Without its blossoming cast of characters, I'd have exited the series on episode one. Fortunately for those that stick with it, Countdown is headed in an uphill trajectory after episode 3.  

 

Recruiting a task force made up of FBI, DEA, LAPD and others to stop an act of terrorism that could kill thousands. The audience is thrown into a pretty standard, generic intro mission for these professionals. The first episode is mainly there to get acquainted with the situation at hand and introduce the characters minorly. While going to episode 2, the story due to issues that arise in episode 1 better explores a few of the characters actions and characteristics. Episode 3 continues this trend with a side story that ultimately leads to bettering the situation left off in the premiere, while mainly allowing more of the seven on the force. 

 

Creator Derek Haas is no stranger to shows like this, having developed four seasons of FBI International before its cancellation, Chicago Med going into its 11th season, Chicago P.D. going into its 13th season, Chicago Fire going into its 14th season. So… it’s clear the man has some legs behind his law enforcement storytelling. Seems he's just branching out to the west coast...

 

That’s what’s so strange with Countdown, there’s an overarching mission to stop a deadly attack on Los Angeles that could kill thousands, but episode two and three explores the task force taking on side missions to help gain intel into accomplishing the main mission. 

 

Supernatural fans should be pleased with Jensen Ackles return to being the smart-ass good guy here, as an LAPD detective that continues to bite off more than he can chew. Same can be said for a majority of the members of the force, in actuality as claimed in the first episode - they’re the expendable unit - the ones no one will miss from their own departments. Seven total on the team, three episodes in and I feel I’ve only gotten to know four of them with hints at the fifth. This leaves two yet to be fleshed out in the slightest and three episodes in —- seems like the creatives may be dragging this along a little. 

 

The more time I’m spending with the team, the more I’m getting invested at the hints at their personal lives - but when is too little too late? The action is average, typically quick edited action that’s just as exhilarating as it is predictable. Nearly three hours into a ten hour experience and we’re still getting to know our characters on the base level; time is running out before the stakes behind each of their lives becomes insubstantial due to lack of attachment. 

 

That being said, Countdown is showing signs of improvement narratively and while it may be a little slow on the draw, there’s a good possibility it could hit the bullseye upon finale night. Fans of typical network law enforcement procedural shows should be welcomed into this world pretty easily - those not as accustomed might take a few episodes to really dig deep enough into the plot to care.