Task - HBO's Latest Mini Series

Task is a morally complex crime drama populated by characters written with thoughtful depth. Following up on the tremendous Mare of Easttown, Brad Inglesby delivers another gripping, heart-rending, and multi-layered story filled with exceptional performances across the board.

Because this limited series reaches beyond its crime elements into the lives of people on all sides of the conflict, it becomes far richer than expected. Yes, the investigative and criminal threads are central, but it’s the exploration of what makes these characters tick that truly elevates the show. Some might view the character-driven drama as unnecessary padding, but it adds depth and realism while giving the series a strong emotional core. These aren’t just characters built to serve the plot — they’re living, breathing people with lives and baggage of their own.

Still of Mark Ruffalo in Task — Tom Pelphrey and Mark Ruffalo in *Task*.

What also makes this such a compelling watch are the layers woven throughout its plot. There’s a lot happening — an FBI task force investigating a string of drug-related robberies, the rise of a dangerous gang, a missing child, and deep dives into the lives of everyone involved. Yet it never feels unfocused or overly busy. Instead, it invites the viewer to exist in this world, becoming invested and entangled with each group of characters. A few questionable decisions in the final episodes may raise an eyebrow, but they don’t break the series’ emotional hold.

Tom Pelphrey and Mark Ruffalo are terrific, leading an ensemble on opposing sides of the central conflict. Pelphrey’s Robbie might be the “bad guy,” but his depth and emotionally rich performance make him deeply sympathetic — a man trying to do right by his family while caught in an impossible situation. Ruffalo’s Tom, meanwhile, carries a complicated family history that will break your heart. Both characters are driven and broken by their families, two vastly different sides of the same coin. Among the strong supporting cast, Emilia Jones and Jamie McShane stand out.

A crime thriller with meaningful attention paid to its ensemble, Task is a limited series worth investigating. Some frustrating creative choices keep it from reaching Mare of Easttown’s level of excellence, but it remains a gripping, emotionally resonant story that further cements Brad Inglesby’s reputation for crafting deeply human drama.

Rating: ★★★★

Review by: Benjamin Garrett

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