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The fictional biker gang, the Dark Hearts, in the new HBO miniseries “Task”, was created out of a need for plot development. The series draws inspiration from Michael Mann’s 1995 crime film “Heat”, encouraging viewers to empathize with both FBI Agent Tom Brandis, played by Mark Ruffalo, and the thief he pursues, Robbie Prendergrast, portrayed by Tom Pelphrey. According to Brad Ingelsby, the creator of “Task”, the gang was introduced to add tension to the story, stating, “The audience needed to be scared, and eventually you have to have a bad guy come in.”

While “Task” incorporates familiar crime genre elements, such as a biker gang reminiscent of “Sons of Anarchy”, it remains rooted in reality. Ingelsby, who grew up near Philadelphia, had heard stories about the notorious motorcycle club The Warlocks. However, during his research for the Dark Hearts, he encountered challenges. “All the cops and detectives we talked to were like, ‘Dude, they’re all druggies. They’re all just selling so they can get high,’” he explained, emphasizing his desire to avoid stereotypes.

Ingelsby aimed to give the Dark Hearts the same depth as his other characters, particularly the father-son dynamic between Perry, played by Jamie McShane, and Jayson, portrayed by Sam Keeley. Jeremiah Zagar, the executive producer and director of “Task”, noted that the bikers initially lacked realism, which was crucial for the story. When Zagar and his producing partner, Jeremy Yaches, joined the project, they sought consultants who could provide a more nuanced perspective on regional motorcycle clubs.

During this research phase, Zagar received an unexpected call from a childhood friend, Carim Mow, who had a history with a biker gang. Although Mow was hesitant to officially consult due to legal issues from his past, he eventually contributed to the show. His insights proved invaluable, and he is now credited in “Task”.

“He expressed a love for this culture and a sense of brotherhood that we didn’t get from the cops,” Zagar said of Mow’s impact. Ingelsby added, “We leaned on him a lot throughout the series… He was such a great resource.” Mow’s presence on set helped ensure authenticity in the portrayal of the gang’s relationship with motorcycles, firearms, and drugs. Zagar remarked, “When he spoke to the actors about the guns they used or the drugs they sold, it was with such specificity and knowledge. I think it made the show great.”

Episode 5 of “Task” airs on HBO and HBO Max on Sunday, October 5. To catch Brad Ingelsby’s interview about “Task” on October 20, subscribe to the Toolkit podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

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