Aw, I want to pull Rev into a warm embrace; it's such a kind, sweet, life-affirming programme and this final episode in the series (a Christmas special is on its way) is just fuzzy with goodness.

You'll even end up feeling sympathy for the something-of-the-night-about-him Archdeacon (Simon McBurney) when he admits to a big secret about his personal life. Hint: Adam and Nigel spot him choosing a bed with a handsome friend called Richard (guest star James Purefoy). Which could put an end to the Archdeacon's dreams of becoming Bishop of Stevenage.

There is a rare moment of accord between the Archdeacon and Adam (Tom Hollander), who has much to contemplate. His unhappy wife Alex (luminous Olivia Colman) has gone on a walking holiday to think about their future. Such is our emotional connection with these people, you'll be willing their marriage not to fail.

There's a heatwave in St Saviour In The Marshes this week and it's giving Adam (Tom Hollander) some very disturbing nightmares. One of his parishioners (guest star Sylvia Syms) is having sleepless nights for a different reason. She thinks her care home is haunted and wants Adam to perform an exorcism. Nigel, in particular is only too happy to oblige.

This is a slightly disjointed episode, but fans of Jimmy Akingbola from Holby will be very pleased to see him make his first appearance this series as Mick. He's only in one scene, but it's hilarious.

And the other revelation this week is getting to meet Adam's five-year-old god-daughter Enid (Olivia Riley). After just an hour with her and her blessed recorder (you may want ear-plugs) Adam and Alex (Olivia Colman) start to wonder whether having children of their own is such a good idea after all.

When Rev first hit our screens last year, its lack of belly-laughs might have seemed a bit of a ­disadvantage for a sitcom.

But as a hugely-deserved series two begins, it's obvious that its more gentle humour is in fact a stroke of divine genius - making it more true-to-life and ­consequently far, far funnier than any number of Dibley-ish chocolate fountain moments.

The modern vicar's impossible mission of having to please all the people all the time is perfectly captured in James Woods's confident script and Tom Hollander's sweet-natured performance. The only banana skins you'll find vicar Adam Smallbone skidding on are moral ones and in this week's episode he's got his dog collar in a twist over whether or not to accept a Daily Mirror Pride Of Britain award after accidentally tripping a mugger.

To paraphrase Life Of Brian, he's not a hero - he's just a very clumsy vicar. But what does God want him to do?

Adam's prayers are a regular feature of Rev, but as God never replies, these are, by necessity, a one-way conversation. Tonight, as one of God's regional managers appears in the shape of the Bishop of London (a marvellous cameo from Ralph Fiennes) your imagination fills in the requisite choir of angels and celestial light.

There's also a lovely scene in a ­steam-room where Adam, Archdeacon Robert and publicity-hungry vicar Roland appear to be sitting on a cloud.

But Rev's brief lies is more earthly matters and this week we're treated to a heart-felt rant from Adam's wife (Olivia Colman).

Being married to a man who doesn't even get Sundays off definitely isn't her idea of heaven.

Olivia Colman interview

Olivia Colman, best known for Peep Show, talks to the Metro about wanting to star in Downton Abbey, forgetting her lines in front of 1000 people and her return to the new series of sitcom Rev.

The Rev. returns

Tomorrow night the fabulous Tom Hollander (In The Loop), Olivia Colman (Twenty Twelve) and Steve Evets (Looking for Eric) return to BBC Two at 9pm in the new series of Rev.

A welcome second series for Tom Hollander and John Wood's gentle, exquisitely observed comedy about the quietly determined, morally conflicted vicar of a rough East London parish. Hollander is superb as the diminutive Rev Alan Smallbone, who tonight finds himself an unlikely nominee for a heroism award. There's a terrific supporting cast led by Olivia Colman, Miles Jupp, Hugh Bonneville and Ralph Fiennes.

Tom Hollander and Olivia Colman interview

The BAFTA award-winning comedy about a vicar living in a deprived inner-city borough returns for a second series. TV Choice speaks to Tom Hollander, who plays the Rev Adam Smallbone, and Olivia Colman, who plays his wife Alex.

Olivia Colman interview

From Peep Show to Rev, Olivia Colman usually brings out the comedy in her hapless onscreen husbands. But this time her role as an abused wife is deadly serious.

Previously shown on BBC Four, this is a spoof documentary series about the lives of the people responsible for making the London 2012 Olympics happen. Starring Peep Show's Olivia Colman and Downton Abbey's Hugh Bonneville, it's a gentle satire of office life, without the savagery of The Thick of It or the cringing realism of The Office. In this opening episode, the team come up with ways to celebrate the "1,000 days to go" milestone.