The Kate Winslet murder mystery series ‘Task’ premiered on HBO Max and quickly rose to the top of streaming charts, claiming the number one spot on September 12. Created by Brad Inglesby and starring Mark Ruffalo alongside Tom Pelphrey, the crime thriller has been the most-watched program on the platform since its debut, drawing strong attention for its engaging and intense storyline.
‘Task’ centers on a harrowing crime story led by Kate Winslet as a Philadelphia detective, tasked with solving a complex and deadly case. The show’s release also revived interest in Inglesby’s previous acclaimed work, ‘Mare of Easttown,’ which rose to third place on the streaming leaderboard and experienced its most significant surge in viewership in months.
Strong Reception for ‘Task’ and Its Distinguished Cast
The series has earned widespread praise from critics and audiences alike, accumulating an impressive score of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes. The critical consensus highlights the stellar performances by Ruffalo and Pelphrey in a
“culturally-specific crime story that’s unrelentingly bleak but equally riveting.”
Carly Lane of Collider praised the show for its depth, stating,
“more than a crime procedural; it’s a bleak meditation on grief, faith, and what we ultimately lose by embracing revenge over forgiveness.”
The cast also features notable actors such as Emilia Jones from CODA and Thuso Mbedu, known for her role in The Woman King. Jeremiah Zagar, who directed the premiere episode, brings his experience from the acclaimed Netflix sports drama ‘Hustle‘ to this production.
The Enduring Popularity of ‘Mare of Easttown’
Following the success of ‘Task,’ renewed attention has turned to ‘Mare of Easttown,’ a 2021 series that initially captivated audiences and critics. The Kate Winslet murder mystery series ‘Mare of Easttown’ holds a stellar 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with its character-driven narrative and strong sense of place receiving particular praise.
Critics noted,
“Grounded by a career-best Kate Winslet, Mare of Easttown’s ambitions at times exceed its reach, but its central mystery is supported by such strong sense of place and character it hardly matters.”
Winslet’s role as a determined detective earned her the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress, showcasing her ability to bring complex characters to life. The ensemble cast included Jean Smart, Julianne Nicholson, and Angourie Rice, all contributing to the show’s rich performances.
Streaming Availability and Future Prospects
Both ‘Task’ and ‘Mare of Easttown’ continue to be available on HBO Max, offering viewers compelling crime dramas centered on nuanced investigations led by Winslet. The sustained popularity of these shows underlines HBO Max’s strength in producing layered, character-driven mysteries that resonate deeply with audiences.
As ‘Task’ maintains its dominance on streaming charts and critical acclaim grows, it paves the way for more intense storytelling in the genre and may influence future projects by Brad Inglesby and the actors involved. The renewed interest in ‘Mare of Easttown’ also signals lasting appreciation for Kate Winslet’s impactful performances in the crime mystery space.
