Moral ambiguity takes center stage in HBO’s new crime drama, ‘Task,’ a seven-episode limited series created by Brad Ingelsby, the mind behind ‘Mare of Easttown.’ Premiering September 7, 2025, ‘Task’ has quickly garnered attention, not least for being dubbed TV’s darkest show, a title earned through its unflinching portrayal of trauma and difficult moral choices. Set in the gritty, working-class suburbs of Philadelphia, specifically Delaware County (Delco), ‘Task’ dives deep into a world where the lines between right and wrong are constantly blurred. The series, according to creator Brad Ingelsby, is “powered by dread,” focusing on the characters’ inevitable crash course rather than a mystery.
A Descent into Darkness
The show’s darkness stems from its willingness to confront difficult themes head-on. ‘Task’ explores generational trauma and the inherent unfairness of society, presenting these issues with a gray-and-brown color palette and a pervasive lack of levity. Unlike typical crime dramas, ‘Task’ doesn’t offer easy answers or clear-cut heroes and villains. Instead, it presents viewers with flawed individuals making terrible mistakes, forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature. According to a review in The Daily Beast, the series features “violent criminals can possess kind hearts, and law enforcement can be as corrupt as the criminals they pursue.”
The Creative Team Behind the Gloom
Brad Ingelsby, the creator and writer of ‘Task,’ brings his signature style of authentic storytelling to the series. Having previously captivated audiences with ‘Mare of Easttown,’ Ingelsby once again sets his narrative in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, infusing the show with local dialect and regional touchstones, such as references to KYW radio, scrapple, and Wawa. This commitment to authenticity grounds the series in its environment, making the characters and their struggles feel all the more real.
The series boasts a talented cast, led by Mark Ruffalo as Tom Brandis, a former priest turned FBI agent haunted by personal tragedy. Tom Pelphrey portrays Robbie Prendergrast, a garbage collector leading a double life as a burglar targeting drug houses. Emilia Jones plays Maeve, Robbie’s niece, while Fabien Frankel, Alison Oliver, and Thuso Mbedu portray members of Tom’s task force: Anthony Grasso, State Trooper Elizabeth Stover, and Sergeant Detective Aleah Clinton, respectively. Jeremiah Zagar and Salli Richardson-Whitfield directed multiple episodes, bringing their unique visions to Ingelsby’s dark narrative.
The executive producers include Mark Roybal, Brad Ingelsby, Paul Lee, Jeremiah Zagar, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Ron Schmidt, Mark Ruffalo, and David Crockett, ensuring a cohesive and compelling creative vision.
Unraveling the Plot: A Collision Course
‘Task’ centers on Tom Brandis, who returns to the field after a personal tragedy to lead a task force investigating a series of violent robberies. These robberies, initially targeting drug dealers, escalate when a heist goes wrong, resulting in a triple homicide. The series establishes a cat-and-mouse dynamic between Tom and Robbie, the unassuming family man behind the crimes. However, unlike ‘Mare of Easttown’s’ whodunit structure, ‘Task’ focuses on the inevitable collision of these two men and the moral complexities of their actions. As noted by Screen Rant, the show emphasizes that violent criminals can possess kind hearts, and law enforcement can be as corrupt as the criminals they pursue.
Setting the Stage: Delco’s Dark Side
The series unfolds in the working-class suburbs of Philadelphia, specifically Delaware County, a setting that Ingelsby knows well. This location, familiar to viewers of ‘Mare of Easttown,’ provides a backdrop of economic hardship and social struggles, which contribute to the characters’ desperation and moral compromises. The local dialect and regional touchstones further enhance the show’s authenticity, immersing viewers in the world of ‘Task.’ According to PhillyVoice, the use of local references, such as KYW radio, scrapple, and Wawa, ground the series in its authentic Pennsylvania environment.
Moral Complexity: Defining the Darkness
Trauma and Moral Ambiguity
‘Task’ earns its reputation as TV’s darkest show through its exploration of generational trauma and moral ambiguity. The series depicts both law enforcement and criminals as flawed individuals, highlighting the difficult choices they face and the consequences of their actions. Mark Ruffalo’s character, Tom, is an embittered FBI agent and former priest haunted by a devastating family tragedy, while Tom Pelphrey’s Robbie is a surprisingly gentle father driven to crime by his own desperation and trauma. This emphasis on the personal pain and dysfunctional families of both the cop and the criminal contributes to the show’s dark and compelling narrative.
According to ELLE, the show explores “generational trauma and the inherent unfairness of our society.” Brad Ingelsby explicitly stated that ‘Task’ is powered by dread, focusing on the characters’ inevitable crash course rather than a mystery. This focus on the characters’ internal struggles and their relationships with each other sets ‘Task’ apart from other crime dramas, making it a more emotionally resonant and thought-provoking experience.
Impact and Legacy: A Gritty Addition to HBO
‘Task’ is making a significant impact on the television landscape as a gritty, unrelenting crime thriller. Its moral complexity and dour tone have drawn comparisons to HBO’s predecessor ‘The Wire,’ another critically acclaimed series that explored the dark underbelly of urban life. While some grim series can be too depressing, ‘Task’ maintains a fast pace and features characters that are complicated and redeeming enough to keep viewers engaged. The series is seen as a strong addition to HBO’s history of gripping crime dramas, providing an intense and emotionally layered story that builds on the authenticity established by ‘Mare of Easttown’ while exploring new dynamics of family, loyalty, and crime.
The show’s impact also lies in its willingness to challenge viewers’ perceptions of good and evil. By presenting both law enforcement and criminals as flawed individuals, ‘Task’ forces audiences to confront their own biases and assumptions about human nature. This willingness to explore the gray areas of morality makes ‘Task’ a truly compelling and thought-provoking series.
A Dark Reflection
In conclusion, ‘Task’ has earned its reputation as one of TV’s darkest shows through its unflinching portrayal of trauma, moral ambiguity, and the complexities of human nature. With its authentic setting, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, the series promises to be a gripping and emotionally resonant experience for viewers willing to delve into the shadows of the human condition. Its focus on dread and the inevitable consequences of choices ensures a dark and unforgettable journey.
