The BBC’s Rev.

So I’ve been watching Rev. this week, on the recommendation of Brian LePort.

Rev. is a BBC sitcom staring Tom Hollander as Rev. Adam Smallbone, an Anglican vicar who was recently moved to a struggling inner-city parish in East London.

The vicar is given the daunting task of breathing new life into a small and diverse congregation, and keeping the aging St Saviour in the Marshes in at least some state of repair.

Add to this his attempts to be a good husband, work with the local Archdeacon who is always looking over his shoulder, and minister to the motley group of locals who turn to him for help, and he finds it is all rather a lot to deal with.

If you are into British humor, and/or have worked in the church, I would very much recommend adding Rev. to your playlist. However, I must note that as a BBC comedy it is not always, shall we say “family friendly.”

What I love about Rev. though is how very human Adam Smallbone is. He can be jealous or selfish at times, but he cares deeply for his parishioners and goes out of his way to show grace to even the most difficult of them – like Colin, the frequently drunk and (potentially?) homeless man who befriends him as soon as he starts and is never shy about asking for the vicar’s time or assistance.

I’m only four episodes in, but so far I’ve found it to be a refreshing and at times a bit too close to home reflection on life in the Church.