Task

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..

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.

I know people say all the time how a show is one of the best shows of the year but Task is absolutely, without a doubt one of the best new shows of the year. Everything about it is terrific...the acting, writing, directing, cinematography, etc, etc. It's HBO at its best. Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelfrey are both amazing actors who have both been nominated for a ton of awards and this might be some their best work of their careers. I'll be shocked if they both don't get nominated and win a bunch of awards for this. The only negative is that we have to wait a week between episodes, I much prefer to binge watch especially when a show is as special as this one is.

Hoping it continues to be as interesting. Not usually a fan of these types of series. They get formulaic, filling too much time. Knew nothing about it but thought I'd try. Glad I did. Interesting characters but how will they develop?

I liked Mare of Easttown a lot so why not?

I want to be interested enough to be ready for new episodes.

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.