Dave Nemetz Reviews Countdown: Is Amazon’s Action Thriller the Ultimate Dad TV?

Prime Video’s latest action thriller, Countdown, would have been an ideal Father’s Day present had it launched earlier in June.

The series, Countdown, which premieres this Wednesday and for which I’ve viewed the initial three episodes, is reminiscent of macho ‘80s television shows like The A-Team and Miami Vice. It features an abundance of explosions, shootouts, and high-speed pursuits. Essentially, it epitomizes the quintessential Dad TV, making it a fitting addition to Prime Video’s collection alongside titles like Reacher, Bosch, and The Terminal List. The plot may not be revolutionary, and occasionally the scriptwriting feels a bit forced, yet the action is so intense that these flaws are easily overlooked.

Supernatural alum Jensen Ackles takes on the role of Mark Meachum, an undercover LAPD detective who is drafted into a secretive task force following the dramatic murder of a federal agent. This killing, alongside the caliber of actors involved, signals from the start that the series is serious business. Eric Dane portrays the stoic leader of the task force, who gathers an elite group of agents to crack the case. However, their investigation soon uncovers a more extensive threat looming over Los Angeles.

Created by Derek Haas of #OneChicago fame, Countdown mirrors a high-budget CBS crime drama, sparing no expense on spectacular stunts and elaborate action scenes. With many film productions leaving Hollywood, the series serves as a reminder of the advantages of filming in Los Angeles, showcasing vibrant car chases down avenues lined with palm trees. The show’s rock soundtrack practically becomes a character in itself, enhancing the action scenes with intense guitar riffs and heavy drum beats, much to the delight of dads who will likely rock out in their living rooms.

However, the momentum of Countdown significantly drops when the action subsides, almost cueing viewers to take a break. While the looming threat of citywide destruction is an engaging premise, the investigative sequences and flashbacks tend to drag. Ackles’ character does offer some sarcastic commentary, but the attempts at humor fall a bit flat. The team’s progress through the case often feels too convenient as they effortlessly extract confessions and accidentally discover terrorist plots. The script also attempts to pull at viewers’ emotional strings with some overly sentimental moments and a forced dramatic twist involving a key character.

Jensen Ackles convincingly portrays the tough action hero with his rugged voice and steady demeanor. Jessica Camacho, known from The Flash, impresses as DEA agent Amber Oliveras, bringing a level of badassery that transcends the script. Eric Dane’s portrayal of team leader Nathan Blythe is intensely serious, almost as if humor is outside of his contractual obligations. Nonetheless, he fits the role of a stern leader well, and Countdown fulfills its role as a serviceable, though not particularly memorable, action thriller. It may not be perfect, but it definitely delivers the action-packed spectacle expected from such a show. It’s like a forceful, albeit blunt, impact that’s hard to ignore.

THE TVLINE BOTTOM LINE: Prime Video’s Countdown is a robust thriller that packs a punch with its action scenes, even if the narrative sometimes falters. It’s sure to be a hit with fathers everywhere.