Rev - Series 1-3 [DVD] [2010]

A comical interpretation of life as a priest.

A familiar mantra these days is that TV comedy is not what it used to be and whilst I would agree we’re highly unlikely to ever see comedy on a par with the likes of Hancock, Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads, Fawlty Towers, Porridge, Only Fools And Horses (even), etc., not all hope is seemingly lost. Actor-writer Tom Hollander’s superb Rev is a case in point – much subtler and more observational than any of the above-mentioned series (and therefore less of a ‘traditional’ sitcom, I would say), but, arguably, with more of a (social) point to make, here that around the (perhaps) outdated, parochial views of 'men of the cloth’ that predominate in the public consciousness. Here, we get Hollander’s ( C of E), inner-city London, Reverend Adam Smallbone struggling against keeping the faith, officious superiors, a neglected wife, commercial exploitation of the church and anti-social/eccentric parishioners, etc. and the actor has never been better. With a consistently outstanding cast including Olivia Colman, Steve Evets, Miles Jupp and Simon Mc Burney, the esteem in which the series is held is exemplified by 'guest’ (cameo) roles for the likes of Vicki Pepperdine, Joanna Scanlan, Hugh Bonneville, Dexter Fletcher, Ralph Fiennes and Richard E Grant. Certainly, one of the best comedy series of the last decade or so and just a shame that we were limited to three series.

With sublime understated humour and not a little pathos, Rev gets to the core of an apple that has been left too long on the bow. Cameos of the principal stereotypes, which both within and without the Anglican Church are universal, are spot on. Mooning labourers, smooth nightclub managers, pub landlady, local M P., shopkeeper, Taxi driver ... they are there. All accurately preserved, along with the hypocracies, elitism, prejudices, egos, frustrations, doubts, general mis-management of and rare humility in characters within a church, which used to be a supportive yet often repressive and now failing pillar of English Society.Rev is a tour de force beyond mere comedy and a classic, which will remain both a humorous quick reference to and a testament of what Anglicanism once was and what it has become.

I’d like to say I found this funny, but that would be a lie. As a reasonably devout Catholic I watched the show thinking I would really enjoy it, but it didn’t deliver what I expected. A realistic and good effort at portraying the life of a modern vicar, but no laughs at all, especially for what claims to be a comedy.Let’s pray that I can watch Rev. in the future and by some heaven-sent miracle, be converted.

Watched this the first time around before any of the participants were famous, so I thought I'd give it another go.It's a brilliant series and very funny in parts.We worth watching, if you've not seen it before.

Such a great series--thoroughily enjoyable and so humane. One of those that end far too soon but should because that indeed is life--undecided, troubled and yet with a ray of hope and a feeling of possible, or perhaps a desire, for continuity against all odds. My husband and I really loved this series. The acting was superb and the vicar especially empathetic. I would imagine atht many vicars stationed at poor dying parishes have these same issues presenting a crisis of faith facing the reality of political survival within the church politcal system and the reality of economics. Althought he issues were really quite serious they were dealt with in a manner that showed their wit and humor but never without real humanity.

Look beyond the surface of what some might regard as a trite comedy about an inner city Vicar and you will discover a more profound and poignant social commentary of the trials and tribulations of the parish priest working in challenging conditions with challenging people, and that's just those within the C of E. I found this truly hilarious at times and very moving at others. Tom Hollander plays the role with the conviction it deserves. The credits at the end of each episode reveal a pantheon of Rev's who contributed to the writing of the series.A must for all aspiring Curates. Should be a compulsory purchase for every bishop and senior clergy. As a viewer if you tastes lean towards this type of comedy then I doubt you'll be disappointed.

Fantastic series -Tom Hollander and Olivia Coleman et al. all brilliant and scriptwriting also - so true to real life as will be appreciated by anyone who ever ' had a foot in the C of E at any time. Also many 'happy/sad ' moments as Adam struggles with his faith as he wrestles with the pressures of church priorities versus the needs of the people he serves and we are privileged observers of his questioning of the Almighty. The Archdeacon is an absolute hoot - our sides ached, laughing at him every time he appeared in his black London cab, like the 'Demon king' appearing through the pantomime trap door!! Such a pity the BBC didn't make more series.