Does anyone like the Archdeacon?

He's actually a pretty good satire on people you can find in the CofE establishment - people who are so defined by the structures of CofE hierarchy they don't particularly like new ideas and play church politics rather than showing the love of Christ to all. I'm not sure he's meant to be likeable, but he is really funny. The episode with him suddenly being so charitable and eager to help is a good reminder that good actions can sometimes have selfish motivations.

I think he showed in the Easter episode a greater depth than we've seen before. Sure, the cynicism and awareness and readiness to play the internal power games of all institutionalised religions were all present.

But I think throughout we saw a more caring human side to him...going back to the gay marriage episode, although he can't thank Vicarage openly, I think he appreciates Vicarage's bravery in going against rules he professionally has to enforce, but, because of his own sexuality, privately abhors.

The fair way he approaches the enquiry and his report to the Bishop show that he thinks vicarage is essentially a good priest but out of his depth when it comes to the machinations of the church. The report could have been a hatchet job but it exonerates Vicarage.

Personally I think he's been a much more interesting character, less one-dimensional, since his sadness in his gayness came out.