Caution: This article includes spoilers from the debut episode of Task.
It unfolds in a blue-collar suburban setting. It centers on a tormented detective dealing with a profound family tragedy. It chronicles the intricate investigation into a shocking violent offense. Is it Mare of Easttown? No, it’s Task.
Over four years since Mare captivated the prestige television landscape, creator Brad Ingelsby returns with a new limited series crime drama poised to draw in fans of its forerunner. With Mark Ruffalo starring as Tom Brandis, a former priest turned despondent FBI agent, and Tom Pelphrey portraying Robbie Prendergrast, a working-class family man and part-time burglar, Task offers a narrative of law enforcement and criminals that evokes empathy for both central figures.
“I just think we don’t get to see enough blue-collar stories,” Ingelsby shared with the . “I really don’t. I just feel like that’s a section of people, a class of people, that get overlooked. And when they are in things, they aren’t given the care and consideration and complexity that I think they deserve.”
However, while Mare was a classic mystery, Task functions more as a cat-and-mouse suspense thriller—a shift clearly established in the series premiere, which aired Sunday on HBO. Following an introductory montage highlighting apparent parallels in the lives of its two main characters, Episode 1 of Task established the groundwork for their inevitable confrontation.
By the conclusion of the episode, Tom had been assigned to lead a special unit tasked with pursuing those responsible for a series of gang-related drug-house heists. The most recent robbery turned fatal, resulting in the deaths of three members of a local biker gang known as the Dark Hearts, as well as one of the burglars’ own associates. As viewers, we are already aware that the unassuming garbage collector Robbie and his closest friend Cliff (Raúl Castillo) are the perpetrators Tom is now charged with apprehending.
“The tension of the story is that you care about both of these guys,” Ingelsby told the . “You want Robbie to get away and you want Tom to get a win. But you know that can’t happen.”
Here are five of our most pressing questions after watching the debut of Task.
What was the nature of Tom’s son’s actions?
We are aware that Tom’s son, Ethan, committed a grave act that has not only strained Tom’s relationship with his teenage daughter Emily (Silvia Dionicio), but has also tormented Tom to the extent that he has been on leave from field work and relies on alcohol nightly to cope. We also know that whatever transgression Ethan committed “occurred within the family unit” and that the judge will heavily weigh any family impact statements presented at the sentencing, which could result in a prison term ranging from five to 15 years. What dire family misfortune has Ingelsby devised this time?
What transpired with Robbie’s brother?
Robbie’s brother, Billie, is deceased, a situation that has led to Robbie residing in Billie’s former residence with his two young children, Harper (Kennedy Moyer) and Wyatt (Oliver Eisenson), and his 21-year-old niece Maeve (Emilia Jones). However, a clear tension exists between Robbie and Maeve regarding ownership of the house, and it’s apparent Maeve knew her father was involved in illicit activities. Surely, we will soon uncover more about Billie’s death and its role in these events.
What prompted Tom to leave the clergy?
It’s evident from Tom’s conversation with his priest friend Daniel (Isaach De Bankolé) that he is undergoing a profound crisis of faith following the tragedy that has struck his family. Yet, it remains unclear precisely what motivated his transition from clergyman to FBI agent many years ago.
Why did Deric recognize Robbie’s voice?
During the botched robbery, Dark Hearts member Deric (Dominic Colón) informed Robbie that he recognized his voice, despite Robbie wearing a Halloween mask to conceal his face. Deric also seemed suspicious of Cliff and Robbie when they collected his trash a few days earlier. To attempt to connect some facts, could this imply that Billie was involved with—and potentially murdered by—the Dark Hearts, leading to Deric’s prior encounters with Robbie?
What fate awaits Sam?
After realizing that Deric’s son, Sam (Ben Lewis Doherty), was present in the house during the murders, Robbie brought Sam back to his own residence to gain time for him and Cliff to decide their next steps. Since Sam has seen their faces, they clearly cannot simply release him if they wish to escape their crimes. However, judging by his relationship with his own children, Robbie hardly appears to be someone capable of harming a child. This presents quite a predicament.
