HBO’s new crime drama Task, starring Mark Ruffalo, has viewers wondering about its connection to the hit 2021 series Mare of Easttown. Both shows come from creator Brad Ingelsby and are set in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. While Task is not a direct sequel, it shares the same fictional universe and explores similar themes of grief and working-class life. Here’s everything you need to know about how these two gripping series are linked.
The Creative Link and Shared Universe
Brad Ingelsby, the writer and creator behind both shows, grew up in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. This personal connection is why both Mare of Easttown and Task are set in this specific area. Ingelsby has stated that while the storylines are independent, they exist within the same world. This means characters from both shows could theoretically cross paths, though there is no direct plot continuation.
Ingelsby mentioned, “I think there were still more stories to be told about people in Delaware County” . He also added, “They exist in the same world, so it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if Mare walked into a Wawa that Tom was in” . This shared setting allows both series to dive deep into the culture, accents, and daily life of the region, creating a familiar backdrop for fans.
How the Shows Differ in Story and Scope
Mare of Easttown focused on a murder investigation led by detective Mare Sheehan, played by Kate Winslet. It was a whodunit mystery that deeply explored her personal struggles and the community’s secrets. In contrast, Task follows FBI agent Tom Brandis (Mark Ruffalo) as he leads a task force to stop a string violent robberies organized by Robbie Prendergrast (Tom Pelphrey), a trash collector and family man.
Ingelsby did not want to repeat the same format. He explained, “I didn’t want to do another whodunnit, because it felt like ‘Mare’ was the whodunnit show” . Instead, Task is inspired by crime films like Heat, focusing on a cat-and-mouse chase between law enforcement and criminals. The scope is wider, involving a federal task force and a criminal crew, which differentiates it from the small-town mystery of Mare of Easttown.
Similar Themes and Setting
Both series highlight themes of grief, trauma, and working-class life. Mare of Easttown dealt with a detective coping with her son’s suicide while solving a murder. Task features Ruffalo’s character, a former priest turned FBI agent, grappling with the recent death of his wife and a drinking problem. Similarly, Pelphrey’s character is driven by a desire to provide for his family, blurring the lines between right and wrong.
The setting of Delaware County is almost a character itself in both shows. Familiar elements like Wawa convenience stores, scrapple, and Rita’s Water Ice appear in both series, enhancing authenticity. The shows were filmed in many of the same locations, and even used the same dialect coach to ensure the distinctive local accent was accurately portrayed .
Production Connections and Future Possibilities
The production team behind both shows has significant overlap. The same production designer and costume designer from Mare of Easttown worked on Task, maintaining a consistent visual style. Ingelsby intentionally kept the look and feel similar, noting, “this is the same world as ‘Mare.’ Don’t try to make it seem different” .
While there are no official plans for a crossover, Ingelsby and the cast are open to the idea. Tom Pelphrey joked, “Welcome to the new MCU”, expressing enthusiasm for a potential crossover . However, Ingelsby emphasized that any crossover would need to feel organic and not forced .
Fan Reactions and Critical Response
Fans of Mare of Easttown have noticed the similarities and are enjoying the return to Delco. The dark, gritty atmosphere and complex characters have drawn comparisons. Critics have praised Task for its strong performances, particularly from Ruffalo and Pelphrey, and its engaging story. The show holds an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics calling it “unrelentingly bleak but equally riveting” .
Viewers appreciate the emotional depth and moral complexity both series offer. While Mare of Easttown was a slow-burn mystery, Task is a tense, action-driven drama, but both resonate due to their focus on character-driven storytelling and authentic setting.
Where to Watch
Task premiered on September 7, 2025, on HBO and Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays until the finale on October 19, 2025. Mare of Easttown is also available for streaming on Max for those who want to revisit the earlier series .
Also Read: HBO’s New Crime Drama Task Sets September 2025 Premiere With Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey
Credits: FandomWire
