IR TV Review: TASK - EPISODE 2 [HBO]

The inset of Episode 2 of "Task" approaches the idea of consequence of action, especially for certain characters that are simply moving their path to the logical end. Tom Pelphrey as Robbie makes a decision probably without the best outlay (or foreshadowing) in mind. This progression of a parallel storyline is intriguing because Robbie has a lot to lose without incurring the exact responsibilities necessary. And yet the intent is bathed in a weird morality which will ultimately cause a lot of strife. On the other side, Mark Ruffalo's Tom, who is heading a task force with a motley crew with some skills but a lot of problems in certain ways, is askew himself. Ruffalo plays Tom slovenly but the more one learns of his story which he lets out to his colleagues very discreetly paints a picture of man who has gone through hardships, some quite visceral, which no one should have to deal with.

A key dinner scene is very specific to this even though there is not a lot explained. Showrunner Brad Igelsby ("Mare Of Eastown") knows that this is a slow burn series where slightly wrong choices will cause a lot of collateral damage down the line. Emilia Jones as Maeve, despite what she has gone through with her father, has the most level head but is exasperated which causes mistakes. The bigger looming presence is the shark in the story which begins building. A long drone shot halfway through the episode very much shows this while again, only dispensing a small amount of exposition. Tom is trying to compartmentalize but the puzzle as it builds shows that he cannot control everything despite his best efforts. What is another interesting thematic is the concept of loyalty and family and what that means when danger lurks around every corner. The problems in this series will only grow bigger. Episode 2 continues a simmering approach which is not overwrought but also doesn't mess around. B+

By Tim Wassberg