As of June 24, 2025, the anticipation surrounding Sky’s latest offering, Task, has reached a fever pitch, with the series already being hailed as the “crime drama of the year.” Starring Mark Ruffalo as an FBI agent grappling with a high-stakes investigation and an even more profound moral dilemma, this seven-episode thriller promises to captivate audiences when it premieres in September 2025. Set against the gritty backdrop of Philadelphia’s working-class suburbs, Task marks a significant return for creator Brad Ingelsby, known for his Emmy-winning Mare of Easttown. With a stellar cast, a compelling plot, and a trailer that has set pulses racing, here’s everything we know so far about this much-awaited series.

A Star-Powered Return to Crime Drama

Mark Ruffalo, an Oscar-nominated actor celebrated for roles in Spotlight and as the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, steps into the lead as an FBI agent tasked with leading a specialized task force. The series, airing on Sky in the UK and HBO in the US with streaming on Max, reunites Ingelsby with the Philadelphia setting that defined Mare of Easttown. The announcement in June 2023, followed by a title reveal in November 2024, has fueled excitement, with the first teaser trailer dropping on May 15, 2025. The trailer, set to Guns N’ Roses’ “Patience,” offers a glimpse of Ruffalo’s character, Tom, navigating a morally complex case that challenges his convictions.

The plot centers on a series of violent, well-coordinated robberies plaguing the suburbs, with Tom assembling a task force to bring the perpetrators to justice. The twist lies in the identity of the mastermind: a seemingly mild-mannered family man, portrayed by Tom Pelphrey (Ozark), whose desperate double life drives the crimes. This duality—lawman versus reluctant criminal—sets the stage for a narrative rich with ethical ambiguity, a hallmark of Ingelsby’s storytelling. The series also boasts a robust ensemble, including Emilia Jones (Locke & Key), Thuso Mbedu (The Underground Railroad), Fabien Frankel (House of the Dragon), and Martha Plimpton (Raising Hope), adding depth to the unfolding drama.

The Plot Unfolds: A Tale of Justice and Desperation

Task is set in the industrial outskirts of Philadelphia, a region Ingelsby knows intimately, having grown up there. The story follows Tom Brandis, an FBI agent recruited by Kathleen McGinty (Plimpton), a seasoned agent facing forced retirement, to lead the task force. The urgency is palpable as McGinty informs Tom of at least nine homes hit by the robbers, thrusting him back into the field. The investigation soon uncovers that the heists are orchestrated by Robbie Prendergrast (Pelphrey), a local garbage man whose unassuming exterior hides a desperate struggle to support his fractured family.

The moral dilemma emerges as Tom and his team—comprising green agents like Aleah Clinton (Mbedu)—confront the realization that Robbie’s actions stem from circumstance rather than malice. This tension mirrors real-world debates about justice, poverty, and the limits of law enforcement, grounding the series in a relatable context. Ingelsby’s inspiration for Tom’s character draws from his uncle, a former priest who left the clergy after meeting a woman, adding a layer of personal faith and redemption to the narrative. Robbie’s storyline, influenced by FBI insights, explores the lengths to which ordinary people go when pushed to the brink, promising a narrative that blends action with emotional resonance.

A Cast Ready to Shine

Ruffalo’s casting as Tom Brandis has generated significant buzz, with the actor gaining weight to reflect the character’s post-tragedy decline—eating junk food and drinking as coping mechanisms. This physical transformation, combined with his portrayal of a man balancing authority and fragility, is expected to anchor the series emotionally. Pelphrey, with his rugged look enhanced by a grown-out beard and tattoos, brings a raw intensity to Robbie, drawing on his Jersey roots to authentically depict suburban life. Their on-screen clash is anticipated to be a highlight, offering a study in contrasts between duty and desperation.

The supporting cast adds further intrigue. Plimpton’s Kathleen provides a mentor figure with her own stakes, while Mireille Enos (The Killing) plays Susan Brandis, Tom’s supportive wife who anchors his family life. The task force members—Jones, Mbedu, Frankel, and others—bring diverse perspectives, with Mbedu’s Sergeant Clinton poised to emerge as a standout, especially for South African viewers on Showmax. This ensemble approach, reminiscent of Mare of Easttown’s layered cast, suggests Task will delve into multiple character arcs, enriching the central investigation.

Production and Creative Vision

Task is a collaborative effort, with Ingelsby serving as creator, writer, showrunner, and executive producer. Directors Jeremiah Zagar (Hustle) and Salli Richardson-Whitfield (The Gilded Age) helm multiple episodes, bringing their distinct styles to the gritty Philadelphia setting. The series is produced by Public Record and wiip, with executive producers including Ruffalo, Mark Roybal, and Paul Lee. Filming, conducted on location in Philadelphia, ensures an authentic portrayal of the suburbs, a choice Ingelsby credits to his desire to “get it right” for his hometown audience.

The series draws parallels to Mare of Easttown, sharing its creator, setting, and focus on character-driven crime. Ingelsby has hinted at a shared universe, with Ruffalo suggesting a potential future crossover with Kate Winslet’s Mare Sheehan. While not confirmed, this connection adds intrigue, especially given Mare’s 16 Emmy nominations and four wins, including Winslet’s best actress award. The seven-episode format, airing weekly from September, mirrors the concise storytelling that made Mare a hit, promising a focused yet expansive narrative.

Cultural and Thematic Resonance

Task arrives at a time when crime dramas are evolving to reflect societal complexities. The series’ exploration of a family man turned criminal echoes real-life stories of economic hardship driving crime, a theme amplified by posts on X praising its “intriguing contrast between heroes and villains.” The gritty Philadelphia setting, with its industrial decay and working-class struggles, serves as a character in itself, much like Easttown did, grounding the moral dilemmas in a tangible reality. This resonates with viewers who value stories that challenge black-and-white notions of justice, a sentiment echoed in early reviews calling it a “must-watch” for its emotional depth.

The series also taps into the legacy of HBO’s crime drama lineage, from The Sopranos to True Detective. Comparisons to the latter have surfaced online, with fans noting Task’s potential to fill the void until True Detective Season 5, slated for 2027. Ingelsby’s track record—bolstered by The Way Back and Out of the Furnace—suggests Task will blend action with introspection, appealing to audiences craving both thrills and substance.

Challenges and Expectations

The hype surrounding Task brings pressure to deliver. Some fans, as seen in online reactions, worry about Ruffalo’s Philly accent, recalling the mixed response to Winslet’s Delco accent in Mare of Easttown. Others question whether the series can match Mare’s critical success, given the high bar set by its Emmy haul. The moral complexity, while praised, risks alienating viewers seeking straightforward crime-solving, a challenge Ingelsby must navigate with careful pacing across seven episodes.

Production setbacks, such as Michael Keaton’s initial casting and subsequent exit due to scheduling conflicts, highlight the project’s ambitious scope. However, Ruffalo’s commitment and the involvement of seasoned directors mitigate these concerns. The September premiere window, potentially aligning with a Sunday night slot, positions Task as a fall highlight, competing with other 2025 releases like Captain America: Brave New World on VOD.

Looking Ahead

As Task gears up for its September 2025 debut, the series stands poised to redefine HBO’s crime drama offerings. Ruffalo’s star power, paired with Ingelsby’s proven narrative skill, suggests a show that could rival the network’s best. The potential Mare of Easttown crossover adds a layer of anticipation, while the focus on moral dilemmas promises a story that lingers beyond the screen. For now, the trailer’s heart-pumping moments and emotional undertones have set the stage, leaving fans eager to see if Task will indeed claim its title as the crime drama of the year.

With filming wrapped and marketing in full swing, all eyes are on Philadelphia’s suburbs, where Tom Brandis will face his toughest case yet. Whether it’s the clash between Ruffalo and Pelphrey, the task force’s growth, or the community’s hidden fractures, Task offers a narrative ripe with potential. As the premiere nears, one thing is clear: this series is set to be a defining moment in 2025 television, blending action, heart, and a moral quandary that will keep viewers talking long after the credits roll.