HBO’s gripping crime drama Task continues to unravel its intense storyline with Episode 3, titled “Nobody’s Stronger Than Forgiveness.” The episode, scheduled for release on September 21, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET on HBO and HBO Max, promises higher stakes as FBI agent Tom Brandis (played by Mark Ruffalo) closes in on Robbie Prendergrast (Tom Pelphrey), a family man leading a double life as a ruthless robber. With the Dark Hearts gang desperate to reclaim their stolen fentanyl shipment and the hidden boy Sam becoming a central conflict, the series delves deeper into moral dilemmas and explosive confrontations. Here’s a breakdown of everything viewers need to know.
Release Date and Global Timing
Episode 3 will air on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) in the U.S. For global audiences, the release times vary based on time zones:
- Pacific Time (PT): 6:00 PM, September 21
- UK (BST): 2:00 AM, September 22
- Central European Time (CET): 3:00 AM, September 22
- Indian Standard Time (IST): 6:30 AM, September 22
- Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST): 11:00 AM, September 22
The episode will be available for streaming exclusively on HBO Max immediately after its broadcast.
Episode 2 Recap and Setup for Episode 3
In Episode 2, titled “Family Statements,” tensions escalated as Robbie and his associate Cliff struggled to handle the aftermath of kidnapping Sam during a robbery. Meanwhile, FBI agent Tom Brandis grappled with personal trauma, including the revelation that his adopted son, Ethan, caused his mother’s death during a mental health crisis. The episode ended with Robbie’s partner, Maeve, nearly turning Sam in but ultimately choosing to protect him, setting up a moral crossroads for the characters. The stolen money bag was also revealed to contain 12 kilos of uncut fentanyl, intensifying the hunt by the Dark Hearts gang.
Plot Expectations for Episode 3
“Nobody’s Stronger Than Forgiveness” will focus on Robbie and Cliff attempting to find a buyer for the stolen fentanyl while evading the Dark Hearts gang. Simultaneously, Tom Brandis and his task force will confront the gang about a potential mole aiding the robberies. According to HBO’s synopsis, a raid led by Tom will result in a “shocking revelation,” likely tied to the gang’s internal betrayals or Robbie’s hidden actions. The episode will also explore the deteriorating relationship between Robbie and Maeve as the pressure of safeguarding Sam threatens their stability.
The official synopsis states: “As Robbie and Cliff try to find a potential buyer, Tom and Grasso level with the Dark Hearts, and Aleah and Lizzie question Peaches’ former coworkers. Later, a raid leads Tom to a shocking revelation.”
Behind the Scenes and Series Context
Task is created by Brad Ingelsby, known for HBO’s Mare of Easttown, and is structured as a seven-episode limited series. The show is set in the working-class suburbs of Philadelphia and explores themes of family, guilt, and redemption through its dual protagonists. Episode 3 runs for 65 minutes, maintaining the series’ average runtime of over an hour per episode. The cast includes Emilia Jones as Maeve, Raúl Castillo as Cliff, and Jamie McShane as Perry, a Dark Hearts gang leader.
Viewer Reactions and Anticipation
Early reviews and social media discussions highlight the series’ strong character development and realistic portrayal of moral conflicts. Fans have praised Mark Ruffalo’s performance as Tom Brandis, noting his ability to convey grief and determination. On platforms like Reddit and Twitter, viewers have expressed curiosity about the fate of Sam and whether Robbie’s actions will ultimately destroy his family. The show currently holds a 90% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences comparing its tone to Heat and Mare of Easttown.
How to Watch
New episodes of Task air weekly on HBO and HBO Max at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT every Sunday. The series is available globally on HBO Max, with subtitles and dubbing options for international viewers. Previous episodes can be streamed on the platform to catch up on the storyline.
Also Read: Task Season 1 Episode 2 Release Date and Time, Plot Details, and Streaming Guide
Series Schedule and Future Episodes
Task will conclude with Episode 7 on October 19, 2025. The remaining release schedule is as follows:
- Episode 4: September 28
- Episode 5: October 5
- Episode 6: October 12
- Episode 7: October 19
Each episode is expected to delve deeper into the cat-and-mouse chase between Tom and Robbie while resolving subplots involving the Dark Hearts gang and Tom’s personal struggles.
Also Read: Task Season 1: Everything You Need to Know About HBO’s New Crime Drama
