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Mare vs. Task

 In the HBO limited series multiverse, there are two series that link up perfectly in locale, subject matter and vibe: Mare of Easttown and Task.  


Now, it's not hard for me to go ahead and say Mare is my favorite and, I think, the better of the two shows.  The intricacy of this story and the acting are so good that I've watched it repeatedly.....even after the mystery was solved.  It kept me guessing right up until the very end and shocked me more than once.  I don't think I've ever seen anything with the lovely Kate Winslet that I didn't like (well......let's not talk about The Regime) and I'm thrilled that she has become an icon for women of my generation.


Task is a bit of a different animal, even though it is a very similar show.  Both shows rub up against Catholicism, the complicated struggles of family, giving and accepting trust in an untrusting world, and of course, the frailties of man against strong women.  

Weirdly, I don't find many of the characters of either show very loveable or endearing.  I find them relatable and very real, but not loveable.  Except of course for Mark Ruffalo as aging, paunchy FBI agent Tom Brandis.

Oh, yes.  Come to me you chubby little grey-haired sensitive widowed functional alcoholic!  I will fixt you!!!


I can't help it.....I've loved Mark ever since "13 Going on 30".  What self-respecting woman doesn't?  

The difficult family dynamics, tricky relationships and complicated parenthood truly define both shows......murder, drugs, and crime are basically flashy background.  Robbie is fractured but delicate.  Tom is strong and sensitive.  Mare is broken and guarded.  Lori, Bethy, Maeve, Carrie, etc are all hanging on by their fingernails.  They all question their choices and their god.  They all cry and pray secretly.  They all fight and curse openly.  

Watching the vulnerable little boys is always tough for me......Sam and Drew.  But that sweet vulnerable trust is more than necessary to advance these messy adult life plots.  

I remember crying in one place in each show.  

When Mare gets slapped by Colin's mother.

When Tom explains that confession is for people, not for god.

It's hard when you have to face and remember your mistakes.  And realize they never really go away.  Not for you, not for others.  Somehow, if you're lucky and healthy enough, you'll learn to live with them.  And hopefully have a chance to apologize and move forward.  If you can.

I guess at the end of the day that's what both these shows have in common: going on.  Surviving. Physically and emotionally.  Most of the time, the quiet emotional struggle is the hardest one.  And unfortunately, the one we all keeping working so hard to hide.  

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