Task

Task is a new crime drama from HBO and I can't say enough about how great this series is. This series is about a Task Force led by an FBI agent (Mark Ruffalo) who has to put an end to a string of violent robberies by a family name (Tom Pelfrey). Ruffalo and Pelfrey give memorizing performances that you just can't stop watching. HBO hit another home run with this limited series. We've seen stories like this before, the car and mouse game between the police and the criminal so a show really has to be great to stand out and Task definitely does that. It's a masterful series that's one of the must see shows this year. I can't say enough not recommend this show enough so do yourself a favor and go watch this as soon as you can..

Hoping it continues to be as interesting. Not usually a fan of these types of series. They get formulaic, filling too much time. Knew nothing about it but thought I'd try. Glad I did. Interesting characters but how will they develop?

I liked Mare of Easttown a lot so why not?

I want to be interested enough to be ready for new episodes.

I know people say all the time how a show is one of the best shows of the year but Task is absolutely, without a doubt one of the best new shows of the year. Everything about it is terrific...the acting, writing, directing, cinematography, etc, etc. It's HBO at its best. Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelfrey are both amazing actors who have both been nominated for a ton of awards and this might be some their best work of their careers. I'll be shocked if they both don't get nominated and win a bunch of awards for this. The only negative is that we have to wait a week between episodes, I much prefer to binge watch especially when a show is as special as this one is.

Entering episode 2 and already a solid foundation of story telling. Strong performances by Robbie's niece which I believe will be a break out role for her. The tone is perfect for the area. It's good to find plot building moments that rely on background details. The impatience of modern day viewers with a thousand options out there will be bored but that's ok. This is good for HBO. Ruffalo's acting is on par but not as notable as the other up and comers. Add to your watchlist for sure.

As Episode 1 of "Task" (2025 release; 7 episodes of about an hour each) opens, we are introduced to Tom Brandis, working an FBI recruiting table somewhere in suburban Philadelphia. In a parallel story, we get to know Robbie and Cliff, who work at the local garbage collection company, and who keenly observe houses in the area as potential targets for a robbery. At this point we are less than 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this is the latest brainchild of Brad Ingelsby ("Out of the Furnace", "Mare of Easttown"). Here he brings us the story of an FBI agent, who is recovering from some unspecified family-related trauma, and the parallel lives of some low-lifes up to no good. As he has done in the past, things are not bought into back-and-white, right-and-wrong. As the first episode plays out, what we get instead is a lot of nuance and context about these main characters, their day-to-day lives, interactions and surroundings. I absolutely LOVED Episode 1, all of it, and did not want the episode to end. Mark Ruffalo is excellent as the FBI agent, as is Tom Pelphrey as Robbie, and the many other smaller roles are top quality too. I can't wait for the remaining 6 episodes.

"Task" premiered on HBO last Sunday and it is also streaming on HBO Max, where I watched it the other night. The remaining 6 episodes will be released on a weekly basis on Sundays. "Task" is currently rated 90% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and that sounds about right to me. If you are in the mood for another top-quality drama similar in spirit to "Out of the Furnace" And "Mare of Easttown", I'd readily recommend you check this out and draw your own conclusion.

*UPDATE* I've now seen the 2nd and 3th episodes. I am emotionally gutted. This is by far the best mini-series I have watched this year.

*UPDATE* I've now seen all 7 episodes, and this is the best TV mini-series of the year without a doubt. Every single episode is riveting.