- October
20
2025 - 5
When Tom Brandis, FBI agent leading the task force in Delaware County, discovers a breach, viewers of HBO Max’s Task Episode 3 were hit with a twist that feels straight out of “The Departed.” The episode, titled “Nobody’s Stronger Than Forgiveness,” aired on September 21, 2025 at 9:00 PM ET and immediately threw a mole into the spotlight – a traitor inside Brandis’s own circle feeding the rival gang.
How the Leak Came to Light
During a tense briefing, Joe Easley, the consigliere of a local biker crew, drops a bombshell: the notorious Dark Hearts gang has been watching the house of Cliff Broward, a pawn caught up in a string of recent robberies. Broward, played on‑screen by Raúl Castillo, is visibly shaken as he confronts the reality that the FBI may be feeding his enemies information.
The only plausible way the gang could have obtained detailed intel on Broward’s residence was through a mole inside Brandis’s task force. The Ringer’s review summed it up: “a real Departed situation, with rats inside the gang and the FBI leaking valuable info in both directions.”
Key Players and Their Hidden Connections
What makes the situation even murkier is the revelation that Robbie (portrayed by Tom Pelphrey) is linked to the Dark Hearts through Eryn. Eryn is the partner of Jayson, a former lover of the late Billy, who was brutally killed by Jayson after the affair came to light.
In a harrowing scene, Broward and Robbie drive to meet Eryn. Broward yells, “You ruined my life… I’m never going to be able to get out of this,” accusing her of putting a six‑year‑old child and a fentanyl shipment in the crosshairs. Eryn tries to explain a miscommunication that led to the fentanyl package arriving alongside the child, but the damage is done – the audience feels the weight of betrayal.
The $25,000 Reward and the Informant Denny
Meanwhile, task‑force members Aaliyah and Lizzy meet with Denny, a grizzled informant who previously showed up at “Peach’s job.” Denny asks, “Does the $25,000 reward still apply if Sam is found dead or alive?” He then drops that “Peaches” bragged about “hitting houses with Cliff,” and he even recognizes Cliff from a prior job before Denny turned to waste‑collection work. The implication? Cliff may have been in the FBI’s crosshairs long before the current crisis.
Brandis’s reaction is swift: he orders an immediate call to the team, signaling that the leak is no longer a theory but a pressing emergency.
Parallel Storylines: Fentanyl, Kidnapped Child, and Medical Subplot
The episode juggles multiple arcs. Cliff and Robbie, desperate to move the fentanyl without involving the usual middleman Freddy, contemplate reaching out to Lee Whitehead, a shady figure allegedly connected to Colombian suppliers. A YouTube reviewer called the plan “a capital stupid idea that bites them in the ass later,” underscoring the reckless fear driving the characters.
At the same time, a medical subplot runs under the surface: Maria Herrera is battling a serious uterine condition. The Ringer’s metaphor – “Maria Herrera’s uterus isn’t the only thing that’s leaking” – ties her personal crisis to the broader theme of information leaks.
What This Means for the Series
“Task” has always thrived on layered deception, but Episode 3 raises the stakes by suggesting that the FBI itself may be compromised. Brandis’s line, “You got a leak,” paired with his later admission, “I can’t forgive him for what he did,” hints at a personal betrayal that could tie back to a back‑story we haven’t yet seen.
For fans, the episode answers one question – there is indeed a mole – but opens a dozen new ones: Who fed the Dark Hearts the address? Is the mole a senior officer or an unsuspecting analyst? And will the $25,000 reward finally bring Sam back, or will it simply be another pawn in a larger game?
Looking Ahead: What to Expect Next
Next week’s teaser shows Brandis warning, “There might be a kid inside the house,” as sirens wail during a raid. That suggests the child Eryn tried to protect could become a leverage point, potentially exposing the mole’s identity.
Critics are already speculating that the series will lean into the “forgiveness” theme, perhaps forcing Brandis to decide whether to protect the team or expose the traitor, even if it means endangering the child.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the mole affect the FBI task force’s operations?
The mole compromises every tactical move, allowing the Dark Hearts gang to anticipate raids, intercept fentanyl shipments, and stay one step ahead. As a result, the task force must rewrite its intelligence protocols and consider internal audits, which could delay ongoing investigations.
Who are the main suspects for the leak?
The episode points to several possibilities – Robbie’s secret tie to Eryn, Joe Easley’s biker connections, and even senior officers like Brandis himself. The writers have deliberately kept the suspect list open, promising a reveal in a future episode.
What is the significance of the $25,000 reward?
The reward, offered for information about the missing Sam, adds a monetary motive that could drive informants like Denny to betray the task force. It also creates a moral dilemma – do the agents prioritize a cash incentive over a child’s safety?
How does the episode tie into the larger narrative of ‘Task’?
Episode 3 deepens the series’ core theme: trust versus betrayal. By exposing a mole, it forces characters to confront past decisions, and sets up a showdown that could reshape alliances across the FBI, the biker gang, and the Dark Hearts organization.
What should viewers watch for in the next episode?
Keep an eye on the raid scene hinted at in the trailer – the presence of a child could force the task force to choose between a successful operation and protecting an innocent life. Also, listen for any confession or slip‑up from Brandis’s inner circle that might finally name the mole.
About Author
I am a seasoned journalist specializing in news coverage across the United States. I am passionate about diving into current events and providing insightful commentary on the daily happenings that shape our nation. As a writer, I thrive on uncovering stories that impact people and bring a nuanced perspective to my readers. In my daily work, I focus on ensuring that important voices and issues are given the attention they deserve. I find joy in bringing clarity and understanding to complex topics through my writing.
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