Rev.

Rev. is a British television sitcom that aired on BBC Two from 2010 up to 2014. Created by James Wood and Tom Hollander, the show features a richly talented cast starring Tom Hollander, Olivia Colman, Steve Evets, Miles Jupp, Simon McBurney, Ellen Thomas, Lucy Liemann, Jimmy Akingbola, Vicki Pepperdine, Joanna Scanlan, and Ben Willbond. The series holds a mirror to modern ecclesiastical life, offering viewers a humorous yet introspective peek at the struggles and charms of inner-city pastoring within the Church of England.

At the centre of the series is the character of Reverend Adam Smallbone, brilliantly portrayed by Tom Hollander. Reverend Smallbone is a modern-day vicar, newly promoted from a sleepy rural parish to the under-resourced, neglected, and challenging St Saviour's in the Marshes in East London. The switch of environment forces Smallbone to grapple with the reality of the church’s role in a multicultural, urban community.

Reverend Smallbone, in his cassock and collar, is the embodiment of the Anglican Church’s effort to meet the societal challenges of the 21st century. He willing to get his hands dirty, his faith tested, and his mettle challenged as he tries to juggle the needs of his parishioners, the difficult bureaucratic network of the modern-day church, and the demands of his own personal life, including his wife.

Olivia Colman, wielding her consummate talent with ease, portrays Alex Smallbone, Reverend Adam's wife. Alex is a solicitor who is practical, loving, and supportive, but she often finds herself grappling with the demands of being a vicar’s wife. Furthermore, her rational, down-to-earth perspective often clashes with the celestial demands and expectations of Adam’s profession, offering plenty of comic relief and poignant moments.

The rest of the ensemble cast provides a colourful, eccentric, and touching group of characters that populate the world of Rev. They range from world-weary church associates fighting their own battles, to zealous parishioners with unique dilemmas and clashing personalities. Each character is well-drawn out and contributes to the charm and complexity of the church and the community, painting a vibrant picture of the parish, complete with its oddities, challenges and heartwarming moments.

Rev. offers a balanced mix of comedy and drama. It presents a refreshing and wildly entertaining portrayal of the urban clergy’s journey, with storylines that are both humorous and deeply poignant. The narrative explores themes such as faith, relationships, ecclesiastical politics, and the everyday trials and tribulations of the modern clergy and their flocks.

Over the course of several episodes, we see Reverend Smallbone battling ethical dilemmas, bureaucratic red tape, challenging parishioners, and personal doubts. He is seen walking a fine line - at one end, attempting to uphold the honour of his position and at other times, yielding to the call of human fallibility and modern societal pressures.

To its credit, Rev. does not shy away from challenging themes. It grapples with contemporary issues such as societal disenchantment with religious institutions, the diminishing role of the church in modern societies, and the personal struggle of individuals dedicated to a devout life.

The writing of the show is incisive and witty, combining situation comedy with sharp social commentaries and a touch of drama. Despite its religious backdrop, the show is neither preachy nor overtly religious, making it accessible to a wider audience.

The actors deliver commendable performances, led by Hollander's charming depiction of the well-intentioned but often out-of-depth Reverend Adam. The supporting cast delivers equally engaging performances, each adding a distinct flavour to the overall narrative of the series.

Shot on location in London, the series provides an authentic representation of inner-city life, where contrasting worlds coexist. The gritty urban landscape stands in juxtaposition to the tranquil, picturesque rural parish from where Reverend Smallbone was transferred, further emphasizing the stark transformation in his life and roles.

Overall, Rev. is a captivating blend of humour and heart, offbeat characters, delightful performances and provocative themes, all set against a background of the contemporary Church of England. It’s not just another sitcom, but a thoughtful exploration of faith and humanity’s humble efforts to navigate life’s contradictions and complexities.