Warning! This review contains SPOILERS for Countdown season 1, episodes 1-3.When I learned about Countdown, I was instantly excited by the idea of a Jensen Ackles-led action series by One Chicago co-creator Derek Haas. As a major Supernatural fan, I have followed Ackles’ career for a long time, and the actor always delivers, be it in emotional moments, where levity is concerned, or even in explosive action scenes. Countdown spotlights the actor’s skills with an intriguing setup that puts Ackles’ Mark Meachum in the middle of scary events that could have disastrous consequences if a secret plan is not stopped.
Countdown is an action-heavy series. It does great work in that regard, starting with a thrilling chase sequence and featuring quite a few creative set pieces. The Prime Video series always keeps us guessing when it comes to how action scenes will play out, which is a lot of fun. When it comes to the story, while predictable in its first three episodes, the task force’s efforts to stop a terrorist hit classic beats of the genre. The chemistry between the LAPD, FBI, DEA, and Secret Service agents on the task force starts to build nicely.
Countdown Starts With Solid Setup & A Shocking Cameo Episode 1 Has To Do All The World-Building For The Show
Besides Ackles’ Mark, Countdown’s task force is made up of Jessica Camacho’s Amber Oliveras, Uli Latukefu’s Lucas Finau, Elliot Knight’s Keyonte Bell, and Violett Beane’s Evan Shepherd, all led by the watchful eye of Eric Dane’s Nathan Blythe and his second in command, Jonathan Togo’s Damon Drew. To get the team together, Countdown employs what feels like an Avengers-style sequence where we see what the characters are up to in their respective lines of work before they are called in to be part of Blythe’s task force.
It reveals key details, such as Meachum having an aggressive brain tumor and that the cartel is smuggling fissile material.
The introduction is a bit all over the place. Still, the action scenes are effective, and most of the characters show a lot of promise in the pilot episode. Episode 1 is packed with information, setting up what I felt were two better follow-ups. It reveals key details, such as Meachum having an aggressive brain tumor and that the cartel is smuggling fissile material. I was not expecting to learn that about Ackles’ character, and it completely changes the show as Meachum tries to work around his bleak diagnosis over the first three episodes.
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Another unexpected reveal in episode 1 is that Milo Ventimiglia is in Countdown. I was excited to see him, and the actor turned in another charismatic performance in the brief time he had on the show. After a thrilling chase sequence, Ventimiglia’s cameo ended with DHS officer Darden being gunned down. I think casting the actor in the role was effective, as Ventimiglia is a known fan favorite, and his character’s death helps pull the rug from under the viewer. Episodes 2 and 3 build on the first’s setup nicely, with Darden’s death kick-starting a wide-spanning investigation.
Countdown’s Best Action Sequence Yet Is Nerve-Wracking Episode 2 Stars To See The Cast Settle Into Their Roles Close
While Ackles is the show’s main star, I’m enjoying the larger ensemble and how Countdown leans more into the task force as a whole. Episode 2 spotlights my second favorite character on the team after this first batch of episodes, Camacho’s Amber Oliveras. It is through her connections that the team takes a trip down to Mexico to get a truck full of drugs across the border to gain the cartel’s trust and the information they need. That leads to an intricate sequence.
Since they are unable to go through official channels, which could be tracked by the cartel, the task force has to improvise to get the truck across the border. The sequence is filled with tension, and the cast does a great job selling this high-stakes situation. The resolution is not devoid of humor, as Meachum’s “cowboy” attitude makes him the perfect fall guy to distract officials as Finau goes through with the truck. Despite some misunderstandings, the characters are starting to feel like a team. With Volchek’s past also explained, episode 2 is a step up from the first.
A Prison Break Eventually Leads To A Shocking Conclusion Episode 3 Might Have Featured Countdown’s Second Major Death Close
Episode 3 is the one that feels like a showcase for Ackles the most. That is due to how it separates Meachum from the rest of the team for most of the episode. The prison break plot is exciting and helps add some new elements to the show. With his constant headaches, I was afraid Meachum would not be able to pull off the mission, but not only did he do a great job in getting his informant to think he was on his side, but he also stumbled upon Volchek’s plans.
Episode 3’s shocking moment comes from its ending, with Drew getting shot.
I was surprised by how fast the story seemed to be advancing. After all, Countdown season 1 will have 13 episodes, and by the end of episode 3, not only does the team know about Volchek’s existence, but Meachum has already come face to face with him — albeit he doesn’t know it’s Volchek — and his plans. Episode 3’s shocking moment comes from its ending, with Drew getting shot. After learning about the death of his son earlier and seeing how he stood up to protect the task force, I’m hoping he does not become Countdown’s second major death.
Countdown’s first three episodes are now streaming on Prime Video, with new episodes airing every Wednesday.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review Like Follow Followed Countdown Season 1, Episodes 1-3 Drama Crime Mystery Thriller 7/10 9.8/10 Release Date June 25, 2025 Network Prime Video Showrunner Derek Haas Cast See All Jensen Ackles Mark Meachum Jessica Camacho Amber Oliveras
Creator(s) Derek Haas Seasons 1 Streaming Service(s) Amazon Prime Video Expand Collapse Pros & Cons
