Watch Rev.
- 2010
- 3 Seasons
-
7.8 (2,605)
Rev. is a British television sitcom that aired on BBC Two from 2010 to 2014. The show stars Tom Hollander as Adam Smallbone, an inexperienced but well-meaning Anglican vicar of an inner-city London church. The show follows Adam as he navigates the challenges of the modern church while dealing with his own personal demons and relationships. The show also features a talented supporting cast, including Olivia Colman as Adam's wife Alex, Steve Evets as Nigel, the church's lay reader, Miles Jupp as Adam's best friend and fellow man-of-the-cloth Ian, Simon McBurney as the Bishop of London, Ellen Thomas as Adam's church warden, Lucy Liemann and Jimmy Akingbola as the married couple who run the local pub, Vicki Pepperdine as a depressed member of the congregation, Joanna Scanlan as Adam's mentor and diocese advisor, and Ben Willbond as Adam's put-upon curate. Rev. is a unique show in its ability to blend comedy, drama, and genuine spirituality. At times, the show can be laugh-out-loud funny, with absurd situations and clever one-liners. However, the show also tackles serious issues, such as faith, doubt, mortality, and the role of the church in modern society. The show's ability to balance these different tones is a testament to the writing and acting talent of its cast and crew. One of the show's strengths is its ability to humanize the clergy. Adam Smallbone is a flawed and relatable character, struggling to reconcile his faith with the realities of his personal life and the world around him. The show does not shy away from showing the difficulties of a life in the church. The characters are often depicted dealing with mundane tasks, such as fundraising or dealing with difficult members of the congregation, or more serious issues, such as homelessness or addiction. Through it all, the show's message is one of hope and the power of community. The show also addresses some of the more topical issues facing the church today, such as same-sex marriage, gender equality, and the role of the church in politics. These issues are dealt with in a nuanced and respectful way, with different characters having different opinions and beliefs. The show does not preach or take a particular stance, instead allowing the characters to debate and explore these issues in a thoughtful and honest way. Rev. also features some standout performances from its cast. Tom Hollander is fantastic as Adam, delivering a performance that is both funny and heartfelt. Olivia Colman is equally impressive as his long-suffering wife Alex, who is often the voice of reason in Adam's chaotic life. Steve Evets steals many scenes as the blunt but well-meaning Nigel, while Miles Jupp provides a welcome dose of levity as Ian. The show's guest stars, including Hugh Bonneville, Ralph Fiennes, and Clive Anderson, also deliver strong performances. In conclusion, Rev. is a unique and enjoyable show that will appeal to fans of comedy, drama, and spirituality. Its ability to tackle serious issues while still making audiences laugh is a testament to the writing and acting talent involved. While the show may deal with the church, its themes of community, forgiveness, and redemption are universal. Rev. is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys intelligent and thought-provoking television.
