriller stars two of TV's favourite leading men, Robson Green and Jason Watkins, as neighbours in a psychological game of cat-and-mouse.

Retired detective Huw became convinced that his new street-mate was in fact a serial killer who he'd failed to catch during his time on the force - nicknamed The Ripton Stalker. At first, we didn't know if Huw was delusional, or if Patrick really was deranged enough to move next door to the man who had been hunting him.

Actor Robson Green is best known for playing the good guys, including DI Geordie Keating in Grantchester, DI Dave Creegan in Touching Evil, Lt. Col. Philip Locke in Strike Back, and Dr. Tony Hill in Wire in the Blood.

And it seems some of his fans prefer him that way, and are having trouble reconciling with his "creepy" character in The Game.

'Robson will lose fans who love him'

Although many viewers are enjoying the tense relationship between Robson Green's villain Patrick, and Jason Watkins' wide-eyed former DI Huw Miller, not everyone is a fan.

In fact, some had to stop watching!

Talking on the Entertainment Daily! Facebook page, one said: "I turned it over, I didn't like the person he was playing, I thought he was creepy."

Well, that's kind of the idea! But they weren't alone. Another added on X: "Really enjoying this series #TheGame, but I don't like Robson Green being the bad guy. He's so lovely. Brilliant acting by both him and Jason Watkins."

A third said: "I honestly wonder if Robson will lose fans who love him, as I do. Never have I seen him play such a spooky person before and he plays it brilliantly."

"Robson Green is freaking me out in this one," agreed another.

Praise for The Game

Others were sold on Robson's portrayal of Patrick, and LOVED him playing a different role.

One viewer said on X: "It's unusual for Robson Green to play this type of role but I'm really enjoying it. Monday was a bit slow but Tuesdays was good."

A second added: "I'm loving The Game. Robson playing a different character from norm but doing it well."

A third wrote: "Love it. It's not a part Robson normally plays, but I am hooked. It made me look under my bed."

"I loved Robson Green in Grantchester," said another, "but he's on another level in this series #TheGame."

Other fans said:

• "Robson is scary, but I'm loving the series."
• "Really unusual and Robson is creepy. Both brilliant actors."
• "I'm enjoying it. Robson is so spooky."
• "I'm really enjoying it, Robson is creepy!"
• "Robson Green is as creepy AF! #TheGame."
• "Robson Greene plays an excellent villian."
• "Robson Green is so scary in this #TheGame."
• "Thoroughly enjoying The Game. Robson Green makes a very creepy bad guy."
• "Menacing Robson Green is a vibe LOL."

Has Robson Green played a villain before?

Robson Green has actually played a villain once before - and he starred opposite his The Game co-star Jason Watkins!

Talking about working with Jason before, Robson told us: "The last time I played a villain of any kind was alongside Jason Watkins in Being Human in 2011.

"I was a character called McNair who at night turned into a werewolf [Jason played Herrick] McNair was a killer. He tortured people both psychologically and physically."

For those of you who are enjoying Robson Green as a baddie, you can still watch him in Being Human on BBC iPlayer... Don't blame us if you have nightmares, though!

Read more: The filming locations of The Game on Channel 5 - and it's NOT where you think!

The final episode of The Game airs on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 9pm on Channel 5.