Mark Ruffalo and Brad Ingelsby recently reflected on the shocking events of Task’s penultimate episode.
They discussed filming Lizzie and Robbie’s emotional deaths and the impact those scenes have on the show’s characters. These moments also set the stage for the season finale.
Mark Ruffalo and Brad Ingelsby on Lizzie and Robbie’s gut-wrenching deaths in Task Episode 6
Episode 6 of Task, titled “Out Beyond Ideas of Wrongdoing and Rightdoing, There Is a River,” ends with two major deaths: Lizzie (Alison Oliver) and Robbie (Tom Pelphrey). During a violent standoff between the FBI and the Dark Hearts gang, a getaway car fatally strikes Lizzie after a nearby gunfire blast leaves her with tinnitus. She tries to radio for backup but fails amid the chaos.
Series creator Brad Ingelsby explained to Entertainment Weekly that Lizzie’s “horrible” death carries “a tremendous amount of guilt” for Grasso (Fabien Frankel), who indirectly caused the tragedy by letting gang members Jayson and Perry escape. Ingelsby said, “He thought he was able to manage all these things… now the house of cards has fallen down.” He added that the loss makes Aleah (Thuso Mbedu) and Tom (Mark Ruffalo) more determined to uncover the truth.
The episode also features Robbie’s death during a brutal fight with Jayson, the man responsible for killing his brother, Billy. Robbie suffers a fatal chest wound and dies in Tom’s arms while being taken to the hospital. Ruffalo told EW that the moment reflects Tom’s deep empathy and understanding of Robbie’s motives, explaining, “He understands why he’s doing what he does.”
Ruffalo described Tom’s compassion as his “superpower,” noting that he sees Robbie as “a good man who made bad choices in bad circumstances.” The emotional sequence brings Tom’s journey full circle. It recalls his past as a priest as he comforts Robbie in his final moments.
Task concludes its first season on October 19 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO, with the finale expected to explore the aftermath of Lizzie and Robbie’s deaths.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on ComingSoon.
