Sorry Peter I have to disagree. I think the series underpinned the stereotypical portrayal of Christians in the media. Christians in dramas, soaps and sitcoms are are always portrayed as fanatics or wimps and held up for ridicule. Whilst 'Rev' may have had some subtle observations of certain religious personality traits I think they were probably lost on the unchurched. I think I am tired of the knocking.
I found the final episode most profound and deeply moving. It was the raw humanity too. There was nothing pie in the sky about it. Actually said, "Wow," when the credits started to roll.
The 'tartist' and I really enjoyed the series too, some excellent writing combined with quality acting, let's hope there's another series commissioned. As a 'believer without belonging' I'm afraid I found precious little steroetyping (sorry jasshep) in the characters and that was something I found very refreshing. The last episode was very moving too.
I disagree with jasshep in that I don't think the Rev was portrayed as either a fanatic or a wimp and certainly wasn't held up for ridicule.
Much of the comedy in the series came from moments when Smallbone's experience and expectations of ministry were at odds and, in my experience at least, that seemed an authentic reflection on an aspect of being in ministry.
While some of the storylines weren't as sharply observed as could have been the case (Episode 2 in particular), Smallbone throughout has been a nuanced character osscilating humanly between faith and doubt, integrity and failure, and for me that aspect of his portrayal has been the secret to the success of the series.
Well, have to confess I really enjoyed the recent BBC series, Rev, and yet to find anyone other than 'vicarage' types that didn't which, in turn, adds to the amusement value! Of course the ending was really special and each episode had a bit more momentum as the series progressed. bearing in mind that blog discussions earlier in the year seemed to bring the sermon out as the best element of a service this was also reality check time, generally sermons are dire too, so a score of -1 would be high praise indeed!
In the last episode there was a classic representation of the church carrying on with all its frippery whilst effectively shunning the young guns cavorting around the war memorial. What an opportunity to join things up by linking the current conflicts our soldiers endure with some war history thereby making the act of commemoration meaningful for everyone rather than just themselves? That's just one example of where the series was hard hitting and justifiably so.
Anyway, a great series, lots of profound and challenging moments...
"Cigarette Vicarage? Rev mini review..."
5 Comments -
Sorry Peter I have to disagree. I think the series underpinned the stereotypical portrayal of Christians in the media. Christians in dramas, soaps and sitcoms are are always portrayed as fanatics or wimps and held up for ridicule. Whilst 'Rev' may have had some subtle observations of certain religious personality traits I think they were probably lost on the unchurched. I think I am tired of the knocking.
5 August 2010 at 14:05
I found the final episode most profound and deeply moving. It was the raw humanity too. There was nothing pie in the sky about it. Actually said, "Wow," when the credits started to roll.
5 August 2010 at 18:53
The 'tartist' and I really enjoyed the series too, some excellent writing combined with quality acting, let's hope there's another series commissioned. As a 'believer without belonging' I'm afraid I found precious little steroetyping (sorry jasshep) in the characters and that was something I found very refreshing. The last episode was very moving too.
6 August 2010 at 15:08
I disagree with jasshep in that I don't think the Rev was portrayed as either a fanatic or a wimp and certainly wasn't held up for ridicule.
Much of the comedy in the series came from moments when Smallbone's experience and expectations of ministry were at odds and, in my experience at least, that seemed an authentic reflection on an aspect of being in ministry.
While some of the storylines weren't as sharply observed as could have been the case (Episode 2 in particular), Smallbone throughout has been a nuanced character osscilating humanly between faith and doubt, integrity and failure, and for me that aspect of his portrayal has been the secret to the success of the series.
7 August 2010 at 03:20
"yet to find anyone other than 'vicarage' types that didn't which, in turn, adds to the amusement value"...
Which either means that they are unaware of something that is clear to you, or the other way around ;)
7 August 2010 at 22:11