I recommend books, music, and very rarely movies. Task may be the first series I’ve ever recommended on my blog. But I think it’s worth it.

Disclaimer: The series is about an FBI task force and motorcycle gangs. So, expect violence and lots of language. Lots of it. There is no nudity, very little sexual material, and some drinking/drug use.

The apostle Paul said ‘Love is patient. Love is kind.’ He did not say ‘Love is easy.’

This series, at least the first season, is an exploration of love, particularly when love hurts.

FBI Agent Tom Brandis (Mark Ruffalo) is the center of the story. His family is a flawed family, but a deeply loving family. Through their interactions, you are forced to contemplate love when love turns painful. What happens when you do a truly kind, loving thing and it backfires? How do you respond? What does forgiving the unforgivable look like? And then, peeling the onion even further, you are asked to explore something that masquerades as love but is really self-seeking – utilizing the other to meet our needs, even when dressed up in kindness, charity, and genuine affection.

The other hero of the season is Robbie Pednergrast (Tom Pelphrey). He is also a deeply loving, very flawed man. His love for his family, especially his brother, provides the backdrop for his criminal actions. You root for Robbie, even when you feel like you shouldn’t. But if Tom Brandis helps us explore love and forgiveness, Robbie helps us consider unforgiveness and vengeance.

Alongside these major themes, there are other themes, like sin and redemption, penance, justice, and faith. Add great acting, a really good story, and moody cinematography and it’s a winner.

I have no idea where it will go for season two. I’m tempted not to watch it simply because I don’t want season two to spoil season one for me if it isn’t as good.