The Watch – Episode Summary

Title: The Emmys Mostly Got It Right and ‘Task’ Episode 2
Date: September 15, 2025
Hosts: Chris Ryan (A), Andy Greenwald (B)
Podcast: The Watch (The Ringer)

Episode Overview

This episode dives into a comprehensive post-mortem on the 2025 Emmy Awards (aired the previous night), analyzing what the ceremony got right, wrong, and what it portends for the TV industry. The hosts then break down Episode 2 of HBO’s "Task," focusing on character development, storytelling technique, and the intricacies of its Philadelphia setting.

The Emmys: Winners, Losers, and the State of TV

1. Nate Bargatze’s Host Performance

• Summary: Andy Greenwald, an avowed fan, felt Bargatze's stint was an “all-time worst hosting performance,” describing it as an “epic heat check.”
• Quote: “He clearly thought that he could just show up and be like, ‘Well, I don’t know stuff, and host an award show.’ You can’t do that. You especially can’t do that with the Emmys…” – Andy (02:42)
• Complaint: The charity speech timing “joke” (reducing a donation as speeches ran long) was called “a dumb bit from the beginning,” ultimately undermining the winners’ moments (04:09).

2. A Transitional Moment for Television?

• Discussion of the Emmys’ “end of an era” vibe, with CBS’s recent purchase by Skydance and a sense that the industry landscape is shifting.
• Quote: “I couldn’t help but wonder if we were really saying goodbye more than we were saying hello…” – Chris (07:15)

3. Key Winners and Narrative Shifts

• White Lotus: Shut out due to show fatigue, internal vote-splitting.
  • Quote: “Wildly shut out, although I think it was slightly predictable with a combination of show fatigue.” – Andy (07:56)
• The Pit: Dominated, industry support noted due to its work for LA crews, traditional structure.
  • Quote: “The industry is always going to vote for a show that employs hundreds of people on a soundstage in Los Angeles...” – Andy (12:09)
• Severance: Admired, but described as a “cold show” emotionally—got some acting wins, but not the top drama.
• Adolescence: Praised for form-breaking creativity (“moves the medium forward”), with heartfelt cast reactions.
  • Quote: “That show is art. That show is important. That show is astonishing, jaw-dropping, moves the medium forward and deserves everything.” – Andy (16:43)

4. Other Notable Wins

• Katherine LaNasa (first-time Emmy for "The Pit"); Jeff Hiller for "Somebody Somewhere"—emphasizing importance of “share the wealth” for less mainstream shows (09:33).
• Studio: Won comedy, praised for “ambitious in its aims of being a comedy” (18:44).
  • Quote: “The studio won not just because of industry navel-gazing… it was a comedy that was fully ambitious in its aims of being a comedy.” – Andy (18:44)
• Behind the scenes:
  • Frida Perez’s trajectory from Seth Rogen’s assistant to Emmy-winning producer was highlighted as emblematic of waning “institutional support and growth opportunities” (21:03).

5. Emmys’ Importance and Cultural Legacy

• Discussion on how Emmys impact show longevity more than cultural discourse.
• Quote: “It does matter in terms of the lifespan of shows. It can give them a second chance.” – Andy (25:17)
• “Wire” as precedent for shows beloved despite never winning big awards (26:08).
• Severance positioned as the current Charles Barkley-esque “best show never to win” (27:29).

6. Host Discussion (Who Should Host?) (29:23–32:44)

• Lengthy reflection on the importance of putting in the work (“effort always matters”)
• Tension debating if another stand-up should host; preference for hosts connected to industry/awards show tradition.
• Quote: “I feel like that is… a comparison point to make. Conan announced as the Oscar host. He did the work and delivered a very, very memorable job hosting.” – Andy (31:24)

‘Task’ Episode 2: “Family Statements” – Deep Dive

1. Overall Impressions

• Chris: Thought it was better than the pilot; credits writer Brad Ingelsby for “making you care about 14 people almost,” even those you dislike (35:58).
• Andy: Praised the show’s “curiosity in every puzzle piece” and small, realistic character beats.
  • Quote: “One of the things that does separate Brad Ingelsby from other writers on TV … he seems to have a genuine curiosity and interest in every puzzle piece that adds up for the larger trauma picture.” – Andy (37:08)

2. Breaking Down Storytelling Technique and Characterization

• Show lauded for real estate devoted to small, human moments (e.g., a plastic Phillies cup’s backstory, “how do you like your pancakes?”).
• Noted contrast to plot-heavy, lore-driven prestige dramas.
• Quote: “There simply isn’t real estate for that kind of small emotional character beat because you’re too busy establishing why Rhaenyra has the right to the throne or whatever…” – Andy (38:01)

3. New Elements and Visual Approaches

• Applauded for the use of photographic/voice-over montage to explain the Dark Hearts motorcycle gang (41:05).
• Cast compared favorably to UK prestige series: “star-making rather than star-affirming” (41:43).

4. Standout Scenes & Subplots

• Maeve’s Moral Quandary:
  • Handling of Robbie’s deception, ensuing ethical dilemma about sheltering Sam (the kidnapped boy).
  • Recognition of her realistic internet searching as “plausibility” in writing (51:20).
  • Impactful drama: “What have you done to us?” – Maeve (53:28)
• DJ Grasanova subplot: Generated fan excitement (“Fujiwara effect” between Hurricane Lizzie and Hurricane Grasanova).
• Task Force Dynamics: Signs of a mole inside both the Dark Hearts and law enforcement; much speculation about who it might be (54:48).

5. Mark Ruffalo’s Performance & Thematic Depth

• Ruffalo’s turn as Tom (ex-priest detective) singled out for subtlety and emotional realism.
  • Quote: “He seemed to collapse inward under the weight of it…An implosion versus an explosion. And it was incredibly memorable for it.” – Andy (59:58)
• Family subplot about trauma and forgiveness contextualizes the episode title “Family Statements.”

6. Philly Details & Atmosphere

• Praise for accurate cultural details: Yuengling over Rolling Rock, local bars, smoking inside, shopping plazas, the “task” force inter-agency dynamic.
• Dialogue peppered with Philly/Eagles humor.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Nate Bargatze’s Hosting:
  “He delivered one of the all time worst hosting performances last night.” – Andy (02:41)

• Industry Changes:
  “I couldn’t help but wonder if we were really saying goodbye more than we were saying hello…” – Chris (07:15)

• On Adolescence:
  “That show is art…moves the medium forward and deserves everything.” – Andy (16:43)

• On The Studio’s Win:
  “The studio won not just because of industry navel-gazing… it was a comedy that was fully ambitious in its aims of being a comedy.” – Andy (18:44)

• On Institutional Support, Frida Perez’s Win:
  “That is how this is supposed to go.” – Andy (21:10)

• On Small Character Beats (“Task”):
  “You write the checks of the character moments so that when you cash them on the set pieces or tension, they just hit harder.” – Chris (35:44)

• On Realism and Human Moments:
  “The show is so much about tone and art direction and vibe…but there is a lot of technique involved here.” – Andy (36:58)

• Ruffalo’s Performance:
  “He seemed to collapse inward under the weight of it…An implosion versus an explosion. And it was incredibly memorable for it.” – Andy (59:58)

Key Timestamps for Segments

• Emmy Awards Recap & Commentary:
  01:19 – 33:04

  • Bargatze hosting: 02:34 – 06:32
  • Industry/Network changes: 06:32 – 07:56
  • Major winners, show-by-show: 07:56 – 18:44
  • Importance of Emmys: 24:28 – 29:19
  • Hosting debate: 29:23 – 32:44

• ‘Task’ Episode 2 Discussion:
  34:27 – 66:00

  • General impressions: 34:27 – 39:05
  • Dark Hearts & storytelling approach: 39:17 – 44:11
  • DJ Grasanova subplot: 44:39 – 46:09
  • Maeve/Sam dilemma: 46:52 – 53:41
  • Law enforcement/dark hearts moles, bar talk: 53:55 – 56:44
  • Brandis family drama: 57:20 – 59:58
  • Philly flavor, details: Throughout
  • Wrap-up, next week teasers: 62:24 – end

Episode Tone & Closing Thoughts

• The tone is energetic, conspiratorial, and frequently self-deprecating, matching the hosts’ close rapport and shared Philly roots.
• Engaged analysis combines with tangents (Eagles, Philly bars, craft beer) for authenticity and humor.
• The episode balances Emmy “inside baseball” with accessible, enthusiastic TV criticism.

Useful For…

• Anyone seeking a sharp, passionate breakdown of the Emmy results—what mattered, what didn’t, and why.
• Fans of "Task" wanting close reading of character, structure, and the show’s regional color.
• Listeners curious about the intersection of TV as an industry, creative medium, and club of weirdos.

Advertisements, housekeeping, and “scenes from next week” segments have been omitted for clarity.