7.6/10
88% Critics / 70% Audience
Task is a 2025 American crime drama miniseries created and written by Brad Ingelsby, known for his work on Mare of Easttown. Premiering on HBO on September 7, 2025, the seven-part series dives deep into the morally complex world of law enforcement, family, and crime in Philadelphia.
The show stars Mark Ruffalo as FBI agent Tom Brandis, a man balancing personal tragedy with the professional duty of leading a task force against a string of violent robberies. Opposite him is Tom Pelphrey, who delivers a chilling yet human portrayal of Robbie Prendergast—a seemingly ordinary garbage collector who hides a dangerous double life.
The series quickly drew attention for its authentic Philadelphia setting, raw storytelling, and powerhouse performances. Critics have praised its ability to combine the intimacy of family drama with the tension of a slow-burn crime thriller.
Task (Miniseries) – Official Trailer
What is Task About?
At its core, Task is both a crime investigation series and a character study.
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Premise: An FBI agent (Ruffalo) is tasked with dismantling a string of robberies committed by an unassuming family man (Pelphrey).
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Backdrop: Set in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas, the show grounds itself in working-class realism and explores how crime, desperation, and personal choices collide.
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Tone: Dark, unrelenting, and emotional—yet also deeply human in its portrayal of flawed characters caught between duty and survival.
Themes explored include:
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Family ties strained by crime and secrecy.
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The difficulty of pursuing justice when morality is blurred.
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The vulnerability of ordinary people forced into extraordinary circumstances.
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The toll of trauma, faith, and loss on personal identity.
Why Should You Watch Task?
If you’re a fan of gritty, atmospheric dramas like Mare of Easttown or True Detective, Task deserves your attention.
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A Stellar Cast – Ruffalo and Pelphrey lead, but the ensemble (Emilia Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Fabien Frankel, Martha Plimpton, Mireille Enos) ensures no performance feels secondary.
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Grounded Storytelling – Brad Ingelsby crafts a narrative that feels as authentic as it is suspenseful, steeped in the cultural identity of Philadelphia.
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Emotional Depth – Beyond the robberies, the show explores grief, fractured families, and the search for redemption.
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HBO Prestige Drama Quality – Beautiful cinematography, sharp direction (Jeremiah Zagar, Salli Richardson-Whitfield), and a tightly woven script make this a standout.
Is Task Worth Watching?
Yes. Task is one of HBO’s strongest 2025 debuts, combining the weight of a crime drama with the intimacy of a family tragedy.
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For crime drama fans: It balances investigative suspense with character-driven storytelling.
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For fans of emotional, layered performances: Ruffalo and Pelphrey are at their best.
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For casual viewers: With just 7 episodes, it’s a digestible yet powerful watch that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Cast and Characters
The cast of Task brings together a diverse and powerful lineup of talent.
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Mark Ruffalo as Tom Brandis – An FBI agent and former priest, haunted by family tragedy but tasked with leading the new task force.
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Tom Pelphrey as Robbie Prendergast – A garbage collector and family man by day, but a calculating house robber by night.
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Emilia Jones as Maeve – Robbie’s young niece, caught between responsibility and innocence.
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Thuso Mbedu as Aleah Clinton – A determined Chester detective sergeant.
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Fabien Frankel as Anthony Grasso – A county detective who joins the task force.
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Raúl Castillo as Cliff Broward – Robbie’s co-worker and accomplice in the robberies.
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Alison Oliver as Lizzie Stover – A young state trooper, eager yet inexperienced.
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Martha Plimpton as Kathleen McGinty – Tom’s boss, balancing pressure and politics.
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Mireille Enos as Susan Brandis – Tom’s estranged wife, a reminder of his fractured home life.
Supporting performances (Jamie McShane, Sam Keeley, Silvia Dionicio, Isaach De Bankolé, and more) deepen the world, portraying both allies and adversaries in the criminal underworld.
Episodes and Release Order
The miniseries will consist of 7 episodes released weekly on HBO.
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“Crossings” – September 7, 2025
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“Family Statements” – September 14, 2025
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“Nobody’s Stronger Than Forgiveness” – September 21, 2025
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“All Roads” – September 28, 2025
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“Vagrants” – October 5, 2025
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“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a river.” – October 12, 2025
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“A Still Small Voice” – October 19, 2025
Episodes run about 60 minutes each, offering a mix of crime procedural elements and emotional storytelling.
Reception
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Rotten Tomatoes: 88% approval rating (based on early critic reviews).
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Metacritic: 76/100, indicating “generally favorable.”
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Critical Consensus: Praised for its bleak realism, strong writing, and exceptional lead performances by Ruffalo and Pelphrey.
Audiences have described it as emotionally heavy yet captivating, with many comparing it to HBO’s best crime dramas of the last decade.
Task (Miniseries) FAQ
Q: How many episodes is Task?
A: The series runs for 7 episodes total.
Q: Is Task based on a true story?
A: No, it is an original creation by Brad Ingelsby, though it’s influenced by real-world crime themes.
Q: Where can I watch Task?
A: It airs weekly on HBO and streams on Max.
Q: Who directs Task?
A: Jeremiah Zagar and Salli Richardson-Whitfield lead the direction, both bringing unique visual styles to the series.
Q: Will there be a second season?
A: As of now, Task is designed as a limited miniseries, so no continuation has been confirmed.
Conclusion
Task delivers what HBO does best—an emotionally rich, atmospheric crime drama with unforgettable performances. With Ruffalo leading as a haunted FBI agent and Pelphrey portraying one of the most compelling anti-heroes of recent years, the show strikes a balance between suspense and humanity.
For fans of gritty storytelling, complex characters, and slow-burn tension, Task is a must-watch of 2025.
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