From the producers of The Departed and The Town comes Task, a raw and relentless crime thriller set in the working-class suburbs of Philadelphia. The series follows FBI Agent Tom (Mark Ruffalo), a weary but determined lawman who leads a specialized Task Force to dismantle a ruthless ring of violent robbers terrorizing the city. The crew, known for their military precision and brutal efficiency, has evaded capture for years, leaving a trail of chaos and fear in their wake. But as Tom delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a shocking truth: the mastermind behind these heists is Robbie (Tom Pelphrey), a seemingly ordinary family man and beloved community figure, forcing Tom to confront the unsettling duality of human nature.

Task is more than a cat-and-mouse chase; it’s a penetrating exploration of the American dream gone wrong, economic desperation, and the masks people wear. As Agent Tom and his team close in, the line between hunter and hunted blurs, revealing that in the fight for justice, everyone has something to hide. With its authentic Philly atmosphere, complex characters, and heart-pounding action, Task promises to be a standout addition to the prestige television landscape, asking audiences just how far they would go to protect their own.

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Task cast list

1- Mark Ruffalo as FBI Agent Tom

Mark Ruffalo delivers a gripping, world-weary performance as FBI Agent Tom, the moral compass of the series tasked with stopping the violent crime wave. Ruffalo embodies Tom as a man haunted by the job’s ethical compromises but driven by an unwavering commitment to justice. His approach is intuitive and relentless, often clashing with bureaucracy as he trusts his gut to pursue leads others dismiss. Ruffalo masterfully portrays the psychological toll of the hunt, especially as Tom discovers the shocking identity of the ringleader.

Ruffalo’s chemistry with the ensemble cast, particularly Tom Pelphrey, electrifies the screen. His character’s journey is not just about solving the case but grappling with the revelation that evil often wears a familiar face. Ruffalo ensures Agent Tom is both a formidable lawman and a profoundly human figure, whose dedication to the truth may cost him everything he holds dear.

2- Tom Pelphrey as Robbie

Tom Pelphrey is mesmerizing as Robbie, the charismatic and unsuspecting family man who secretly orchestrates the sophisticated heists. Pelphrey masterfully balances Robbie’s dual life, portraying him as a devoted husband and father in one breath and a cold, calculating criminal mastermind in the next. His ability to switch between affectionate warmth and chilling ruthlessness makes Robbie one of television’s most compelling antagonists.

Pelphrey’s performance delves deep into Robbie’s motivations, exploring the economic despair and twisted sense of duty that drive his actions. His scenes with Mark Ruffalo are charged with tense, intellectual warfare, as two brilliant minds engage in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Pelphrey ensures that Robbie is never a mere villain but a tragically flawed figure whose choices threaten to destroy the very family he claims to protect.

3- Silvia Dionicio as Emily

Silvia Dionicio portrays Emily, Robbie’s wife, who remains unaware of her husband’s dangerous double life. Dionicio brings a powerful blend of strength and vulnerability to the role, embodying a woman who cherishes her family’s stability but senses the hidden cracks beneath the surface. Her performance captures the quiet unease of a partner who intuits that something is deeply wrong but cannot pinpoint the source.

Dionicio’s chemistry with Tom Pelphrey is the emotional anchor of the series, filled with loving moments that are increasingly shadowed by doubt and fear. As the net tightens around Robbie, Emily’s journey becomes one of shocking revelation and resilience, forcing her to confront the unthinkable truth about the man she loves. Dionicio ensures that Emily is the heart of the story, representing the collateral damage of Robbie’s choices.

4- Jamie McShane as Perry

Jamie McShane commands the screen as Perry, the seasoned and cynical second-in-command of the Task Force. McShane brings a grizzled, no-nonsense energy to the role, portraying a veteran agent who has seen it all and trusts procedure over instinct. His pragmatic approach often clashes with Tom’s more unconventional methods, creating a dynamic partnership built on mutual respect but fraught with tension.

McShane’s performance adds a layer of gritty realism to the investigative team. Perry’s loyalty to the job and his colleagues is unwavering, but his skepticism about the case’s direction provides crucial counterbalance to Tom’s single-minded pursuit. He is the bedrock of the Task Force, whose experience and dedication often prove invaluable in the field.

5- Emilia Jones as Maeve

Emilia Jones shines as Maeve, a sharp and ambitious young FBI analyst recruited for her tech expertise and profiling skills. Jones brings a fresh, intelligent energy to the team, portraying a prodigy whose insights often break the case wide open. Maeve’s ability to navigate digital landscapes and psychological patterns makes her an indispensable asset to the Task Force.

Jones’s performance highlights the evolving nature of crime-solving, where data and intuition must work in tandem. Her character’s journey is one of proving herself in a high-pressure environment, and her interactions with the seasoned agents reveal a compelling generational and methodological shift. Maeve represents the new face of law enforcement, unafraid to challenge the status quo.

6- Owen Teague as Peaches

Owen Teague is unforgettable as Peaches, the volatile and unpredictable enforcer of Robbie’s crew. Teague brings a terrifying, raw physicality to the role, creating a character whose loyalty to Robbie is matched only by his capacity for sudden, explosive violence. Peaches is the wild card of the operation, a loose cannon whose actions constantly threaten to derail even the most carefully laid plans.

Teague’s performance is both menacing and strangely pitiable, hinting at a damaged past that fuels his brutality. His scenes are charged with unpredictable energy, making every moment he’s on screen fraught with potential danger. Peaches is the embodiment of the crew’s viciousness, and Teague ensures he is a figure of both fear and fascination.

7- Raúl Castillo as Cliff

Raúl Castillo portrays Cliff, the tactical mastermind and getaway driver for Robbie’s crew. Castillo brings a calm, professional precision to the role, embodying a man who treats robbery like a craft. Cliff’s cool demeanor under pressure and his unwavering loyalty to Robbie make him the operational backbone of the team, the one who ensures every detail is executed flawlessly.

Castillo’s performance adds a layer of strategic depth to the heists. Cliff is the antithesis of Peaches—methodical, controlled, and disciplined. His interactions with the crew reveal a complex code of honor among thieves, and his character’s expertise raises the stakes for the Task Force, making their对手 a truly formidable foe.

8- Alison Oliver as Lizzie

Alison Oliver appears as Lizzie, Robbie’s younger sister who becomes inadvertently entangled in his criminal world. Oliver brings a poignant vulnerability and resilience to the role, portraying a woman striving for a better life despite the shadow cast by her family. Her love for Robbie is deep, but her moral compass forces her to question his actions, creating a painful internal conflict.

Oliver’s performance highlights the theme of family loyalty versus personal ethics. Lizzie’s journey is one of difficult choices and ultimate courage, as she must decide whether to stand by her brother or expose him. Her presence adds a crucial emotional layer to Robbie’s story, reminding him—and the audience—of the human cost of his crimes.

9- Fabien Frankel as Anthony

Fabien Frankel joins the cast as Anthony, a rising star in the Philadelphia underworld who sees Robbie’s crew as both an inspiration and an obstacle. Frankel brings a sleek, ambitious energy to the role, portraying a younger criminal eager to carve out his own empire. Anthony’s野心 and willingness to take risks make him a potential rival or unpredictable ally for Robbie.

Frankel’s performance introduces a new threat to the already volatile criminal landscape. Anthony’s maneuvers force Robbie to adapt and defend his territory, adding a layer of gangland politics to the narrative. He is a symbol of the next generation of crime, more ruthless and digitally savvy than the old guard.

10- Thuso Mbedu as Aleah

Thuso Mbedu delivers a powerful performance as Aleah, a determined local journalist investigating the wave of robberies and their impact on the community. Mbedu brings intelligence and tenacity to the role, portraying a woman who believes the true story is being overlooked by both the police and the media. Her pursuit of the truth brings her into direct conflict with both the Task Force and Robbie’s crew.

Mbedu’s character provides an essential external perspective on the events, highlighting the social and economic factors that fuel the crime cycle. Aleah’s investigations often uncover clues that the FBI misses, making her an unwitting player in the game. She represents the voice of the people, demanding accountability and justice.

11- Sam Keeley as Jayson

Sam Keeley portrays Jayson, a key member of Robbie’s crew specializing in electronics and security bypass. Keeley brings a tech-savvy, quiet intensity to the role, embodying a man who prefers circuits and code to violence. Jayson’s skills are critical to the crew’s success, but his reluctance to engage in brutality sets him apart from others like Peaches.

Keeley’s performance adds a layer of moral conflict within the crew itself. Jayson’s growing unease with the violence and his loyalty to Robbie create a compelling subplot about redemption and escape. He is the conscience of the operation, and his choices could become a critical vulnerability for the team.

12- Chad Knorr as Dark Heart Lt. 1

Chad Knorr appears as Dark Heart Lt. 1, a shadowy figure within the Philadelphia Police Department with possible ties to the criminal underworld. Knorr brings a menacing, authoritative presence to the role, creating a character whose allegiances are ambiguous and whose influence spans both sides of the law.

Knorr’s performance adds a layer of institutional corruption to the narrative. Dark Heart Lt. 1 represents the idea that the obstacles to justice aren’t always the obvious criminals; sometimes, they wear a badge. His presence complicates the Task Force’s mission, forcing them to question who they can truly trust.

13- Kennedy Moyer as Harper

Kennedy Moyer rounds out the cast as Harper, the young daughter of Robbie and Emily. Moyer delivers a touching and natural performance, embodying the innocence that Robbie is fighting to protect—and ultimately jeopardizing. Her scenes with Tom Pelphrey and Silvia Dionicio are filled with a bittersweet normalcy that contrasts starkly with the darkness of Robbie’s secret life.

Moyer’s presence is the emotional core of the family dynamic. Harper’s unconditional love for her father makes the audience complicit in hoping for a redemption that may be impossible, and her safety becomes the ultimate stake in the escalating war between her father and the FBI.

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Why Task Is a Must-Watch

• A-List Performances: Led by Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey, the cast delivers powerhouse acting that brings depth and authenticity to this gritty drama.

• Authentic Setting: The working-class neighborhoods of Philadelphia are a character in themselves, providing a rich, textured backdrop for the story.

• Moral Complexity: The series challenges viewers’ sympathies, blurring the lines between right and wrong, hero and villain.

• High-Stakes Action: Meticulously crafted heist sequences and tense confrontations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Prepare for the Hunt

Task premieres September 7, 2025, exclusively on HBO Max. This is one investigation you won’t want to miss.