Countdown: A Gritty Procedural That Screams Longevity
As an audience member I don’t want edible cookie-cutter entertainment delivered to me in tin can. I want nuance. I want meaty character development. I want slow burn tension, mixed with fast-paced action. I want a show that makes me think and feel. Don’t hit me over the head with the obvious. I want you to lead me to the edge of the path and let me walk it with your characters, learning what makes them tick, what makes them feel, what makes them reckless and what makes them hide. I want good storytelling. I want Countdown.
Countdown is a gritty procedural punctuated by unhinged excitement and an astounding ensemble cast. Exposing the backstory of each member of the task force comes at a different cadence, while the show firmly rests on three distinct prongs. The first is the high-octane excitement to stop a mad man, alongside that is the slow burn prong of what it took to create the villain they hunt. And the third prong of the stool I parked myself on, and will remain for all 13 episodes, is the character development that creates the vulnerability, tension, drama, romance and intrigue I am already invested in.
In short, this roller-coaster ride of adrenaline-pumping action is exactly what Derek Haas promised and delivered. His storytelling has deftly worked in the thematic elements to not only keep us coming back every Wednesday but has rallied the fans to send a clear message; we want a season two!
What Comes Next?
I will break down each weekly episode in a review/recap article that outlines the mission, the villain, the task force, character development and performance, what worked, what didn’t land, an overall rating and a running list of questions that fans need answered.
Stay tuned!
- Video Compilation Courtesy Prime Video
- Feature Image: Jensen Ackles, Jessica Camacho, Derek Haas, Violett Beane, Eric Dane, Elliot Knight, Uli Latukefu, Photo Countdown Press Junket Courtesy Gilbert Flores via Getty Images
