Revised Crime Drama Review: 'Mare of Easttown' Producer Delivers Family-Laden Tale Filled with Deep Grief
In the upcoming series "Task," premiering on Sept. 7 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max, viewers will be drawn into a gripping cat-and-mouse game set in Pennsylvania. The series, created by Brad Ingelsby, follows an FBI task force as they investigate a series of robberies in the rural Pennsylvania area and the suburbs of Philadelphia.
At the heart of the story is the complex relationship between Robbie, played by Tom Pelphrey, and Maeve, portrayed by Emilia Jones. Their bond is marked by shared grief and frequent screaming matches, a result of Robbie's criminal activities and the possibility that Maeve may have been implicated in his operation after a job gone wrong.
Robbie's actions have a significant impact on his children and his niece Maeve. Meanwhile, Tom, who plays a criminal in the series, spends his mornings in solitude, numbness, and taking medication. A poignant montage of Tom and Robbie's morning routines is featured in the series.
The Brandis family, consisting of Tom, Maeve, and Tom's adopted son Ethan, has suffered a painful loss that has led to Ethan being in jail. The family dynamic is established in a dinner scene in episode 1, where the silence and grief manifest without the need for raucousness. Emily, Tom's adopted daughter, has a fixation on Tom's Phillies cup, adding an authentic touch to the portrayal of families in the series.
On the other side of the investigation, Mark Ruffalo plays the lead investigator. The series does not follow the traditional path of a murder mystery but instead focuses on the relationships between the characters and their families, the stress of the investigation, and the potential impact on their loved ones.
The task force in "Task" is played by Thuso Mbedu, Fabien Frankel, and Alison Oliver. The FBI uses Tom's garbage route to find drug houses for home invasions, adding another layer of tension to Tom's already troubled life.
Don't miss the premiere of "Task" on Sept. 7 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max, with a new episode every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET. This series promises to deliver a compelling drama that explores the intricate relationships between its characters and the consequences of their actions.
