[Quick Guide] HBO’s Task at a Glance — Plot Breakdown, Cast & Characters, Ending Explained, and Filming Locations for Fans
- Kimi
- Sep 9
- 9 min read
1. "Task" - The core plot and setting of the mission
Task is an American crime drama created and written by Brad Ingelsby (Mare of Easttown). It premiered on HBO on September 7, 2025. The seven-episode series, airing every Sunday night, delves into the fine line between fatherhood, redemption, and sin.
The main plot is set in Delaware County, a suburb of Philadelphia, and revolves around two fathers:
Tom Brandis (Mark Ruffalo), a former priest, returns to the FBI due to family tragedy and leads a task force to investigate a series of violent home invasions.
Robbie Prendergrast (Tom Pelphrey), a garbage collector by day, secretly engages in violent drug robs to protect his family and support his niece.
This work is not only a crime drama, but also a deep exploration of fatherhood, grief and redemption.
2. "Task" EP1 Plot
The first episode opens with a contrasting look at the daily lives of its two protagonists: FBI agent Tom and garbage collector Robbie, living together in a working-class suburb of Philadelphia, each leading seemingly parallel yet burdensome lives. Early in the morning, Tom splashes ice water on his face, says a silent prayer, and heads out; Robbie gently comforts his sleeping son before heading off to drive the garbage truck. Both carry the shadow of family pain, and their destinies are about to intersect.
Tom is grieving the loss of his wife and struggling with family trauma: his adopted son Ethan's grievous crimes have torn the family apart, while his daughter Emily, reeling from her father's tragedies and her brother's, has become distant and cold towards him. Tom, initially sidelined, has been drowning in alcohol. One day, his superiors summon him back to the field and order him to form a task force to investigate a recent spate of home invasions. Tom, along with several young agents, takes up residence in an abandoned house as a makeshift base to investigate. They discover that most of the homes robbed belong to members of a motorcycle gang known as the Heart of Darkness, hinting at a deeper, more complex conspiracy.
Meanwhile, Robbie, ostensibly a municipal janitor, dons skull masks at night alongside his best friend Cliff, targeting drug rings' stash houses. He believes robbing the dealers of their money will keep them from reporting the crime, and this act offers both a way to save money and avenge his murdered brother (Robbie's wife had left the family a year earlier, leaving behind a pair of young children). Robbie's niece, Maeve, babysits his children but resents his frequent nights out. One day, Maeve brings her boyfriend home, and Robbie stumbles upon them. A confrontation ensues, and an enraged Maeve demands that her uncle move out. Despite his love for his family, Robbie places too much responsibility on his young niece, leading to increasingly intense family tensions.
That night, Robbie and Cliff's operation went awry. They brought their new accomplice, Peaches, to their tenth target, only to be met with fierce resistance from the homeowner. The Heart of Darkness members suddenly appeared, carrying a bag of money. A gunfight ensued, killing Peaches and several others inside. Robbie and Cliff narrowly escaped with the money, only to discover the homeowner's young son in the basement. The boy had witnessed everything, and Robbie, unable to bear leaving him alone, took the child with him—an act legally constituting abduction.
Afterward, Tom leads his team to the scene, where they are confronted by three bodies and a missing child. The robbery has officially escalated into a kidnapping. The first episode ends on this suspenseful note, marking the final intertwining of Tom and Robbie's lives: one burdened by justice and guilt, the other by family ties and guilt. As the investigation unfolds and the hostage situation unfolds, the confrontations and inner struggles between the two protagonists are sure to intensify.
3. "Task" Cast and Character Introduction
Main actors and character descriptions
Mark Ruffalo plays Tom Brandis , a former priest turned FBI agent traumatized by family tragedies, including the imprisonment of his adopted son, Ethan, and the death of his wife. Assigned back to the front lines, he leads a task force investigating a series of drug stash house robberies. He's not only at the heart of the investigation, but also grapples with his own internal struggles and shattering faith.
Tom Pelphrey plays Robbie Prendergrast , a seemingly ordinary garbage man who commits drug-hit burglaries at night to support his family. Family pressures, including the loss of his wife and the tragic murder of his brother, push him into a life of crime. He has his own set of rules for fighting gangs, refusing to prey on innocent people.
Emilia Jones plays Maeve Robbie's 21-year-old niece, who becomes the primary caregiver for the family's two children during Robbie's criminal career. Her overly responsibilities lead to her youth and emotions being squeezed out.
Fabien Frankel plays Anthony Grasso , a Delaware County police officer and a member of Tom's task force. He has a calm personality and decisive law enforcement methods, making him an important figure in the police force.
Thuso Mbedu plays Aleah Clinton , a detective at Chester Police Station. She is a member of Task Force and possesses professional ability and a firm attitude.
Alison Oliver plays Elizabeth "Lizzie" Stover , a Pennsylvania State Trooper. She has an outgoing and slightly confused personality, but is actually very smart and sharp, providing the team with breakthrough investigative clues.
Raúl Castillo plays Cliff Broward, Robbie's co-worker and accomplice, who carries out night robbery work together and is an important partner in Robbie's criminal network.
Martha Plimpton plays Kathleen McGinty , a senior FBI official and the assignee of Task Force, who is responsible for bringing Tom back to the front lines.
Silvia Dionicio plays Emily Tom's adopted daughter, who has a cold and emotionally distant relationship with her father after a family tragedy.
Jamie McShane plays Perry Dark Hearts, a member or leader of a motorcycle gang with ties to the gang.
Sam Keeley plays Jayson, another core figure or leader in the Dark Hearts gang, who is parallel to Perry in the gang's internal structure.
Additional information: Minor and background characters in the play
Owen Teague plays Peaches : Robbie and Cliff's accomplice, who carries out thefts with them and may also die in some robberies.
Mireille Enos plays Susan Brandis : Tom's deceased wife. Although she did not appear in the first episode, her death was the core factor in Tom's psychological breakdown and cessation of action.
Other gang and family characters : including Tom's biological daughter Sara, adopted son Ethan, and Robbie's children Wyatt and Harper, complement the protagonist's family conflicts and motivations.
4. The Relationships and Tensions Between Task Characters
Tom and Robbie are two intertwined lifelines destined to collide. On the one hand, Tom, as a law enforcer, upholds justice; on the other hand, Robbie, despite breaking the law, is motivated by love and the need to protect his family. This moral gray area becomes the core tension of the entire series.
Other characters, as Tom's men or Robbie's accomplices/family members, are constantly wavering between morality and responsibility, making the boundaries between "justice" and "humanity" more blurred.
5. "Task" Mission Ending Hints and Theme Extensions
As of now, the series is still airing, and the final episode is scheduled to be aired on October 19. What is known is that the story will climax after Robbie's catastrophic final action, and Tom will also return to the front line.
Although the series received mixed reviews, some critics pointed out its slow pacing, overly tragic atmosphere, and one-dimensional characters; others praised its profound emotions, solemn and sad atmosphere, and detailed portrayal of culture and locales.
6. "Task" Special Mission Pilgrimage Photo Route (Filming Locations & Suggested Location Check-in)
"Task" was filmed primarily on location outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in Delaware County (commonly known as Delco), including Downingtown, Coatesville, Ridley, Aston, Upper Chichester, Marcus Hook, Chadds Ford , and urban green spaces like Wissahickon Valley Park . Production will primarily take place in the spring and summer of 2024 , continuing the realistic atmosphere of "Mare of Easttown," which blends industrial suburbs with woodlands.
Route A | Delco Main Line (Recommended for 1 day self-drive)
Starting from Media and moving clockwise through state parks and riverside towns, you can capture the key atmosphere of "Task" in one go.
Media: Delaware County Courthouse／Government Center exterior
Why did they come : The show has a high percentage of plots set in Delco, and the media has repeatedly mentioned that the Government Center Court in Media Town was used as a filming location, making it the most recognizable "public agency" facade on "Task."
Address : 201 W Front St, Media, PA 19063 (office hours are for reference only, just take pictures of the exterior).
Photography Tips : Use the courthouse entrance or steps as the foreground. For portraits, use a 35-50mm lens to compress the facade lines. Respect security checks and notices.
Ridley Creek State Park
Why : Officials and multiple media outlets have indicated that the series was filmed in the Ridley area, with the state park's woodlands and dirt roads serving as the visual backdrop for the series' pursuits and ambushes.
Park information : 1023 Sycamore Mills Rd, Media, PA 19063 ; dense entrances, trails, and ample parking (such as around Sandy Flash Dr ).
Good photo spots : Parking Lot #8 and #17 are the trailheads, making it convenient to take short hikes into the woods for those "mission control" shots.
Tips (Aerial Photography) : Drones are prohibited in Pennsylvania State Parks except for six designated areas. Ridley Creek is not on the list of permitted areas. Commercial photography requires prior approval.
Chadds Ford: Brandywine Battlefield Park (battlefield grass slopes and forest edge)
Why go : Chadds Ford was included as a filming location; the battlefield park's open terrain and numerous old trails and wooded areas made it easy to compose the cool suburban wilderness of "Task."
Address/Opening Information : 1491 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 (Building has opening hours, indoor spaces are subject to site regulations).
Marcus Hook: Market Square Memorial Park (Delaware River)
Why go : Marcus Hook is also on the official list of towns to photograph; the small riverside park captures the freight tracks, the river, and the industrial skyline, giving it a very "Delco" feel.
Location : Delaware Ave & Market St, Marcus Hook, PA (park information).
Photo Tip : Take backlit silhouette shots along the riverside promenade 30-40 minutes before sunset. Be aware of strong winds along the riverbank, so use an ND filter and use a slow shutter speed to capture the silky texture of the water.
The driving distance between the above four stations is short and parking is relatively easy; Aston/Upper Chichester/Ridley Township along the way have also been reported by many parties as filming locations, allowing for flexible location scouting.
Route B | City Green Route: Wissahickon (Half-Day to Full-Day Hike + Slow Tour)
Wissahickon Valley Park was one of the earliest filming locations revealed during the production of "Task" and had the most complete information.
Key Points : Thomas Mill Covered Bridge (Trail Landmark) —the park's only red wooden covered bridge, connecting Forbidden Drive and Orange Trail—creates a striking "Task"-style backdrop. Extended walks include Forbidden Drive, Kitchen's Lane, and nearby Wises Mill Road nodes (commonly referred to in news and compilations for easy planning).
Photo suggestion : Take a photo on each side of the bridge, one for the transition from darkness to light and one for the distant view of the forest and stream; the rocks under the bridge can be used as the foreground.
Things to know before your visit : Park trails are open from sunrise to sunset . As part of the Philadelphia Parks system, please follow on-site announcements and volunteer instructions. Aerial photography reminder : As this is a city park, drone flights must comply with city and FAA regulations. DCNR drone restrictions apply when operating in state parks.
Route C | Western Suburban Extension: Coatesville/Downingtown (Half-Day Self-Drive)
Coatesville (Strode Ave area) : A city announcement confirms filming will take place in the city from March 12–18, 2024; IMDb also lists specific locations, including 15 Strode Ave. The industrial red bricks and railroad tracks around Main Street could be used as the foreground to create a rough, "Task"-like feel.
Downingtown (Old Town Street Scene) : Included in the filming location list, it is suitable for framing around the station and the arcade on Main Street, presenting the realistic atmosphere of a small town.
Photo Etiquette and Safety (Must Read)
Respect the venue : Courts, government buildings, and residential communities are all work and living spaces. Please follow on-site warnings and security regulations.
Park regulations : Most trails in Philadelphia parks are open from sunrise to sunset . Pay attention to signage and trail encounter standards.
Drones : Drones are prohibited in Pennsylvania state parks (such as Ridley Creek), except for six designated airfields. Violations may result in fines. City parks are subject to separate regulations from the city and the FAA, so please confirm in advance.
Summary
With its intense emotional tension and exploration of moral turmoil, "Task" explores the intertwined lives of two fathers, Tom and Robbie, prompting profound reflection on justice, humanity, and redemption. Its stark suburban Philadelphia scenes and meticulously crafted characters are the show's visual and emotional appeal.