Task Is Another Excellent Crime Drama From the Creator of Mare of Easttown

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In modern times, marked by distractions, crime dramas often rush into revealing the crime right from the start, typically within the first five minutes featuring a murder. However, HBO’s new series “Task,” created by Brad Ingelsby and premiering Sept. 7, buck this trend. Instead of starting with a crime scene, it depicts ordinary moments from the lives of two men, Tom Brandis (Mark Ruffalo) and Robbie Prendergrast (Tom Pelphrey), offering a glimpse into their daily routines before introducing any criminal intrigue.

These delicate, matching portraits present the characters whose similar predicaments and contrasting decisions serve as the primary focus of this series, rather than any murder or enigma. Similar to “Mare,” but with a touch more refinement in its narrative structure, “Task” employs the detective-story format and the unique character of its rural Pennsylvania backdrop to delve into fundamental human issues. While “Mare” highlighted the various ways women shoulder the burden of maintaining families and communities (a theme echoed in this new series), Ingelsby’s latest work offers a shrewd examination of guilt, retribution, and absolution.

In this story, the two main characters, Robbie and his friend Cliff (portrayed by Raúl Castillo), find themselves on opposite sides of the legal system. Haunted by the departure of his wife a year ago and leaving behind their two children, Robbie works in sanitation alongside his best friend. Lately, they’ve been engaging in covert activities at night with an additional companion to rob trap houses. They conceal their identities from potential recognizable targets, primarily members of a notorious biker gang called the Dark Hearts, using Halloween masks; though they carry weapons, they refrain from violence. The nature of these felonies may seem less immoral compared to others – armed robbery of drug dealers with minimal violence – until an unfortunate incident exposes one of the robbers’ faces. Consequently, Robbie and his associates are transformed into killers overnight.

As a dedicated FBI agent navigating through the aftermath of my wife’s passing, I find myself spearheading a new task force, fresh on the heels of a series of perplexing crimes. The show’s straightforward title doesn’t quite capture the intrigue that lies ahead. My team, an eclectic mix of local law enforcement personnel, are still green and learning the ropes.

Anthony, with his easy-going demeanor, is a breath of fresh air. In stark contrast, Thuso Mbedu, who starred in ‘The Underground Railroad’ and deserves more roles like this, is all about business and no-nonsense approach. Lizzie, a young divorcée, appears to be dealing with her own set of challenges, adding an extra layer of complexity to our already challenging mission.

On a personal note, my adopted son Ethan is currently incarcerated awaiting trial. The trials ahead for us as a family are daunting, as we grapple with the difficult decision of whether to stand by him, despite the immense pain he’s caused our family. My teenage daughter Emily, who shares blood ties with Ethan, is also part of this emotional journey, making it even more challenging and intense.

As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that while Tom and Robbie share many commonalities, their most significant links are immediately noticeable. They are both loving fathers who have struggled emotionally since losing their spouses; in Tom’s case, he copes with his grief by overindulging in alcohol rather than engaging in criminal activity. Despite their tough-guy personas, they exhibit an unexpected softness, kindness, and vulnerability. The way these opposing qualities form believable characters is a testament to Ruffalo and Pelphrey’s exceptional acting skills, particularly Pelphrey whose heart-wrenching delivery of lines like “I need a life companion” will move you deeply.

As a devoted cinephile, I’ve found that Task masterfully navigates the complex dynamics between its principal characters without overemphasizing their comparison to the point where Ingelsby’s contemplations undermine an otherwise engaging narrative. The story thrives due to its depth and nuance in portraying characters, and it’s not a black-and-white tale of good versus evil. Antagonists indeed arise, yet what truly sets this apart are the less conventional, more unpredictable clashes between individuals with honorable aspirations facing desperate circumstances. This freedom from conventional crime-investigation-arrest storylines doesn’t diminish the suspense; instead, episodes unfold under the mounting tension surrounding the difficult decisions characters must make when faced with impossible choices. It’s fascinating to witness how someone committed to doing right reacts when someone they care for is hurt – and that’s a question this show explores beautifully.

In this series, it’s impressive to find that among the heavy themes of masculinity and male relationships, a significant number of complex characters are female. For instance, in the story of Mare, young women like Maeve (brilliantly played by Emilia Jones) are often pushed into maturity prematurely due to the actions of men around them. In this case, Maeve, a 21-year-old, is essentially holding her family together with her domestic work, longing to escape but feeling obligated to stay due to their financial needs. Emily, another character, is caught between expressing gratitude towards Tom for taking her in and remaining loyal to Ethan. Characters like Lizzie and Aleah have hidden depths that are not fully explored in the story, particularly regarding Aleah’s personal life outside of work. I would have appreciated if the narrative delved deeper into Aleah’s life beyond her professional existence.

The show challenges conventional norms without preaching, demonstrating that individuals, even violent criminals and corrupt law-enforcement leaders, may possess kindness. It underscores that sometimes the person deemed responsible for a tragedy may not be the true architect of justice. By subtly defying political categorization, it refuses to stereotype characters based on their affiliations. Tom, who is both a former priest and an FBI agent, is far from perfect; he’s complex and intriguing because of it. The show’s focus on forgiveness over justice, which stems from Tom’s faith and the grace it offers each character, allows them to strive for redemption rather than being defined by their mistakes. Although they cannot escape the repercussions of their gravest errors, they can work towards ensuring that these decisions do not ultimately define them.

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2025-08-28 18:06