HBO’s New 7-Part Crime Thriller Is Already One Of Its Best

The episode details the critical and commercial triumph of HBO’s 2025 crime thriller, Task, a seven-part series created by Brad Ingelsby. Set in the working-class suburbs of Philadelphia, the drama follows a multi-agency manhunt led by Mark Ruffalo’s character, a grieving former priest turned FBI agent. The narrative centers on a high-stakes conflict between law enforcement and a desperate family man, played by Tom Pelphrey, who turned to a life of crime following personal tragedy. Critics have lauded the production for its gritty regional authenticity, emotional depth, and career-defining performances, often comparing its quality to legendary dramas like The Wire. Beyond the procedural elements, the show explores profound themes of trauma, class, and the cycle of violence within a crumbling social system. Its massive success and 96% Rotten Tomatoes score quickly secured a second season, cementing its status as a masterpiece of modern television.