Warning! This review contains SPOILERS for Countdown season 1, episode 8
Countdown’s new episode is exactly the kind of explosive storyline that I signed up for when I started watching the show. Throughout the series' first season, I’ve realized howCountdownfeels more like a network TV show than most streaming productions. There is a single storyline to follow, which is the hunt for Volchek.
However, each episode feels like an independent part of the full picture, with some not as relevant to the main goal of the show. That differs from what other popular streaming series, such as Netflix’sStranger Thingsor Prime Video’s ownReacher, attempt to do, as their stories are not as episodic. That said,Countdowninterestingly brings a mesh of both formats.
I say that because the Prime Video series sure knows how to close an episode. While season 1 has been constantly good, I’m surprised by just how most episodes seem to spike in terms of tension or shocking events in the last few minutes.Countdownemploys cliffhangers quite frequently, and they work wonders for the show.
One of my favorites was the uncertainty about whether Drew (Jonathan Togo), who had just been shot, would die or live in the next episode.Countdowndid not take long to answer that, with his tragic death happening early in the next episode. That is why I’m dreading the arrival of episode 9, as it could signal another major death.
Countdown Might Have Just Killed A Major Character (Again)
The Prime Video Series Continues To Feature Shocking Moments
It’s hard to talk aboutCountdownepisode 8 without going right into the main event, as the show could look entirely different by the next episode. I was curious about how the latest hour kept pushing the idea that Jensen Ackles' Meachum had to tell Blythe (Eric Dane) about his tumor. Sure, it would be the right thing to do.
After some time, I wondered whether something would happen that would make Meachum and Blythe’s conversation impossible.
However, I felt like revealing that information right after he finally opened up to Oliveras (Jessica Camacho) about it inCountdownepisode 7would be too fast for the show. As the episode progressed, I started to take in the context clues the show was leaving, like Blythe putting himself in harm’s way over Meachum and their conversation always getting pushed.
After some time, I wondered whether something would happen that would make Meachum and Blythe’s conversation impossible. I was still shocked by the show’s answer to that question. A betrayal at the hands of the Belarusian Consul General would have been expected, but the fact that Volchek killed the man was quite the reveal.
I instantly feared for Blythe’s life, as I’ve become fond of the leader of the task force. Volchek has killed many people onscreen, so the fact that he stabbed Blythe and the episode ended shortly after gives me hope that he could live. That said, things were not looking good, andCountdownmight have had its biggest death.
This Is The Second Time He Faked His Death
Regarding Volchek, episode 8 is easily one of the best in terms of showcasing his backstory and explaining why he has become a terrorist. Plot points from his past, such as his brother’s and wife’s deaths, return to haunt him. I enjoyed how the show made it a point to explain Volchek’s growing bitterness.
He went from being a regular man to being on the run to someone attempting a new start in life. There are different sides to the character, and it’s been interesting to watch him go throughCountdown’s flashbacks. Tricked into blackmailing a city official, Volchek is taken by the police and beaten up by a group of criminals at the precinct.
Countdownis the first I’ve seen of Bogdan Yasinski, but the actor is instantly one to watch. He adds the necessary intensity to every scene with Volchek. Whenever the character is onscreen, anything can happen. That leads to his big moment in the episode. Volchek kills the man who offered him help, faking his death once again.
Meachum & Oliveras Almost Kiss
The Romance Still Has Time To Blossom
Elsewhere in the episode, there was a moment for family trouble and much-needed romance. We finally get to dive a little bit deeper into Shepherd’s (Violett Beane) life, with her talking to her mom on the phone and her sister (a total “disaster”) calls her, deciding to suddenly crash at her place.
I want more of that. Seeing pieces of the task force members' personal lives helps me invest more in these characters and subsequently care when they are put in danger. To that end, the show’s most developed characters finally had the romantic moment I had been waiting for.
Ackles' Meachum tries to get Camacho’s Oliveras to crash with him
After they fail to arrive in time to catch Volchek’s trucks, Blythe sends everyone home to rest for a few hours before a 48-hour crunch time. Ackles' Meachum tries to get Camacho’s Oliveras to crash with him. They have a moment on his porch where it seems like they’ll kiss, but she chooses not to.
I’m convinced that Oliveras does not want to let her guard down now that she knows Meachum doesn’t have much time left. From what we’ve seen, she is someone who doesn’t want to get hurt after her vulnerable time undercover. I hope that will change in the future. Maybe whatever happens with Blythe inCountdownmakes them closer.
Countdown Season 1, Episode 8
Cast
Countdown, released in 2025, follows LAPD detective Mark Meachum as he joins a secret task force composed of undercover agents from various law enforcement branches. Following the murder of a Department of Homeland Security officer, they uncover a deep conspiracy, igniting a time-sensitive mission to protect millions.
