A Slow-Burn Thriller With Explosive Tension

HBO’s Task, which is currently trending at #6 on HBO Max, is a crime thriller that only gets better with each episode. The miniseries from Mare of Easttown creator Brad Ingelsby stars Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey as Tom Brandis and Robbie Pedergrast, respectively. These are two men on opposite sides of the law, though they share a shocking amount in common.

Task follows Ruffalo’s Tom as he forms an FBI task force to investigate a string of home invasions. The series jumps between this protagonist and Pelphrey’s antihero, a would-be family man responsible for the crimes Tom must investigate.

Task‘s characters are deeply nuanced and spectacularly developed, earning the show a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score in addition to its long run on HBO’s top 10. Suffice it to say, if you haven’t yet watched this crime thriller, you don’t want to miss out.

HBO’s Task Is The Perfect Slow Burn With An Explosive Trajectory

Ingelsby is known for slow-burning TV shows like Mare of Easttown, and he uses that same approach with Task. The first episode of the miniseries takes its time to set the stage, but Ruffalo’s performance as the curiously bumbling and deeply damaged FBI agent draws viewers in regardless. We’re similarly introduced to Pelphrey’s character, whose status as a criminal is juxtaposed with a tender (though complicated) relationship with his family.

Each of the following six episodes raises the stakes little by little. Since we already know Robbie is the criminal, Task is more of a howcatchum than a whodunit. The fact that the story makes both the “hero” and the “villain” so appealing only heightens the tension, since it’s only a matter of time before they finally come face to face.

Finally, the last couple of episodes of Task are made up of pure, explosive energy. That built-up tension pays off spectacularly as Ruffalo and Pelphrey give some of their best performances of their careers. It’s no wonder that Task has been trending for so long.

Task Completely Deserves The Hype

Tom Pelphrey as Robbie talking to Cliff in Task episode 2

Task has remained a steady fixture in HBO Max’s top 10 since its September premiere, and it absolutely deserves it. The show’s reviews further support this, with critics praising Task‘s character development, performances, and profound explorations of complex morality. Of course, this alone isn’t enough to generate such long-term hype. Crime thriller fans want some old-fashioned action and tension, and Task doesn’t disappoint.Perhaps the best thing about Task is its bingeability. It was initially released episode by episode, which certainly added to its slow-burn quality. However, as a binge, the show’s explosive energy feels even more electric. If you have a spare weekend, there’s no better way to spend your time than bingeing Task.