‘Task,’ from creator of ‘Mare of Easttown,’ is centered on two tenderhearted, tragic men

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In the upcoming series “Task,” airing on HBO this Sunday, Brad Ingelsby, known for crafting the 2021 miniseries “Mare of Easttown” that showcased Wawa and the Delco dialect to a global audience, presents another narrative focusing on crime and family in the areas west of Philadelphia. Unlike “Mare,” where women took center stage, this story revolves around men – a cop and a criminal, both portrayed – who are struggling fathers grappling with their children’s welfare.

The characters, Robbie (Tom Pelphrey) and Maeve (Emilia Jones as Emilia), are deeply entwined with sorrow, as Robbie lost his brother a year ago and his wife left him before that. Currently residing in his brother’s home along with his two children and young adult niece Maeve, who shows extraordinary courage hidden beneath her facade, Robbie is not just a regular garbage collector but also engages in burglarizing drug houses, using the trash as a clue. This unconventional method has been profitable enough to draw the interest of law enforcement agencies, with Robbie and his associate Cliff (Raúl Castillo) being their prime suspects.

FBI agent Tom, played by Mark Ruffalo, is currently on leave following the loss of his wife, and struggles to visit his incarcerated son. His relationship with his adult daughter is strained. However, his peaceful life is disrupted when his superior (Martha Plimpton) assigns him, against his will, to a temporary position as leader of a multi-agency task force investigating a series of drug house robberies. This team, assembled by his predecessor, consists of Lizzie (Alison Oliver), a young and easily distracted member; Aleah (Thuso Mbedu), a focused and reserved agent; and Anthony (Fabien Frankel), an Italian agent known for his casual demeanor.

Television

Actress Emilia Jones, known for her performance in ‘CODA,’ is set to tackle a challenging part in HBO’s upcoming crime drama ‘Task.’ Alongside her are renowned actors Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey.

It’s evident from the weapons each side carries, and Robbie’s history of stealing from a violent motorcycle gang, the Dark Hearts, known for their volatile operations, that a tragic incident is bound to occur at some point. If you haven’t already figured it out, you must be quite innocent!

The bikers, portrayed by Jamie McShane as Perry and Sam Keeley as Jayson, while not particularly kind-hearted, do show some human traits. They are a group of attractive individuals, much like Tom’s team – with the exception of Tom, perhaps. Ruffalo gained weight for his role, so be sure to take note!

Watching the series “Task” primarily involves anticipating the next distressing event, which can be termed as suspense or dramatic tension, but more often results in a rather dismal viewing experience, given the vulnerability of young children featured. It may seem manipulative, like exploiting a kitten for dramatic effect, but it effectively keeps you hooked. Moments of ordinary life, such as Lizzie and Anthony dancing in a bar or Emily (Silvia Dionicio) bonding with a colleague at the ice cream stand, offer welcome respite from the tension (another item that adds to the local flavor).

In the contrasting narrative of the series, it’s revealed that while Robbie, who often makes poor choices, exhibits an optimistic and active demeanor among the characters. He harbors a dream of moving his family to a Canadian island, as depicted by a brochure, which he can only afford through questionable means. Intrigued by finding a life partner, Robbie even goes so far as to use a dating app. On the other hand, Tom, who once served as a priest for eight years before succumbing to disillusionment and joining the FBI, is still grappling with his wife’s loss. He turns to excessive drinking, carries extra weight around his midsection, struggles to bond with Emily – the sole family member remaining at home.

As a nature enthusiast myself, I can’t help but appreciate the similarities between Tom and Robbie – two individuals deeply rooted in our natural world. While Tom spends his days tending to vibrant vegetable gardens, he also finds joy in observing birds, much like a devoted birdwatcher would. On the other hand, Robbie, the poultry farmer, takes care of chickens, but shares with Tom an undeniable tenderness that may not be the most practical trait for their professions, yet it’s essential to endear them to us as readers. They are almost like two sides of the same coin – different in their specific passions, yet sharing a common bond of love and care for nature.

In this crime drama, discussions on life, death, faith, guilt, and forgiveness are interwoven alongside police work. Author Ingelsby delves deep into profound themes. The title of an episode, “Beyond the Boundaries of Right and Wrong, There Flows a River,” mirrors the sentiments of the 13th century Persian poet Rumi. Water serves as a recurring motif, symbolizing diving, swimming, and simply being near it. Birds also make appearances, serving as a soothing respite for viewers and metaphors for the narrative. When Tom talks to Robbie about a particular bird being a “vagrant” or a bird that wandered beyond its usual territory, forgetting how to return home, this isn’t strictly about birds. The writing can sometimes be heavy-handed, but it’s better to have a story filled with ideas than one bereft of them.

As a fervent admirer, despite my initial apprehensions about this genre of drama, I must admit that the production and acting are nothing short of exceptional. Unlike other crime narratives that often plunge into sensational despair, “Task” manages to uplift your spirits, leaving you with a sense of hope – not hopelessness. I assure you, this hasn’t given away any spoilers.

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2025-09-06 13:31