Ep 1. Meet the Hartleys

The Rev is a reality series that gives audiences a glimpse into the daily life of Reverend Richard Hartley, his wife Stacey, and their children. Episode 1 of season 1 is titled "Meet the Hartleys" and introduces viewers to the family.

The episode begins with Reverend Hartley and his family packing up their belongings and moving from their previous home in Los Angeles to a new home in North Carolina. The Hartleys are excited about their new adventure and looking forward to settling into their new community. As they arrive at their new home, viewers get a sneak peek at the stunning house and surroundings.

As the family begins to unpack, we follow each member around their new home, getting to know them individually. Stacey Hartley is a full-time mom and homeschools the children, which the family believes will provide them with more quality time together. Stacey expresses how they want to have a closer-knit family, where they do more things as a family. We see that Reverend Hartley is a devoted father and husband, always making an effort to put his family first.

The Hartleys have four children; one son, and three daughters. Although they are excited about the move, the family dynamics start to show some tension. The daughters complain about not having their friends nearby and express their fear of not making new friends in the new community. The son is not happy about leaving his high school in Los Angeles. However, the parents try to keep everyone positive as the family adapts to their new home and surroundings.

Viewers also get a glimpse into Reverend Hartley's professional life as he prepares for his first sermon. His church, New Light Church, is a growing ministry with over 5,000 members. We see him rehearsing and perfecting his upcoming sermon, reflecting on how the move to their new home has brought the family closer together. He talks about the importance of family and how the church can be a second family for those who don't have one.

The episodes also highlights the family's close relationship with each other. Stacey Hartley shares how they came to realize that spending less time on their mobile phones and television would enhance their family life. We see the children doing fun activities together, including painting, baking, and playing board games, with no distractions from electronics.

Towards the end of the episode, we watch as the family prepares for an upcoming event: their first Sunday church service in their new home. The Hartleys arrive at New Light Church prepared and ready to greet their guests. The tension within the family begins to dissipate as they welcome the worshipers, giving a sense of hope for the church's bright future.

Overall, episode 1 of The Rev provides a refreshing insight into the lives of a devoted family regardless of their professions in the ministry. Although the family dynamics show slight tension, they work together to keep a positive outlook that viewers will undoubtedly relate to. The episode truly sets the stage for what's next to come, highlighting the family's closeness and reviving the feeling of wanting to spend quality time with your loved ones.