Is <em>Task</em> Coming Back for Season 2?

This story contains spoilers for Task episode 6. If you’re looking for the recap, you can read it here.

As soon as Task episode 6 brought down the hammer, plans for a second season of the HBO crime drama seemed impossible. I won’t spoil it upfront for those who haven’t caught up just yet, but the story feels an inch away from the finish line—if it’s not there already. Still, even without some of Task’s central characters who bit the dust in episode 6, creator Brad Ingelsby believes that season 2 is a possibility.

"I'd love to have a chance to do another season of Task," Ingelsby told Esquire earlier this month. The Mare of Easttown creator isn’t usually one to continue with a second season, but maybe there’s an idea for an extended spin-off that could splinter into another case with familiar faces from Task.

"What I love about TV is just how many characters you get to explore,” said Ingelsby. “I really see myself as a character writer and not a great plot writer. And so what I love about TV is that you get to explore the Grassos, the Lizzies, the Aleahs. If I was to do a movie, unless I was Robert Altman, I just wouldn't be able to tap into that many characters."

If you want the full spoiler-heavy info below, read on to find out everything we know about Task season 2 so far.

Hang in there, Tom. Season 2 is still a possibility.

Not yet. HBO has not renewed Task for a second season, nor has Ingeslby teased anything about specific plans for season 2. If you’ve seen episode 6, I can imagine why. Robbie’s (Tom Pelphrey) death is a final blow to Tom’s (Mark Ruffalo) task force, and a significant loss for viewers as well. At the end of the episode, the Dark Hearts are also still on the lamb. Plus, Tom realizes that Anthony Grasso (Fabien Frankel) is the mole, and he declares that he’s coming to take him down along with them. Next week, there’s just one more episode left in the miniseries to wrap our story.

Here's another idea: it’s possible that Task and Mare of Easttown meet up for a crossover.

“I think there were still more stories to be told about people in Delaware County,” Ingelsby told The Hollywood Reporter in early September. “They exist in the same world, so it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if Mare (played by Kate Winslet) walked into a Wawa that Tom (played by Ruffalo) was in. I don’t have a story in mind that’s a crossover, but I love the idea of their worlds intersecting.”

I wouldn’t bet on it, though. When episode 7 reaches the credits, I would imagine that Ingelsby closes the door on Task as well.