The British series The Syndicate is kind of an anthology show, with each season featuring a self-contained story starring a new cast who grapple with a recurring theme: namely, what happens when a group of people win the lottery? This third season is set in the grand country manor of an aristocratic family deeply in debt, where the skeleton staff struggling to keep the estate running on limited resources suddenly hits it big and decides to pool some of their winnings to buy into the estate and maintain its legacy. The change in fortunes has a dramatic effect on the relations with the lady of the manor (Alice Krige), who married into the legacy but kept her own entitled attitude, and it also precipitates a crisis when the reckless daughter of the housekeeper (Elizabeth Berrington) disappears and a subsequent ransom note demands a small fortune for her release. No one, of course, is above suspicion. The show takes Downton Abbey themes and stories into the 21st century, combined with a dash of rural British mystery and social drama. This portrait of a working class team taking ownership of the manor they have sustained for years is also uplifting and inspiring, as is the story of the physically ailing but proud lord of the manor (Anthony Andrews), who respects and values the longtime servants and makes common cause to protect his family legacy from being sold to an American golf course magnate. Compiling all six episodes from the 2015 third season, this is recommended. (S. Axmaker)
The Syndicate: All or Nothing
Acorn, 2 discs, 366 min., not rated, DVD: $39.99 Volume 32, Issue 1
The Syndicate: All or Nothing
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