Tom Hollander and Olivia Colman are back for a third (and possibly final) series of the award-winning Rev, but how does a new addition to their family affect the show?
Thankfully, not a jot. In fact, the BBC Two sitcom about a London East End Reverend has only grown with the birth of Adam and Alex’s daughter. Where many shows in the past, notably sitcoms, have suffered trying to deal with the introduction of a baby, Rev handles the occasion gloriously and without reverence.
The birth kicks off proceedings in a wonderful scene intercutting Adam (Hollander) conducting a marriage service for his friend Ellie (Lucy Liemann), whom he once had a thing for, whilst Alex (Colman) ends her pregnancy in the back of a taxi with a disgusted Archdeacon. His horror at being asked, “How dilated am I?” is both palpable and hilarious.
As the episode continues, the new arrival, Katie, provokes concern and some slight outrage as her parents neglect to baptise her – a problem for the Reverend which becomes tangible when not only his diocese needle him about the issue but also Adam’s superiors, who are none too pleased.
Katy’s introduction induces a number of hugely entertaining responses from the regular cast, including a short but effective rant from prospective Godmother Ellie, an unusual greeting from local drunk Colin (Steve Evets), who also wants to be a Godparent, and a massively mirthsome turn from local junkie Mick (Jimmy Akingbola) who manages to reference Bedknobs and Broomsticks to great effect.
The theme of birth also rears its head in the main thrust of the episode, the regeneration of a playground, undertaken by Adam and a local Imam, played by Facejacker’s Kayvan Novak. And it’s here that Rev really delivers its typical religious doubt. “Why is Islam more popular?”, Adam asks himself as he wades through hundreds of Muslims only to go on to see the divide between his new friend’s congregation and his own as the Imam connects personally with so many whilst Adam gets ignored by his.
Novak does a superb job with a serious performance that also dips into many laughs. The actor is a fine addition to an already fantastic cast, as are Vicki Pepperdine and Joanna Scanlan, who make for the most unusual duo, intent on closing Adam’s church.
He may well be smoking an e-cigarette now, but the titular Rev has lost none of his bite, or insecurity and the show is as good as it’s ever been. Creators Tom Hollander and James Wood (writer of this episode) have kept their eyes focused on the comedy and the situation whilst growing the cast admirably.
We may be preaching to the converted, but Rev is still one of the most remarkable shows on televisions.
Airs at 10pm on Monday 24 March 2014 on BBC Two.
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