Mark Ruffalo and writer Brad Ingelsby opened up exclusively about the gut-wrenching conclusion of Task and why the final shot perfectly encapsulates Tom Brandis’ emotional journey. As Ruffalo explains, “All of what’s happened has brought him a level of clarity.”
The Season 1 finale, Episode 7 on HBO, tied together the show’s many emotional threads—from Lizzie’s tragic death and Grasso’s betrayal to Robbie’s selfless sacrifice—centered on Ruffalo’s FBI agent Tom, as he confronts the lingering anger over his wife Susan’s death at the hands of his adopted son, Ethan.
But before Tom’s emotional resolution, there’s violence and chaos to unpack. Episode 6 had already seen shocking deaths: Lizzie (Alison Oliver) and Robbie (Tom Pelphrey) were killed during a violent clash with Dark Hearts gang members Jayson and Perry (Sam Keeley, Jamie McShane). Grasso (Fabien Frankel) faces the consequences of his own treachery as an informant, realizing his actions contributed to Lizzie’s death.
Meanwhile, Robbie’s niece Maeve (Emilia Jones) hides her uncle’s stolen money, only to be tracked down by Jayson, who confronts her after murdering Perry for betraying the Dark Hearts. Amid this mayhem, a critically wounded Grasso drives to Maeve’s home to protect her, aided by Tom and Aleah (Thuso Mbedu). In a tense showdown, Grasso shoots Jayson, enacting a small measure of vengeance for Lizzie.
Amid the turmoil, Tom is still grappling with his own moral decisions. He decides to take responsibility for the court statement regarding Ethan himself, forgiving his son for Susan’s death during Ethan’s psychotic episode, and opening the door for his eventual return home. At the same time, Tom realizes he cannot raise Sam—the young son of the Dark Hearts couple—so he places him with a foster family.
Ruffalo explains, “It’s hard for him, with Sam. He doesn’t know if he’s doing the right thing for Sam, but he knows he’s too old to take care of him. Keeping Sam would be more for his own comfort than the boy’s wellbeing. He has to take care of the son he already has.”
Ingelsby adds, “Tom understands he can’t burden Emily with this court statement, especially given the tension it causes between her and her adoptive sister, Sara. Over the course of the show, he learns to let go of anger toward Ethan. That clarity allows him to forgive his son and do the right thing.”
The final moments are quiet yet powerful: Tom strips Sam’s room of the boy’s liveliness, preparing to refocus on his family. The last shot lingers on Tom gazing out the window as a curtain sways in a gentle breeze. Ingelsby reflects, “It’s his wife’s spirit with him. Susan always fought for the kids and championed Ethan. He carries her lessons with him. He’s not alone in this journey.”
In the end, Tom’s choices—letting Sam go, forgiving Ethan, and embracing his family—capture the cumulative weight of all the events and losses in his life, leaving viewers with a haunting and bittersweet sense of closure.
