Mark Ruffalo stars in Task, a new crime drama from Brad Inglesby, creator of the acclaimed series Mare of Easttown. The show, set in suburban Philadelphia, follows Tom Brandis, a former priest turned FBI agent grappling with a personal tragedy. The series has drawn criticism for its relentless bleakness and narrative manipulation.
The plot centres on Brandis being assigned to a taskforce investigating a series of armed break-ins at drug houses owned by the Dark Hearts biker gang. The raids are carried out by two garbagemen, Robbie and Cliff, who target dealers based on trash can clues. A child witness is also kidnapped during the chaos, adding to the grim storyline.
Reviewers have noted that Task lacks the black humour and vivid characterisation that made Mare of Easttown compelling. Instead, the series is described as humourless and narratively airless, with characters reduced to ciphers. The relentless focus on grief and burden flattens the story, making it inescapably boring.
Despite its formulaic plot, the show includes bloody shootouts and bags of fentanyl, which some viewers may find engaging. However, critics suggest that for those seeking weighty drama, a rewatch of Mare of Easttown might be a better option. Task premieres on [channel/platform] on [date].
