Task Recap: Tunnel Vision

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It’s easier to point out what’s *not* working in “Task” than what is. When the show finds its rhythm, it’s genuinely enjoyable. But when it struggles, it’s noticeable. Thankfully, a longer scene between Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey finally showcases the incredible connection between their characters, two family men trying to do the right thing. The show’s biggest problem is that it has too many storylines and doesn’t know how to reveal its mysteries effectively. I really *want* to love this show – it has all the pieces, but they don’t quite fit together. This week’s episode feels slow at first, weighed down by introducing too many characters before getting to the main story. We need more action and less setup. I may be one of the few critics feeling this way, but just wanting a casually entertaining show doesn’t automatically make “Task” a good one. It feels like a temporary fix – like that third, lukewarm cup of coffee in the afternoon: the flavor is almost there, but just out of reach.

Major events are unfolding quickly. Perry, leader of the Dark Hearts, identifies Eryn as the mole and unexpectedly drowns her. Robbie learns about Cliff’s death from Ray’s wife and is then unknowingly used by Freddie Freyes to lead the Dark Hearts to a meeting. Meanwhile, a defeated Maeve turns Sam over to the police. The episode feels strangely rushed considering it’s not the second-to-last one. Everyone is turning on each other as the task force’s mole is revealed to be Grasso, who has Jayson working as his inside man within the Dark Hearts. Alliances are constantly changing, and with Grasso and Jayson secretly working together, disaster seems inevitable. The show reveals this partnership too quickly, and the impact is lost. As a result of these events, everyone now knows Robbie Pendergrast is the one who kidnapped Sam and stole the drugs, putting him in serious danger.

The latter part of the episode finally captures the focused intensity that made *Mare of Easttown* so compelling. It establishes a strong, driving pace, mirroring the heat of a summer day in Pennsylvania. Finally, Tom and Robbie come face-to-face. After learning Robbie’s identity, Tom rushes to his house just as Robbie discovers Maeve is missing. While another agent is on the way, Tom barges in, pretending to be a clumsy local officer, all to find out where Maeve is. He tries to trick Robbie by suggesting he’s reopening the investigation into his brother’s unsolved case. However, Robbie quickly sees through the act and pulls a gun on Tom. He forces Tom into the car and holds the gun to his head as they drive away. Surprisingly, these scenes feel more drawn-out and satisfying than truly suspenseful. They’re exciting, but as a viewer, I didn’t feel particularly worried. This was the confrontation the story had been building towards.

Tom and Robbie have great chemistry on screen, and the show could have benefited from more direct conflicts between them. They gradually reveal information we already know, like the fact that Jayson killed Robbie’s brother and Cliff. This event, Robbie explains, is where everything began. Despite their tense situation, there’s a surprising sweetness and respect when Robbie steals Tom’s wallet and they playfully argue. Robbie notices a photo of Tom’s family and makes a pointed observation about two people who seem different from the others. Their conversation quickly turns to religion and belief. Tom’s late wife didn’t believe in God, and Robbie identifies with that, saying he’s “Team Susan” and has never felt a connection to faith, believing people turn to religion to avoid despair. More scenes like these would be fantastic! The show does a great job with Tom, a detective who’s lost his faith, offering rich material for exploration. They discuss last rites and the unusual appearance of summer tanagers in the area – birds Tom describes as “vagrants,” a clear parallel to Robbie’s own desire to escape his past. While the symbolism isn’t as complex as in shows like *True Detective* or *Sharp Objects*, that’s okay; this show has a lighter tone. There’s even a brief, hopeful moment as Emily and her adopted sister, Sarah, bond over the disappearance of their father.

Robbie finally releases Tom, telling him he’s a good man. Tom immediately calls his daughters to share the good news, then quickly gets back to work. The show’s pacing feels uneven – scenes are cut short before they can fully develop, yet the overall story still feels drawn out. Meanwhile, both the police and the Dark Hearts group converge on the location of a drug exchange in the woods. Everyone is now searching for Robbie, and Tom manages to find him first, foolishly shouting his name across a deep valley. Unbeknownst to Tom, the Dark Hearts overhear him and use his voice to pinpoint Robbie’s exact location. Just as Tom is telling Robbie to drop his weapon, the screen cuts to black.

“That’s a Lifer” Bird Sightings

Sarah tells her half-sister she’s getting divorced, then gently asks Emily how long she’s been holding back her true feelings about their adoptive family. She reassures Emily that she and their mother wouldn’t want her to feel unappreciated, before extinguishing her cigarette and leaving. These quiet, optimistic moments of healing are a hallmark of Brad Inglesby’s writing.

One of the most enjoyable parts of watching *Task* is its stunning scenery. You’ll see beautiful wildlife like herons, spiders, and tanagers – it’s quite a sight!

The award for best line reading goes to Ray’s wife, who simply said, “‘Cause I’m a good person.” It was incredibly sad to hear her explain she needed to get away from her abusive husband. Robbie also had many strong moments, as previously mentioned. And while it wasn’t spoken aloud, Lizzie’s text message about wanting a ‘marriage exorcism’ was a particularly memorable moment as well.

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2025-10-06 05:55