The sixth episode of HBO’s Task, titled “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a river,” delivered an emotional and game-changing chapter. The episode, which aired on October 12, 2025, saw the devastating deaths of two central characters, a final act of redemption, and a clever twist that sets up a tense series finale.
The opening moments of the episode brought the forest showdown to a violent head, resulting in the deaths of Robbie Prendergast and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Stover. While their journeys ended, Robbie’s final plan to protect his family was revealed, leaving a lasting impact on the survivors and the course of the investigation.
How the Forest Showdown Unfolded
The episode began exactly where the fifth one ended, with Robbie and Tom Brandis pointing guns at each other. The situation quickly escalated into a three-way shootout between Robbie, the Dark Hearts gang, and the FBI task force.
Robbie fought directly with Jayson, the man responsible for his brother Billy’s death. During their brutal hand-to-hand combat, Robbie was fatally stabbed. Tom, after subduing Perry, rushed to Robbie’s aid and helped him into a sheriff’s car to get to a hospital. However, Robbie succumbed to his wounds during the drive, dying in Tom’s presence.
Simultaneously, Lizzie Stover was also in peril. Her hearing was impaired after a gun discharged near her ear. As she went to a vehicle to call for backup and find a first aid kit, she was unable to hear the truck carrying Jayson and Perry as they sped away. They accidentally struck and killed her instantly.
Robbie’s Final Plan and a Clever Deception
Before his fatal fight with Jayson, Robbie threw the duffel bag of fentanyl into a river. Later in the episode, Jayson and Perry recovered the bag, only to find it filled with magazines instead of drugs.
The episode’s final twist revealed Robbie’s true plan. He had conspired with Shelley, the partner of underworld associate Ray Lyman. She sold the drugs and delivered the real cash to Maeve, Robbie’s niece. This showed that Robbie had lured the Dark Hearts to the woods for a final confrontation, knowing it was likely a suicide mission, to ensure his family would be provided for.
Actor Tom Pelphrey explained that Robbie’s realization of this necessary sacrifice began to form earlier in the series. He noted that a scene where Robbie nearly lost his temper at a truck depot was a turning point, making him see that his original plan was shaky and a “Plan B” was needed.
The Actors on Their Characters’ Endings
In interviews, the cast shared their perspectives on the pivotal episode. Tom Pelphrey reflected on the tragedy of Robbie’s death, comparing it to his character Ben’s death in Ozark.
“I felt the same way about Robbie’s death as Ben’s in ‘Ozark.’ It’s the purest form of tragedy. There’s a beauty and an innocence to both Ben and Robbie that cynics would call naivete or foolishness. Both deaths feel surprising and inevitable at the same time,” Pelphrey said.
Emilia Jones, who plays Maeve, appreciated Pelphrey’s portrayal, stating, “Tom gave Robbie a big heart. Robbie could be hotheaded, angry, and make terrible decisions. But he was always looking out for what was best for his family.”
Mark Ruffalo, who plays Tom Brandis, discussed the empathy his character showed Robbie in his final moments. He described this empathy as Tom’s “superpower” as an agent, allowing him to understand Robbie’s need for revenge and justice.
The Aftermath and Shifting Alliances
The deaths sent shockwaves through the task force. Tom Brandis pieced together that County Detective Anthony Grasso was the mole leaking information to the Dark Hearts. Tom confronted Grasso, telling him, “I’m comin’ for you,” though Grasso did not confess.
Grasso, who had allowed Jayson and Perry to escape, was left devastated by Lizzie’s death, which he felt responsible for. Series creator Brad Ingelsby compared the shocking loss of Lizzie to the unexpected death of Detective Colin Zabel in his prior series, Mare of Easttown.
Maeve, though initially detained for questioning about Sam’s kidnapping, was released after Tom convinced the district attorney that a jury would not find her guilty. She returned home to care for Robbie’s children, Harper and Wyatt, just before receiving the bag of money from Shelley.
Setting the Stage for the Finale
With the series finale approaching, several major questions remain unanswered. Jayson and Perry now know they were tricked and may come after Maeve for the money. Jayson is still desperately trying to reach his wife, Eryn, unaware that Perry accidentally drowned her in the previous episode.
Tom is now determined to expose Grasso’s corruption, while Grasso himself must deal with the guilt and consequences of his actions. The fate of Sam, the boy Tom has taken into his home, and the sentencing of Tom’s son, Ethan, also hang in the balance.
The finale will reveal if Robbie’s ultimate sacrifice successfully protects his family or draws them into further danger.
Also Read: Task Episode 6 Explained: The Meaning Behind Robbie and Lizzie’s Shocking Deaths
