When Mark Ruffalo, actor steps onto the screen as former priest‑turned‑FBI agent Tom Brandis, HBO’s newest crime drama Task instantly became the talk of the town. The seven‑episode miniseries launched on September 7, 2025, airing every Sunday at 9:00 p.m. EST on HBO and simultaneously streaming on HBO Max. By October 7, five episodes had already dropped, leaving two more weeks of suspenseful storytelling.
Series Overview and Release Plan
‘Task’ follows a tight, weekly rollout: Episode 1 “Crossings” (Sept 7), Episode 2 “Family Statements” (Sept 14), Episode 3 “Nobody’s Stronger Than Forgiveness” (Sept 21), Episode 4 “All Roads” (Sept 28), Episode 5 “Vagrants” (Oct 5), Episode 6 “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a river” (Oct 12), and the finale, Episode 7 “A Still Small Voice” (Oct 19). Each installment runs roughly an hour, giving fans a full‑length binge experience without the overwhelm of a drop‑all‑at‑once model.
- Sept 7 – Crossings
- Sept 14 – Family Statements
- Sept 21 – Nobody’s Stronger Than Forgiveness
- Sept 28 – All Roads
- Oct 5 – Vagrants
- Oct 12 – Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a river
- Oct 19 – A Still Small Voice
The staggered schedule is designed to keep the conversation alive on social media, allowing viewers to dissect each twist before the next episode lands.
Who’s Who: Cast and Characters
Alongside Ruffalo, the series stars Tom Pelphrey, actor as the conflicted robber Robbie Prendergrast, and Emilia Jones, actress as his morally‑anchored niece Maeve. The show also features a solid supporting lineup—detectives Aleah, Anthony, and trooper Lizzie—each playing a piece of Brandis’s task force.
Creator Brad Ingelsby, screenwriter (known for his work on ‘Mare of Easttown’) also serves as executive producer with Ron Schmidt, producer. Their partnership promises a blend of gritty realism and layered character study.
Plot Themes and Setting
The narrative is anchored in the working‑class suburbs of Philadelphia, specifically Delaware County. Brandis, a former Catholic priest, now juggles FBI duties with a fraught personal life—his adopted son Ethan has drifted toward the very crime Brandis is tasked to stop. Robbie Prendergrast, a full‑time garbage collector turned robber, embodies the desperation of families teetering on the edge of legality.
As one reviewer noted, “the show isn’t just about the chase; it’s about the moral weight each character carries.” The moral ambiguity is a deliberate choice, pushing viewers to question who the real ‘villains’ are.
Reception and Ratings
Within weeks of its debut, ‘Task’ earned a solid 7.7/10 on IMDb, based on roughly 9,100 user ratings. Critics have praised the series for its “human‑first” approach to crime storytelling, highlighting Ruffalo’s understated performance and the show’s willingness to linger on uncomfortable ethical dilemmas.
Social‑media chatter has been equally positive, with fans coining the hashtag #TaskTalk to dissect each episode’s hidden clues. The show’s TV‑MA rating signals mature content, but many argue the rating is justified given the series’ unflinching look at violence, addiction, and faith.
What’s Next for ‘Task’
With two episodes left, the stakes are higher than ever. Episode 6’s title—borrowed from a classic Buddhist koan—hints at a philosophical climax, while the finale promises a resolution that could reshape Brandis’s future in the Bureau.
Industry insiders suggest HBO may already be scouting a second season, depending on viewership numbers and subscription growth on HBO Max. If the current momentum holds, ‘Task’ could join the ranks of limited‑series that transition into full‑blown franchises.
Key Takeaways
- ‘Task’ is a seven‑episode crime drama debuting on HBO/HBO Max.
- Stars Mark Ruffalo, Tom Pelphrey, and Emilia Jones.
- Created by Brad Ingelsby with Ron Schmidt as executive producer.
- Set in Philadelphia’s Delaware County, exploring moral gray zones.
- Holds a 7.7 IMDb rating after five episodes aired.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the final episode of ‘Task’ air?
The series wraps up on October 19, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. EST, airing simultaneously on HBO and HBO Max.
Which actors play the two lead investigators?
Mark Ruffalo portrays former priest‑turned‑FBI agent Tom Brandis, while Tom Pelphrey appears as the conflicted robber Robbie Prendergrast.
How has the audience responded to the show so far?
Fans have given the series a 7.7/10 rating on IMDb, praising its character depth and moral complexity, and the hashtag #TaskTalk trends weekly after each episode.
What themes does ‘Task’ explore beyond the crime plot?
The series delves into faith, family loyalty, socioeconomic pressure, and the gray area between right and wrong, using the Philadelphia suburbs as a microcosm of larger societal struggles.
Who is behind the creation of ‘Task’?
The show was created by Brad Ingelsby, with Ron Schmidt serving as executive producer, both bringing experience from critically acclaimed dramas.
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Theodore Livingstone
Hello, my name is Theodore Livingstone, and I am a dedicated health care expert with years of experience in the field. I am passionate about helping others achieve optimal health and wellness through sharing my knowledge and expertise. As an avid writer, I enjoy sharing my insights and experiences through articles and blog posts to educate and empower others to make informed decisions about their health. My ultimate goal is to inspire people to live healthier lives and make a positive impact on the world.
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