The Syndicate

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!

Series 1 & 2 entertaining & worth watching; series 3 not so much. Series 4 absolute rubbish; 1st episode looked potentially promising, but subsequently the storyline is totally unrealistic script infantile!

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.

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.

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.