The Prestige TV Podcast

Task Episode 4: "All Roads"

Original Air Date: September 29, 2025
Host: Bill Simmons, with Rob Mahoney & Joanna Robinson

Overview

In this episode, Bill Simmons, Rob Mahoney, and Joanna Robinson dissect Episode 4 (“All Roads”) of the television series Task. The trio explores what they see as a transitional, middle-of-the-season episode—one they acknowledge as the "worst" of the four aired so far, but one that still earns high marks for its storytelling and performances. Their conversation touches on character investment (especially the comparative lack of Maeve), the role of family and community, narrative structure (notably the flashback), and the ongoing “mole” mystery within the police force. The hosts also debate the functionality of therapy scenes and dream sequences in prestige TV, break down the pivotal events and revelations of the episode, and end with predictions and power rankings as the show enters its back half.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Episode Structure, Tone, & Pacing

• Transitional Feel: The hosts agree this episode feels like a pivot point leading toward the show’s endgame—propulsive, but with a sense of “moving pieces into place.”
• Less Maeve: A recurring critique is the diminished presence of Maeve, a character the group feels most emotionally invested in.
• Flashbacks: The midseason flashback is discussed as a significant narrative choice, notable for its emotional resonance and frequent use of Allman Brothers music.
• Nitpicks: The group openly discusses elements that didn’t work: scenes with Emily ("Ruffalo's daughter"), and what some see as meandering or less consequential subplots.

Quote:
“Probably the worst episode of the four, but yet I thoroughly enjoyed it and I give it…at least an A minus.” – Bill Simmons [00:25]
“I think not enough Maeve. I think I'm most emotionally invested in Maeve, and I think the lack of Maeve makes this...I still liked this episode.” – Joanna Robinson [00:36]

2. Thematic Deep Dive: Family, Community, & Outsiders

• Family as Anchor & Prison: Joanna and Rob note how themes of being inside versus outside family and community lines echo across every plotline, framing central character struggles.
• Subplot: Emily’s Monologue: The discussion turns to Emily’s feelings of gratitude and alienation in her adopted family, which some panelists felt didn’t quite connect.
• Legacy of Daughters in Dramas: They compare Emily’s arc to that of teenage daughters elsewhere in prestige TV, referencing Homeland and its notorious “daughter subplot” pitfalls.

Quote:
“I think the theme of what she was talking about…that works in every plotline about family and community and what it means to be inside of that community and what it means to be outside that community…” – Joanna Robinson [02:42]

3. Therapy Scenes and Dream Sequences in Prestige TV

• Mixed Feelings: The hosts critique therapy and dream sequences as overused expository tools in modern TV, with nods to The Sopranos as a polarizing example.
• First-Time Watch of The Sopranos: Joanna and Rob reveal they are about to start The Sopranos for the first time for a future miniseries, to Bill’s astonishment.

Quote:
“Therapy scenes and dream sequences. Yeah, I'm out…Just give me the meat, give me the potatoes.” – Bill Simmons [05:48]

4. Character Focus: Detective Perry’s "Heat Check"

• Perry’s Ascendance: Across the episode, Perry emerges as the series’ most competent and interesting investigator, mirroring classic antihero energy from other prestige dramas.
• Mother Council & Dark Hearts Org: The group tries to untangle the biker gang’s power structure, delighting in “tropes” like the “call’s been made” and “Mother Council.”
• Motivation for Saving Jason: Perry’s defense of Jason is seen as investment in a flawed protégé—a relationship that is equal parts mentorly and menacing.
• Key Threat Scene: Perry’s threat to Aaron is read as an explicit warning: “If you need to leave, I could put you and the kids somewhere he'll never find you.” [15:36]

Quotes:
“He is the best detective on the show.” – Joanna Robinson [12:59]
“I took that as an absolute, absolute threat.” – Bill Simmons [15:53]

5. Flashbacks, Death, and Ritual

• Major Flashback Scene: The quarry flashback with Billy and Robbie is laden with emotional weight—two brothers, their lost dreams, and the fateful seeds of violence and revenge.
• Cliff’s Downfall: Cliff’s death is dissected as both inevitable and deeply sad, with dark humor about the logistics of filming his demise and the sadness permeating the show’s world.
• Symbolism of “It’s Over”: Discussion centers on how several characters already realize, on some level, that their fates are sealed—a theme literalized through the show’s flashbacks and the episode’s title.

Quotes:
“I love the flashback scene. I thought it was great…There’s so many important things that happen in that scene…” – Bill Simmons [38:02]
“This whole, you know, theme that comes up from Billy in the flashback of, like, it's already over. You don't know, but it's already done.” – Joanna Robinson [31:36]

6. The Mole Mystery

• Who’s the Informant? Multiple theories abound (Plimpton, Grasso, Lizzie, or a “double mole” scenario), as the group tears apart the evidence and direction of the reveal.
• Narrative Hand-Fake?: Joanna suspects that the seemingly straightforward reveal could be a red herring, while Rob argues for a more baroque, collaborative betrayal.

Quote:
“I think we're going double mole. I think Plimpton is a mole, but she's also working with one of the two, Grasso or Lizzie.” – Rob Mahoney [22:27]

7. Relationships & Power Dynamics

• Lizzie & Grasso’s Subplot: The hosts analyze their clumsy would-be romance—awkward, moralistic, and possibly loaded with double meaning about trust issues and secrets.
• Power Rankings of Potential Moles: Lizzie emerges as the character whose betrayal would hurt most, given her messily endearing qualities.

Quotes:
“I think Lizzie’s really good. She’s a hot mess in a good way, and I really like it. And I'm ready to do my power rankings...” – Bill Simmons [26:44]

8. Childhood Trauma and Realism

• The group shares insights from a listener/child psychologist about the plausibility of Sam’s behavior—his passivity and adaptability as responses to abuse.
• Robbie’s inability to be a responsible father emerges in stark contrast to his increasingly destructive actions.

Quote:
“He's going to be terrified at this point…But what makes it interesting in good TV is, like, it comes within the spirit of Robbie trying to be a good dad. He just doesn't know how to be a responsible dad.” – Rob Mahoney [37:52]

9. Predicting What Comes Next

• Lack of Mystery, Ticking Clock: With viewers ahead of the characters, tension shifts to “when” and “how” rather than “who” and “why.”
• Maeve-Centric Episode Ahead?: The absence of Maeve in this hour suggests she will take center stage in the next.
• Calls for More Ruffalo (Tom): The podcasters note that Tom continues to seem like a weak or out-of-his-depth leader.

Quotes:
“As we move into the last three, which is going to be…action, action, action, chase, all of that stuff that's going to be propulsive. But I think that might be why this. This middle section feels a little soft.” – Joanna Robinson [40:07]

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Allman Brothers Flashbacks:
  "Has a band ever been in more flashbacks than the Allman Brothers?" – Bill Simmons [01:17]
• On Daughters in Dramas:
  "It does bring up the legacy of daughters in dramas. This is big Homeland, famous one." – Bill Simmons [04:30]
• On Perry’s Tough Love:
  "If you need to leave, I could put you and the kids somewhere he'll never find you. Is that in the ground?" – Joanna Robinson [15:36]
• On Cliff’s Demise:
  "How did he breathe? I'd be so bummed out…we’re going to Saran Wrap you with a bunch of fudgeing makeup on..." – Bill Simmons [43:13]
• On “Delusional Men in TV”:
  “He thinks he’s going to go to Canada. A plan that’s never worked in the history of TV or movies, ever.” – Bill Simmons [35:22]

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Topic | |-----------|-------| | 00:13 - 02:42 | Episode critique; lack of Maeve; flashback structure | | 04:26 - 05:34 | Family/community theme; Emily’s subplot | | 05:34 - 06:11 | Therapy & dream scenes critique; Sopranos tangent | | 08:06 - 12:21 | Detective Perry deep dive; Dark Hearts “Mother Council” | | 13:01 - 17:14 | Perry’s threats; toxic mentor/mentee relationships | | 29:06 - 32:13 | Robbie & Sam’s runaway scene (and consequences) | | 31:00 - 32:13 | Cliff’s death and its inevitability | | 40:07 - 41:16 | On being “ahead” of the characters as viewers | | 44:14 - 45:31 | Predictions for future episodes |

Running Jokes & Pop Culture Tangents

• Allman Brothers as Flashback Soundtrack [01:01]
• “Homeland daughter” syndrome [04:30]
• Softball positions for Lizzie [26:37]
• NBA analogies (Steve Balmer as Robbie/Cliff) [34:14]
• The Summer I Turned Pretty and Dad Discomfort [49:35]

Closing Thoughts

As the show transitions into its back half, the hosts are both critical and excited: more action is promised, mysteries seem poised for resolution, and the core themes of family, failing parents, and self-delusion deepen. Maeve’s upcoming prominence is teased, as is the major meeting between Tom and Robbie.

Final Takeaways:

• The “worst” episode so far is still compelling and propulsive.
• The show’s focus on family, community, and loss of innocence is gaining weight.
• Perry stands out as the most dynamic antihero character.
• The “mole” subplot is primed for twists—with many suspects and emotional stakes.
• A major, Maeve-driven episode is likely next, with action and revelations on the horizon.

For listeners seeking additional analysis, power rankings, and wild speculation, subscribe and tune in weekly—and always remember, All Roads (still) lead to Maeve.