Task is a gripping new miniseries on HBO, created by Brad Ingelsby. Six episodes are currently available to stream, with the seventh and final episode premiering this Sunday night. The series stars Mark Ruffalo, Tom Pelphrey, Emilia Jones, Fabien Frankel, Thuso Mbedu, Raúl Castillo, Alison Oliver, Owen Teague, Silvia Dionicio, Martha Plimpton, Jamie McShane, Sam Keeley, and Phoebe Fox. Set in the working-class suburbs of Philadelphia, the story follows an FBI agent leading a task force to stop a wave of violent robberies—crimes orchestrated by a seemingly ordinary family man.

HBO hasn’t quite felt the same since 2020. While there have been standout shows in recent years, the consistent stream of high-quality content we once saw every week has slowed. Still, HBO’s reputation for excellence keeps me coming back, and Task is a reminder of why I continue to champion their work. It’s shows like this that uphold HBO’s legacy of compelling, prestige television.

For context, I went into Task with no expectations. Warner Bros. generously allowed me to screen each episode ahead of its premiere, and after watching the first episode, my initial reaction was that it was solid—but I had reservations. With only seven episodes, I wondered if the story would have enough time to fully land. But then the third act of that first episode hit—and I was all in. From that point on, every episode carried that same intensity and unpredictability. You never knew what was coming next. It felt like true event television—the kind people talk about around the water cooler the next morning.

What I’ve come to appreciate is that HBO knows exactly how long a story needs to be. Seven episodes turned out to be the perfect length for Task. Not a single moment is wasted. Every scene feels earned, every line of dialogue intentional and carefully crafted. The show takes bold narrative risks each week, consistently subverting expectations while letting the story unfold in a natural, grounded way. It’s not just gripping—it’s thoughtful, nuanced, and deeply reflective of the complicated world we live in.

This felt like a difficult show to market effectively. Mark Ruffalo is easily the most recognizable name in the cast, and while Tom Pelphrey was promoted alongside him, he’s still relatively under the radar for many viewers. But Task isn’t built around star power—it’s driven by talent and storytelling. Both Ruffalo and Pelphrey deliver Emmy-worthy performances. Their characters operate on opposite sides of the law, yet both are grounded by a strong moral compass, making them not only complex but deeply compelling.

The rest of the ensemble is just as strong. Despite the large cast, each character is given space to shine. Creator Brad Ingelsby skillfully juggles a number of moving parts, ensuring every role feels essential. Emilia Jones and Alison Oliver are particular standouts, portraying characters defined by a profound sense of responsibility and emotional depth. In a show that leans dark and gritty, it’s refreshing to see two female characters emerge with such presence and nuance.

As the show progresses, it evolves into something far more complex than it initially appears. What begins as a straightforward story about an FBI agent tracking a robber gradually transforms into a layered narrative that builds unexpected empathy for the very man being hunted—by both federal agents and a violent motorcycle gang. It’s a bold and effective move, encouraging the audience to care about someone they normally wouldn’t. The arc is so unpredictable that, by the time the final episode hits, it’s hard to believe where it all began. The fact that this transformation unfolds in just seven episodes is a testament to the show’s sharp & masterful storytelling.

It’s genuinely difficult to pinpoint any major flaws. Some viewers might find the show a slow burn in its early episodes, but the deliberate pacing is purposeful—the drama is rich, and every moment adds depth. Episode 6, in particular, stands out as one of the strongest episodes of the year. While some of the creative risks taken may divide viewers, they’re grounded in emotional truth and realism. Even when the show makes bold narrative choices, they feel earned.

Overall, Task is a masterclass in how to make a miniseries work. While it may not yet have the widespread recognition it deserves, it’s the kind of show that will likely gain traction over time—reminding viewers of the high-caliber storytelling HBO is known for. Both Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey deliver Emmy-worthy performances, anchoring a story that builds tension with precision and consistently subverts expectations. In a crowded TV landscape, Task stands out as one of the best shows of the year.

VERDICT: 5/5 – Perfect