Very enjoyable and moving. I loved how each character had their own storyline and everyone could relate to one. Very well written and an easy watch!!!
30 Reviews
Very enjoyable
elucy-0953124 August 2021
A real surprise, a real moving story!
rac-129-1827503 April 2012
When I saw the trailer, I assumed another reasonable comedy/drama.
I was pleasantly surprised, Wonderfully emersive characters who will be relatable to everyone, tell a heart warming story of rags to riches.
The first episode introduces the motley crew of shop workers who instanly feel like people you have grown to know and love. Each with their own story to tell it was a nice surprise after I had expected giddy comedy from an outlandish group of characters
Supprisingly moving at times, especially the second episode which has set up a brilliant potential series which thus far has some excellently believable characters wonderfully written, a good prospect and a really emotional yet feel good programme!
I was pleasantly surprised, Wonderfully emersive characters who will be relatable to everyone, tell a heart warming story of rags to riches.
The first episode introduces the motley crew of shop workers who instanly feel like people you have grown to know and love. Each with their own story to tell it was a nice surprise after I had expected giddy comedy from an outlandish group of characters
Supprisingly moving at times, especially the second episode which has set up a brilliant potential series which thus far has some excellently believable characters wonderfully written, a good prospect and a really emotional yet feel good programme!
Very promising start
raytough28 March 2012
Another TV play from the stable of Kay Mellor who seems to have been off our screens for a while. Very promising start to what looks like being a tight drama set in Leeds. Interesting premise with background stories of five supermarket workers,all of whom have financial problems of their own,panning out to lead us to the "big win" that they are all involved in. Excellent performances from an ensemble cast,as is usual with Kay's dramas, but special praise to Timothy Spall who never disappoints,in my opinion.The locations are believable as is the script which is "gritty" without being dour.Left me waiting with anticipation for the next episode with enough to have whetted my appetite.
Enjoyable drama series
yorkshiremen25 April 2012
I've just finished watching the final episode of this excellent series. I have been impressed throughout with the acting and the brilliant scripts. Being from Leeds myself I was particularly impressed with the accents although a slight hint of Lancashire from a few of them but overall it was not like Coronation Street or Emmerdale which seem to have very strong Yorkshire or Lancashire accents in the wrong counties. The plot of the whole story was brilliant and believable of what may happen with people in that position. Timothy Spall was brilliant as usual but Mathew Lewis and Mathew McNulty played brilliantly brothers. Kay Mellor I don't think can do anything wrong and I feel a lot of pride in the fact she is a Leeds lass but I hope I'm not too biased because I think people up and down the country could relate to this story and it's characters.
Series 4 is absolutely dire
SaraKay801 May 2021
The first 2 series were very well written, great actors and a good plot, series 3 a little bit meh but series 4!!!!! Bad script, bad plot, bad casting feels like it should be on children's tv. Completely unbelievable story. Very disappointed.
The Syndicate- Season 3: Hazelwood Manor
sara_sassypants8 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Having not watched either of the 2 prior seasons, this show is an epic surprise. A very interesting cast of characters back-stories and clues make for an extraordinary TV watching experience. A great whodunit/what happened, really spreads it's wings and flies through 6 episodes that make you shout out loud and hold your breath. Great work by Richard Rankin, misdirecting his character early on and using all of his high quality acting chops to psyche us out. He handles his character with such expertise, you can see everything in his eyes and he is phenomenal.
The twist and turns were truly spellbinding. At one point, I could see how EVERYONE had a secret and there are so many clue sitting right there for us to discover. Lenny Henry is heartbreakingly wonderful as Godfrey Watson, the caretaker with so much depth and love. So many strong actors create a wonderful story. The ending is slightly unsatisfying in the sense, you don't quite figure out what her angle was. I could watch an entire series JUST about this Manor and it's owners/inhabitants.
The twist and turns were truly spellbinding. At one point, I could see how EVERYONE had a secret and there are so many clue sitting right there for us to discover. Lenny Henry is heartbreakingly wonderful as Godfrey Watson, the caretaker with so much depth and love. So many strong actors create a wonderful story. The ending is slightly unsatisfying in the sense, you don't quite figure out what her angle was. I could watch an entire series JUST about this Manor and it's owners/inhabitants.
fantastic
crobncarol25 April 2012
Very good series, Timothy Spall brilliant as always but the whole cast were just fantastic,the drama of Bobs cancer only discovered after the supermarket robbery, the brilliant drama of Leanne having stolen her daughter from being a foster parent, might the drugs dealer setup by Jamie get off on some dubious legal issue and because Jamie is dead go for Stuart instead..... I do hope that another series might be on the cards because although it appears Jamie died so much more can be done with the story line, especially with regards to Leanne and Stuart etc...how Bob progresses and of course...how much lottery winnings might get spent on the dogs home?? all these questions and much more still need to be answered. more please...............
Series 4 is Utter Tripe
Antiguan-Princess1 April 2021
This used to be a great series but season 4 is deeply disappointing. The acting is mediocre at best and as for the predictable plot, Kay clearly thinks we are all brain dead idiots.
This season appears to be a pathetic attempt to give type cast daughter Gaynor Faye and a very desperate Neil Morrissey (who is probably just another mate of Kay's) some much needed work. This is most disapppinting Neil, as you can do far better than this utter drivel. As for Kym Marsh, you should have stuck with Coronation Street because your acting skills are non existent. At least you got to wear a few hair extensions.
I will not be wasting any more of my time watching further episodes. My 4 star rating is probably more than generous but unfortunately 3.5 star is not an option.
This season appears to be a pathetic attempt to give type cast daughter Gaynor Faye and a very desperate Neil Morrissey (who is probably just another mate of Kay's) some much needed work. This is most disapppinting Neil, as you can do far better than this utter drivel. As for Kym Marsh, you should have stuck with Coronation Street because your acting skills are non existent. At least you got to wear a few hair extensions.
I will not be wasting any more of my time watching further episodes. My 4 star rating is probably more than generous but unfortunately 3.5 star is not an option.
Really enjoying it
penwario6 April 2021
I totally disagree with the previous review. I'm really enjoying it. The acting is not mediocre, the storyline may be predictable but it is also enjoyable & lighthearted in the current climate. Gaynor faye is an excellent actress and Neil Morrissey is brilliant as the awkward and flawed gambler. Keep going watching it Everyone! Don't listen to the bah humbug previous reviewer!
Workmates chip in to buy lotto tickets, hit jackpot; complications ensue...
The_late_Buddy_Ryan30 October 2021
We've enjoyed two of Kay Mellor's other shows when they finally washed up on our shores, esp. "Love, Lies and Records." Sorry to report that season 1 of this one's "not available in our location"; Season 2's winners are salt-of-the earth hospital workers, portrayed by a first-rate ensemble of Northern actors, several (Siobhan Finneran, Natalie Gavin...) familiar from UK cop shows. Mellor comes up with some clever plotting right out of the gate, and the first couple of eps are very well done, but in the last few she seems to be straining to keep it real, Bradford-style. A few of the over-the-top plot twists--nurse finds novel way to neutralize bullying husband; XXL porter clicks with online Asian cutie--seemed inspired by the famous study that showed that lottery winners, once the initial thrill's worn off, are only slightly happier in their daily lives than paralyzed accident victims.
Season 3, which is highly recommended, combines a couple of surefire plot lines--stately home on the skids, downstairs staff steps up, "Rain Man"-style savant fills in plot holes, middle-aged-sexy DI (Polly Walker, with a crunchy Yorkie accent) gets after kidnappers and art thieves. Anthony Andrews, of "Brideshead" fame, shows us what Sebastian might've grown up to be like if he'd hung around to inherit the title; the rest of the cast is first rate. Sentiment, romance, suspense, mild social commentary (solid working-class characters versus sketchy upper-crusters)--what's not to like?
Season 4 is a more pedestrian effort, but still quite watchable: struggling 20-somethings work in a boarding kennel, have to scramble when their winning lottery ticket goes missing. Appealing young cast (notably Katherine Rose Morley from "Last Tango in Halifax"); Neil Morrissey, memorable as a bent copper on "Line of Duty" and a sketchy stockbroker on "Unforgotten," does not disappoint us here.
Season 3, which is highly recommended, combines a couple of surefire plot lines--stately home on the skids, downstairs staff steps up, "Rain Man"-style savant fills in plot holes, middle-aged-sexy DI (Polly Walker, with a crunchy Yorkie accent) gets after kidnappers and art thieves. Anthony Andrews, of "Brideshead" fame, shows us what Sebastian might've grown up to be like if he'd hung around to inherit the title; the rest of the cast is first rate. Sentiment, romance, suspense, mild social commentary (solid working-class characters versus sketchy upper-crusters)--what's not to like?
Season 4 is a more pedestrian effort, but still quite watchable: struggling 20-somethings work in a boarding kennel, have to scramble when their winning lottery ticket goes missing. Appealing young cast (notably Katherine Rose Morley from "Last Tango in Halifax"); Neil Morrissey, memorable as a bent copper on "Line of Duty" and a sketchy stockbroker on "Unforgotten," does not disappoint us here.
Series 4 woeful
michael-4008217 April 2021
I can't understand why this us shown at 9pm. It's more like something for kids tv. Very poor acting to a terrible script. Utterly ridiculous scenarios - totally unbelievable. Too many stereotypes also to tick boxes. Avoid at all costs.
All the intelligence of a Disney Channel Teen Show
michaelr-0721720 June 2021
This is one of the worst written, worst acted, and most sophomoric programs I have ever seen. Every single line, every element of backstory, and every character is so predictable that it feels like a 12-year old wrote it. Add to that a soundtrack of smarmy, imitation pop music, and it makes the perfect stew of intellectual diarrhea. A decent premise gone completely wrong.
A promising start
balboa347 April 2021
Season 1 and 2 were very enjoyable, season 3 was clearly a carbon copy of downtown abbey and not so good,
Now some time later we get season 4 and it's same old same old, cardboard bog standard characters, strange casting choices, very uninteresting sob stories, 2 episodes in and no further forward with the story.
UTTER DROSS
rnf1006 April 2021
How Kay Mellor got this commissioned is beyond belief. A 10 year old could have written this. Where they find these actors and there fake Yorkshire accents goodness knows. Neil Morrissey must cringe when rewatching this nonsense. A total insult to the intelligence, roll on warmer Spring Evenings when people can escape to the garden and avoid this rubbish.
Series 4 - Tripe
john_kane_ie14 April 2021
Series 1 to 3 decent drama.
Series 4 is woeful.
Not a criticism of the acting as such, but the storyline and 'antics' of the characters is just too unbelievably bad to call this anything but poor.
Situation is unbelievable, not involving the police at the earliest opportunity is ridiculous.
A band of broke teenager/twenty somethings follow the thief of their lottery ticket to Monaco, on borrowed money....'hilarious antics' do not ensue...
Series 4 is woeful.
Not a criticism of the acting as such, but the storyline and 'antics' of the characters is just too unbelievably bad to call this anything but poor.
Situation is unbelievable, not involving the police at the earliest opportunity is ridiculous.
A band of broke teenager/twenty somethings follow the thief of their lottery ticket to Monaco, on borrowed money....'hilarious antics' do not ensue...
A Colossal Mess
bzhpzq18 April 2021
Series 4 is the first one of these I've seen, and it's bad. The kids in this syndicate are all irritating characters and hard to like, with predictable and boring back stories too. So I just ended up rooting for Frank, which I'm pretty sure isn't the intention. Some of the scenarios are just plain stupid, and painfully unfunny. This should be a CBBC show.
Oh dear
jennybmcdonald-6151527 April 2021
I really don't know why we are persevering with this series. This one feels pitched at CBBC! It is painful, I guess we are hanging on for the justice of a happy ending. Rather disappointing there is another episode to go. Next week I think we will watch on catch up and ffwd for the conclusion. We can rewatch Line of Duty!
Series 4. Drivel
mccloud-7449025 April 2021
Minus 10. Absolutely DIRE.
Birminghamukengland8 April 2021
What is going on in this country? Has the level of intelligence sunk to the stage where everything has to be pitched at no higher than Blue Peter?
We wanted some light hearted watching and thought this would fit the bill. However, half way through episode 2 we could stand no more.
The acting is on a par with a local kids drama class and the story telling and direction like Peppa Pig.
The budget is clearly cheap.
Neil Morrissey looks like Alan Partridge, what has happened to his hair? Was this for the diabolical character? He seems like he's acting by numbers.
You can not invest in any of these characters as the story is so dire.
I really hate having to pay the BBC tax and they are producing more and more dross like this. It now should be subscription only.
Do not waste one minute of your time on this. Shame on the writers and producers but mostly the commissioners for this.
We wanted some light hearted watching and thought this would fit the bill. However, half way through episode 2 we could stand no more.
The acting is on a par with a local kids drama class and the story telling and direction like Peppa Pig.
The budget is clearly cheap.
Neil Morrissey looks like Alan Partridge, what has happened to his hair? Was this for the diabolical character? He seems like he's acting by numbers.
You can not invest in any of these characters as the story is so dire.
I really hate having to pay the BBC tax and they are producing more and more dross like this. It now should be subscription only.
Do not waste one minute of your time on this. Shame on the writers and producers but mostly the commissioners for this.
Laughable
david-8438827 April 2021
Good Rubbish
darius_sutherland11 April 2021
As many have said Kay Mellor needs to up her game. 15 years ago this kind of stuff was the only kind of thing that you could get and look forward to. It's harmless and easy watching if you just want to turn your brain off and laugh at how bad it actually is.
It's ridiculous and portrays northerners as a bunch of imbeciles. Terrible writing and bad acting but I have to say I am enjoying it for what it is. Just don't expect much. Enjoy.
It's ridiculous and portrays northerners as a bunch of imbeciles. Terrible writing and bad acting but I have to say I am enjoying it for what it is. Just don't expect much. Enjoy.
Awful
craigyefc27 April 2021
I'm not sure how this series has gone so bad.
Really enjoyed all the other series, but this new one (series 4) is dreadful.
It's full off plots holes, awful acting and totally unbelievable. Almost as though someone ticket the wrong box when this was commissioned.
Terrible, terrible series.
Really enjoyed all the other series, but this new one (series 4) is dreadful.
It's full off plots holes, awful acting and totally unbelievable. Almost as though someone ticket the wrong box when this was commissioned.
Terrible, terrible series.
Series 4 total trash!
skimberley27 April 2021
Typical night time soap, British Style
qui_j15 September 2016
This is a typical bit of light entertainment about groups of people who formed syndicates, and won the lottery. The series explore, and dramatize the characters, and how their lives changed after winning. There are the usual story lines with intrigue, personal secrets, struggle between good and evil, all the necessary elements for this type of show. Some of the acting is better than others but at other times it's just overdone. The portrayal of the "idiot savant" gardener in series 3 by Lenny Henry is a case in point. Just seemed to be a poor copy of Dustin Hoffman in Rainman. The actors do get the Midlands accents right and that helps introduce the feeling that winning the lottery does happen for the ordinary folk. If you just want a bit of light TV with a story that has a good dose of predictability, and "feel-goodness" in it, then the series will work for you. The concept does lend itself to repeat series, and so far there have been 3 seasons. Overall, it's not terrible but also not great TV!
Underwhelmed
mujali-486774 May 2021
Series 4 is the first series of The Syndicate I have watched. I have been assured that previous series were much better than this one. Which I imagine couldn't be too difficult. Some of the characters are really annoying. There's one who has a compulsive eating problem and they have run this gag with her several times now. Surely the writers can come up with something more original than lazy fat person stereotypes. Neil Morrissey is becoming really good at playing rogues though.
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