The Prestige TV Podcast—‘Task’ Episode 3: Who’s the Mole?

Date: September 22, 2025
Hosts: Joanna Robinson, Rob Mahoney, Bill Simmons

Episode Overview

In this detailed breakdown of ‘Task’ Episode 3, the panel—Joanna Robinson, Rob Mahoney, and Bill Simmons—analyzes the increasingly tangled web of secrets, mole hunts, and character motivations propelling the series forward. This week’s discussion covers the inner workings of biker gang revenge, double moles, flashback clues, and the ever-deepening fates of the show’s central families. Listeners will find deep dives, hot takes, and plenty of clever banter as the hosts debate the show's best performances, questionable decisions, and looming predictions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Robbie’s Motivations and Biker Gang Politics

[02:01-09:39]

• The opening focus is on Robbie’s vengeful crusade against the biker gang after his brother’s death.
• Robbie’s methodical—but flawed—approach is highlighted, with Rob noting:

  “It’s pretty clear he doesn’t quite know what he’s doing. I think he’s more careful than some other characters… but he’s not well-versed in this world.” (Rob Mahoney, 06:05)

• Debate about how “dumb” or oblivious the biker gang is for not considering Robbie the main suspect.
• Introduction of Aaron (Robbie’s brother's lover and Jason’s partner), played by Margarita Levieva, sparks predictions about her narrative importance:

  “I just don’t…find it hard to believe she’s just popping in and out for one scene… I feel like there’s more to come from her.” (Bill Simmons, 10:26)

2. Double Moles, Classic Predecessors, and Task Force Dynamics

[10:32-13:23]

• Dissection of the "double mole" maneuver within the narrative:

  “The task force is the group that's still trying to get up to speed… the dual rat, dual mole situation happening actually leads everybody to be pretty well informed.” (Rob Mahoney, 10:32)

• References made to The Departed and Infernal Affairs as genre templates.

3. Freddy’s Introduction and The Art of the TV Monologue

[11:20-14:18]

• Freddy Frius enters the picture—a complex fence with a memorable speech about anti-biker trauma.
• Both the writing and acting of monologues are debated as slightly over-the-top yet effective, with Joanna noting:

  “You always want a little bit more for [Elvis Nolasco]… I would not ditch the teeth monologue though. It was incredibly good.” (Joanna Robinson, 12:10)

4. Robbie’s Dilemma: Escape or Escalation?

[15:39-20:01]

• Robbie’s decision to move the drugs rather than escape is questioned:

  “I would take the kids and Maeve and go and never look back. I would not try to move a bunch of drugs while the cops are looking for me and the bikers are looking for me at the same time.” (Joanna Robinson, 16:34)

• The classic downfall in crime fiction is discussed: characters compulsively chasing the “big score” even when it isn’t rational.

5. The Mole Hunt—Who’s Leaking?

[22:23-27:03]

• The hosts analyze clues and red herrings around the identity of the supposed task force mole, scrutinizing Grasso, Lizzie, and Aaliyah.
• Key speculation:

  “My pushback on that is that of the three, [Aaliyah’s] the one we least suspect… Lizzie is such a fuck up that she can't then also be the… mole.” (Joanna Robinson, 26:36)

• Bill proposes a misdirection theory that even the informant alleging a mole might himself be the leak.

6. Character Depth, Cop Bar Politics, and Task Force Banter

[27:34-32:24]

• Lizzie’s checkered past (“Lizzie Stovetop”), the weaponized “freeze” under pressure motif, and bar interactions are broken down for hidden meaning and future setups.
• Rob speculates the “Stovetop” nickname is related more to her desk duty funk:

  “She froze in some capacity, got benched as an on-duty officer and then… the desk, and stovetop sits on the counter.” (Rob Mahoney, 29:24)

7. Family Flashbacks and Emotional Stakes

[34:07-36:17, 41:17-44:50]

• The debate about legacy—Robbie vs. iconic TV antiheroes—is connected back to Breaking Bad and The Sopranos.
• The Ruffalo family flashbacks, their tragic resonance, and possible future implications are mulled over, including Sarah’s wine-pouring coping mechanism.

8. Chase Sequence and “Scooby-Doo” Reveal

[38:28-41:20]

• A home invasion gone sideways provides suspense, a “Scooby Doo” mask-off, and reveals about Cliff’s life.

  “After we had this two chains… we pull the mask and it’s her. I was surprised.” (Bill Simmons, 38:42)

9. Accents, Athleticism, and Details That Matter

[52:49-53:46]

• The hosts appraise the show’s commitment to regional accents:

  “A lot of ‘daughter’ in this episode… I’m enjoying the full range of accent emotion.” (Rob Mahoney, 52:55)

• Special praise for Lizzie and Maeve’s performances by non-American actors.

Memorable Quotes and Standout Moments

• Joanna (on Robbie):

  “They’ve gone so hard on making us like Robbie…so that’s the thing that I’m worried about: can his humanity survive the pressures that he’s going to feel from all sides?” (37:17)

• Bill (on drinking and realism):

  “That last wine pour he had wasn’t even a pour. It was like a glug. It was like pouring out something after a party…” (56:52)

• Rob (on monologue excess):

  “I thought this one was easily like the most TV thing in this show that has happened all season. It felt like a pause, clear out, let the actor cook…a little showy.” (13:23)

• Joanna (on heavy-handed reiteration):

  “Do you think this moment where there’s like, ‘well, here they are. It’s Aaliyah, Lizzie, Anthony. This is what they look like. Just so you know…’? Like, I thought that was a really weird moment.” (48:09)

• Maeve’s Yearbook Wisdom:

  “When you get older, you get to choose what you take from your parents and what you leave behind.” (Maeve, 54:12, quoted by Bill)

Key Timestamps by Segment

• Discussing Robbie’s Motivation / Biker Gang Revenge: 02:01–09:39
• Examining the Double Mole and Crime Drama History: 10:32–13:23
• Freddy's Entrance & “Teeth” Monologue Debate: 11:20–14:18
• Robbie’s Escape Choices Analyzed: 15:39–20:01
• Intensive Mole Hunt Theories: 22:23–27:03
• Bar Scene, “Lizzie Stovetop” & Task Force Chemistry: 27:34–32:24
• Flashbacks and Legacy Discussion: 34:07–36:17, 41:17–44:50
• Chase Scene & “Scooby-Doo” Reveal: 38:28–41:20
• Accents, Athleticism, and Easter Eggs: 52:49–53:46
• Maeve’s Advice to Sam: 54:12
• Predictions and Odds for Sam’s Survival: 54:47–55:44

Predictions and Theories

• Will Sam survive? Under 6.5 episodes seems favored (Bill), but Joanna’s still optimistic.
• The Mole's Identity: Suspicion leans toward a non-obvious suspect (possibly the informant or Plimpton), with Lizzie framed as a potential red herring.
• Upcoming Deaths: Expect one of the task force (likely Lizzie) and a biker gang member to die soon.
• Robbie’s Fate: Hosts agree he likely won’t make it to Canada—anticipate tragic consequences and questions of whether he retains his core (‘human’) decency.
• Bartender and Ginger Beard: Bartender predicted to protect Aaron, while Ginger Beard is top of the “death rankings.”

Closing Thoughts

The episode features sharp, affectionate critiques of Task's storytelling, acting, and genre conventions. While some monologues and flashbacks are flagged as formulaic, the hosts praise nuanced performances and the show’s careful layering of clues. The podcast closes with lively speculation about deaths, betrayals, and the likelihood of Emmy-reel monologues incoming.

Notable Outro:
Joanna’s potential “Heavy Pour” podcast for TV wine moments and predictions of courtroom scenes in episode 4 provide a lighthearted finish to a substantive, energetic recap.

For more insights, follow the Prestige TV Podcast on Spotify and The Ringer’s platforms. Keep watching—and keep guessing who’s the mole!