Task

A very good series. A nice mix of drama, crime, and some exciting moments. A very well-thought-out story. And great leading and supporting roles. Recommended.

Task follows a seasoned FBI agent (Mark Ruffalo) who leads a special task force in the rough suburbs of Philadelphia to solve a series of violent robberies. The series clearly bears Ingelsby's signature; it feels real, shows the fragility of ordinary people, and perfectly captures the melancholic atmosphere of its surroundings. Tom Pelphrey is impressive as the desperate man slowly spiraling into oblivion, and Ruffalo plays with an understated power that gets under your skin.

When Task was announced as the new series from Mare of Easttown creator Brad Ingelsby, my expectations were sky-high. And honestly, the series doesn't disappoint; it's good, sometimes even impressively good. Yet, I felt like something was missing. As strong as Task is, for me, it doesn't quite measure up to Mare of Easttown.

While Mare consistently exuded tension and emotion, Task feels more detached. The characters are well-developed, but I felt less moved, and I empathized with them less. The central crime story also lacks the layered mystique that made Mare of Easttown so compelling. The pace is slower, and the story unfolds more calmly and predictably.

Still, Task remains absolutely worth watching, a beautifully made series with strong performances and a recognizable, somber beauty. However, for me, it remains a shadow of Ingelsby's earlier masterpiece.