Task: HBO’s Latest Crime Drama Brings Gritty Philadelphia Story to Life with Mark Ruffalo
A New Crime Drama Takes Philadelphia by Storm
HBO’s newest crime drama ‘Task’ premiered on September 7, 2025, featuring Mark Ruffalo as an FBI agent leading a task force to investigate violent robberies committed by an unassuming family man.
From ‘Mare of Easttown’ creator Brad Ingelsby, the seven-episode series centres on Mark Ruffalo’s character Tom Brandis, a former Catholic priest turned FBI agent, who is dealing with personal struggles including his son’s imprisonment.
A Tale of Two Men
The series unfolds like a modern-day ‘Heat’, with Tom Pelphrey playing Robbie, a waste management worker desperate for extra cash to support his family. His plan to rob criminals involved in illegal activities backfires when he attracts the attention of a local motorcycle gang involved in the fentanyl trade.
The investigation takes place from an abandoned house serving as the task force’s office, with only basic resources at their disposal – a far cry from the high-tech FBI operations typically portrayed in media.
Critical Reception and Broadcast Details
The series has already garnered significant critical acclaim, with review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reporting an 89% approval rating based on 35 critic reviews. The show will follow a weekly release schedule, with new episodes airing every Sunday, running from September 7 to October 19, 2025.
While HBO has found success with fantasy series and post-apocalyptic dramas, ‘Task’ represents a return to the network’s strength in delivering smart, powerful storytelling that demands viewers’ full attention. The series continues Ingelsby’s exploration of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, delving into themes of guilt, family struggles, and moral conflict.
