In the hilarious second episode of YSTV’s ‘Union,’ the Sabbs throw a party for the students to meet the team. Unfortunately, SU President Chloe’s tolerance is pushed to the limit when the only people who turn up to the event are Jess, a student anxious about the bus routes, Duncan, a rival presidential candidate, and pretentious VOX reporter Camille. On top of Ed’s angry outbursts and Hannah’s desperation to get her name known in the university polls, newly elected Chloe must deal with far more than she can handle as the small group begin to lose patience with each other and have petty arguments. Even the welfare officer, Ed, finds a cheeky bottle of alcohol in the toilets in an attempt to spice things up a bit. Things go from bad to worse when the argument between Duncan and the barman escalates into a full blown brawl (complete with realistic sound effects). To make matters even more difficult, Jess turns on Neil with a set of darts, and Ed demolishes Mark’s signature cake, sending him into a rage which leads him to rugby tackle Ed. Poor, hopeless Chloe gives up trying to stop the chaos and turns to alcohol, all under the scrutinising eyes of Camille – all together a hysterical plot.
The episode, which reminds me slightly of one of the disastrous scenes in ‘The Thick of It,’ sees this dysfunctional team of characters continue to brilliantly develop themselves throughout the production in a very short space of time. Although (hopefully) not an entirely accurate representation of a student union, there are obvious connections which make the show more believable. The subtle hints of rekindling a romance from that “one time in freshers’” between Chloe and a slightly clueless Neil present us with an interesting plot line that may follow on in episodes to come.
The show has a strong script and although some of the acting feels a bit awkward, it actually works to show the realistic working conditions that the cast are trying to create. The direction is excellent, and the cameras catch all the little things which are happening in the background as well as right in front of the cameras, which make the room full of life. The continuation of action and conversation in the back of the shots help create a more realistic atmosphere throughout, and at times this is very, very funny. I especially loved the final, drunken conversation which runs over the end credits between Chloe and Neil, and it feels like there is more to come in the next episodes.
All in all this short production is particularly impressive, and I would love to see more of the show. It would be hilarious to watch the other tragic situations hopeless president Chloe and the Sabbs get themselves into, and I would hope to see more crazy students and snotty VOX writers in future episodes. I certainly hope there is more on the cards for the writers of ‘Union.’
Episode 2 of ‘Union’ can be watched here.
P.S. Spoiler alert.