When Mark Ruffalo, who stars as FBI agent Tom Brandis, and Tom Pelphrey as the volatile robber Robbie Prendergrast, stepped onto the set for episode five, they were back on the very streets and parks that gave the show its gritty Pennsylvania vibe.
The episode, which aired on October 5, 2025, pushes the narrative toward a showdown in the Poconos, but the real spotlight this week is on the locations that make the series feel like a love letter – and a warning – to the Philadelphia region. Created by Brad Ingelsby, the mind behind Mare of Easttown, the show leans heavily on real‑world backdrops, from the leafy trails of Wissahickon Valley Park to the downtown din of a historic diner.
Philadelphia and Delaware County: The Real‑World Backdrop
Philadelphia itself isn’t just a filming permit; it’s practically a character. The series uses the city’s Italian Market, the former police headquarters known as the Roundhouse, and the iconic Ralph’s Italian Restaurant on South 9th Street to inject authentic local color. Philadelphia provides the urban density that juxtaposes nicely against the rural feel of the Poconos finale.
Just across the river, Delaware County serves up a patchwork of small‑town sites. From the polished corridors of the Delaware County Courthouse to the humble charm of the Upland Diner, each spot feels lived‑in. Even the house where Brandis lives – a four‑bedroom colonial built in 1939, valued at roughly $500,000 – was scouted in Broomall, Marple Township, adding a dash of suburban realism.
Filming Hotspots: Parks, Universities, and Local Eats
The production kicked off its outdoor work in early July 2024. crews arrived at Wissahickon Valley Park on July 22, setting up near the 2,042‑acre expanse of woods and the winding Wissahickon Creek. They shot pivotal chase scenes at Kitchen’s Lane Bridge, Thomas Mill Covered Bridge, and the winding stretch of Wises Mill Road. The park’s natural scenery doubled as both a sanctuary and a threat for the characters, a duality the show’s creators aimed to capture.
University campuses also got a turn. The scene where the FBI holds a career fair was filmed inside the Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality, and Character Development at Neumann University in Aston. The modern glass façade gave a sleek contrast to the otherwise rustic settings.
Local businesses sprinkled authenticity throughout the episode. A quick bite for Ruffalo’s character was captured at A Cut Above Deli in Newtown Square – a nod to a scene from episode two. Meanwhile, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard appeared in a background shot, reminding viewers of the region’s summer treats.
- Wissahickon Valley Park – Northwest Philadelphia (filmed July 22 2024 onward)
- Neumann University – Aston, Delaware County (career‑fair scene)
- Ralph’s Italian Restaurant – South 9th St, Italian Market
- Upland Diner – Chester, Delaware County
- Marcus Hook Community Center – Delaware River waterfront
Plot Twists in Episode 5 and What They Mean
The episode opens with Robbie storming into his old friend Ray’s house demanding answers about his partner Cliff’s disappearance – only to find Ray incarcerated. The tension spikes when Perry, the elder of the Dark Hearts biker gang, barges into Robbie and Maeve’s home, hunting for a photograph that could tie Robbie to a recent gang‑bloodbath.
The FBI’s task force finally gets a break: Aleah uncovers a fingerprint linking Maeve to the missing child Sam, prompting Brandis to race to the Prendergrast residence. The real shocker, though, is the reveal that Anthony Grasso (played by Fabien Frankel) is the mole – a DJ called “Grassanova” – secretly meeting with Perry’s protege Jayson. Task has finally taken its first big turn, setting the stage for betrayals that will roll into the Poconos finale.
“We wanted the audience to feel the geography as if it were a third character,” Brad Ingelsby told Variety. “Every bridge, every diner, every park is a piece of the puzzle.”
Production Details: Dates, Crew Moves, and Set Secrets
Principal photography spanned spring and summer 2024. The production schedule was tight: after wrapping up Wissahickon Valley Park on August 9, crews shifted to Coatesville, filming at Lefty’s Bar on Strode Avenue for gritty bar‑scene authenticity. A day’s shoot in Mont Clare captured the rolling hills that foreshadow the eventual Poconos showdown.
Aside from location logistics, the show’s sound department faced a unique challenge. The opening theme, composed by an up‑and‑coming Pennsylvania musician, was recorded inside the historic Roundhouse to capture natural reverb. The episode’s sound‑mix engineer noted, “The echo of the old police hall adds a subtle layer of tension we didn’t have to fake in post.”
Looking Ahead: The Poconos Finale
With episode five’s revelations, the series bends toward its climactic convergence in the Pocono Mountains. The final showdown will likely use the same blend of natural beauty and industrial grit that has defined the show so far. Fans can expect more cameo appearances by local eateries – a tradition the producers have embraced since day one.
New episodes continue to air Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO, with each installment available shortly after on HBO Max.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the career‑fair scene in episode 5 filmed?
The career‑fair took place inside the Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality, and Character Development at Neumann University in Aston, Delaware County, during the summer shoot in July 2024.
How many acres does Wissahickon Valley Park cover, and why is it significant for the series?
The park spans about 2,042 acres of forest and creek‑side terrain. Its dense woods and historic bridges offered natural backdrops for chase sequences, reinforcing the series’ theme of the city’s wilderness intersecting with crime.
What is the significance of the mole reveal involving Anthony Grasso?
Discovering that Fabien Frankel’s character Anthony Grasso is the undercover DJ “Grassanova” inside the FBI task force pivots the storyline toward internal betrayal, raising the stakes for the final Poconos confrontation.
When can viewers expect the series finale to air?
The show is slated to wrap up with its final episode in early November 2025, following the scheduled Sunday‑night run that began on September 28 2025.
Why does the production keep using real local businesses?
Using places like Rita’s Italian Ice, A Cut Above Deli, and Ralph’s Italian Restaurant grounds the drama in recognizable Pennsylvania culture, giving viewers an authentic sense of place and supporting the local economy.
