Warning! Spoilers for Task episode 3!
HBO’s Task has just introduced its version of Mare of Easttown’s Mare and Zabel. These two crime dramas come from the same creator, Brad Ingelsby, who has revealed that their stories exist within the same universe. That naturally means that there will be some similarities and parallels between the two. Task episode 3 just added another one.
Task episode 3 spent a little time getting closer to Tom’s (Mark Ruffalo) task force. This included following Fabien Frankel’s Anthony Grasso and Alison Oliver’s Lizzie Stover to the bar, where they had a mini “not date” sharing drinks. Though things ended weirdly, it looks as if a romance is about to develop here, just as one did between Mare and Zabel in Task’s HBO predecessor.
Grasso & Lizzie’s Romance Hints Make Them Task’s New Version Of Mare & Zabel
Though Lizzie was a bit prickly toward Grasso in earlier episodes of Task, she really warmed up to him after his DJ confession. Now, in Task episode 3, it’s very evident that she is developing some feelings. After freezing up on the field, Lizzie turned to Grasso for some support. Then, the pair headed out for a drink.
Grasso is a bit more guarded than Lizzie, but he treats her with genuine kindness. His speech at the bar was a sign that he feels a bit protective of his teammate, and it seems only a matter of time before a spark takes this further. It’s precisely what we saw between Mare and Zabel in Mare of Easttown. It wasn’t quite enemies to lovers, but Mare was resistant before she melted in.
Mare & Zabel’s Ending Indicates Grasso & Lizzie’s Connection Will End In Tragedy
Unfortunately, a comparison to Mare and Zabel doesn’t bode well for Grasso and Lizzie in Task. In Mare of Easttown, Zabel was shot and killed out of nowhere, right in front of Mare’s eyes. It was a truly horrible moment, proving that Mare of Easttown isn’t written as a romance. It’s about the burdens of trauma on mental health, career, and family, and Task has, so far, taken a similar angle.
The Task character that shares the most in common with Mare is Ruffalo’s Tom, but it doesn’t look like he is anywhere near finding a new romance after his wife’s tragic death. Instead, the new HBO series appears to be using Lizzie and Grasso to explore this avenue, and they already aren’t set up particularly well. After all, chances are that one of these two characters is a traitor.
The ending of Task episode 3 revealed that there is an informant somewhere within Tom’s task force. It could be any of the three, but Grasso is, so far, looking the most suspicious. His comments about corrupt cops and the sudden need to leave his date with Lizzie to meet “someone” hint that something’s up. A happy ending may not be in the cards.
