The Secret Identity of the Mole in HBO's "Task" Revealed
HBO Max
This article contains major spoilers for episode 5 of "Task."
Well, folks, the truth has finally come to light! After hinting at the presence of a traitor within Tom's (played by Mark Ruffalo) team, Brad Inglesby, the creator of "Task," casually dropped a major reveal: it has been Anthony Grasso, portrayed by Fabien Frankel, all along. And yes, some of us might have seen it coming!
What makes this revelation particularly intriguing is the manner in which it unfolded. Instead of a dramatic moment where Grasso is caught red-handed or a chance encounter exposing his deceit, this twist was revealed during a routine meeting between Jayson (Sam Keeley) and his insider contact. This approach is somewhat disappointing considering the potential Grasso showed earlier in the series. He seemed to be on an equal footing with Tom, who appeared much less burdened at that stage. It seems this betrayal has been in the works for quite some time, even prior to Grasso's recruitment. This raises the question: how long will it take for the rest of the team to catch on to the deceit? Such a complex and stress-inducing plot twist is exactly the kind of direction you'd expect from Inglesby. What makes it even more thrilling is the prospect of elevating an already strong performance, thanks to these twists and turns.
Fabien Frankel Shines in "Task"
It's worth noting that the most recognizable role in Fabien Frankel's career thus far certainly isn't a fan favorite. In the last two seasons of "House of the Dragon," he played Ser Criston Cole, garnering criticism not due to his acting skills but rather because of the character's writing. So it's quite refreshing to see him taking on the role of Grasso, a character with significantly grittier and more nuanced layers. Up until now, Anthony has been the most promising member under Tom’s leadership, displaying a connection with his boss and a commitment to their case. However, with this new information, one must ponder: when the truth is revealed, will Grasso betray Tom and side with the biker gang he has secretly aligned with?
There’s also a chance that viewers might see a shift towards redemption for Grasso, particularly given the tender moments shared with Lizzie (played by Alison Oliver). It’s possible that this connection could lead him away from the path of a traitor, ultimately causing him to reveal what he knows about the Dark Hearts to Tom and the FBI. With only two episodes remaining, the outcome remains uncertain. We can only hope that Fabien Frankel receives the recognition he rightfully deserves for bringing depth to a character that he has genuinely embodied.
New episodes of "Task" are released every Sunday at 9 p.m. on HBO.
