Review of Prime Video’s ‘Countdown’: A New Cop Drama with Potential for Provoking Existential Questions

If there’s one thing “Countdown” had me questioning, it’s my love for TV. On repeat viewings, I kept reassuring myself that television is a treasure trove of great content—this show just didn’t quite hit the mark.

“Countdown” kicks off with a Department of Homeland Security agent’s murder, setting FBI Special Agent Nathan Blythe (played by Eric Dane) on a mission to assemble a crack team to catch the killer. Enter LAPD detective Mark Meachum (Jensen Ackles) with his rough-and-tumble style and a host of unresolved personal problems. Together, they unravel a global conspiracy that puts the entire city of Los Angeles at stake.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—the show isn’t great. It lacks suspense, emotional depth, and any significant memorability. It almost feels like it’s going through the motions without any real passion. The plotting is routine, the dialogues are on-the-nose, and the characters feel more like caricatures than real people.

Where “Countdown” shines a bit is in its interpersonal dynamics. When it dials down the convoluted plotlines, moments of genuine connection between characters emerge. There are a few simmering subplots that catch your attention, and some characters reveal surprising nuances that keep you hooked.

Yet, the show’s simplistic narrative and lackluster execution overshadow these glimmers of promise. The action sequences are all noise and no substance, relying on jarring cuts and loud music cues to convey intensity. And let’s talk about the soundtrack choices—blues-rock anthems blare over scenes without adding much value, leaving you scratching your head.

Despite its flaws, “Countdown” is not without its redeeming qualities. In the latter half of the season, it introduces fresh elements that inject a much-needed dose of intrigue. A new character and a twist in the plot hint at a more engaging direction, offering hope for better storytelling ahead.

“Countdown” hails from Derek Haas, the creator of popular TV procedurals like the “Chicago” series. While the show may not have hit the mark for me, it may appeal to fans of Haas’ signature style. Ultimately, as a fan of investigative dramas and crime thrillers, I found myself counting down the minutes till the end of each episode.

If you’re curious to form your own opinion, catch the premiere of “Countdown” on Wednesday, June 25, on Prime Video. And who knows, it might just resonate with you in a way that it didn’t with me.