I’ve Been Chasing The High Of True Detective’s First Season For Years. HBO’s Task Might Finally Deliver

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It’s been eleven years since *True Detective* first captivated audiences, and I’ve been searching for another show that delivers the same impact ever since. While there have been some good crime dramas, none have quite measured up. That might change with *Task*, HBO’s upcoming 2025 series, which follows a large-scale investigation triggered by a failed home invasion that escalates into a kidnapping and potential gang conflict.

Even though it’s early days, I have a feeling the new show with Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey is going to be a hit. It’s already getting fantastic reviews, and I’m really excited to see how this gripping and emotional crime story develops.

I’m Only A Couple Of Episodes In, But Task Already Has Its Hook In Me

I haven’t finished watching *Task* yet, but I’m already really drawn in. This new crime drama quickly grabs your attention by focusing on two main characters: Robbie Prendergrast, played by Tom Pelphrey, a family man who supplements his income by robbing drug houses near Philadelphia, and FBI Agent Tom Brandis, played by Mark Ruffalo, who is determined to stop the robberies. What begins as a setup similar to the task force in *The Wire* soon escalates into something more intense and emotionally charged, and I’m excited to see how the story unfolds.

It’s Not Ethereal Like True Detective, But It Has That Same Grim, Emotional Tone

I don’t want people to think *Task* is like *True Detective* with its drawn-out philosophical talks, confusing timelines, or mystical elements. However, I do see some connections, particularly in how dark and emotionally heavy the show feels.

The show starts with a harrowing home invasion that quickly escalates into a kidnapping when the robbers discover a child. The story is intensely dark from the beginning, and it appears things will only become more complicated and desperate as more people get involved.

The Characters Are So Complex, And I Can’t Wait To See Where They Go From Here

Similar to the acclaimed show *True Detective*, which featured compelling and morally complex characters, *Task* also presents a cast of nuanced personalities on all sides of the story. What’s really nice is that the show avoids simple ‘good versus evil’ tropes – you rarely encounter characters who are purely villains.

Robbie Prendergrast isn’t a perfect person, but he’s a father who’s trying to improve things for his children, even if it means resorting to crime. Tom Brandis, a former priest, is also facing difficulties – he’s grieving a loss and navigating a complicated legal issue with his adopted son. These two characters are headed for a confrontation, and I’m eager – and a little worried – to see what happens next.

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Watch new episodes of *Task* every Sunday night on HBO, or stream them anytime with an HBO Max subscription.

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2025-09-23 18:41