Task

In lighter news today (it's been a rough 24 hours), this brand new series on HBO Max seems very impressive, intriguing, and immersive (the three big Is of good moviemaking, I think). I've always been impressed with Mark Ruffalo (who skills were sorely overlooked by that Hulk nonsense - although he DID kill the roll!), and he's absolutely in top-form in this show. Mark has the ability to become the "everyman" (in other words, YOU) when he works a script, which is put to perfect use here. 23-year-old Emilia Jones (who was an incredible standout in the excellent 2021 movie "CODA") was perfectly cast and shines in this role. Very impressive work absorbing her character. Her career is looking very bright. I'm not familiar with Tom Pelphrey but I may have to look into his catalog of work because he's quite convincing and effective, and he played off his supporting crew really well. Add all the good acting to some good atmospheric cinematography and scoring and this one's looking pretty promising.

It remains to be seen (this Sunday) if episode two is as good as the pilot, but based on what I've seen so far this is looking like a fascinating story. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying I sure could use the short escape today, so thanks, HBO.

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.

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.

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..

I didn't read anything going into this show I just started the first episode so I could get a raw experience. It was amazing, it shows the life of an FBI agents and the life of the criminals at the same time. This movie kind of reminds me of "A Place Beyond The Pines" with Ryan Gosling. Amazing camera work and sound track, love this show.