The premier episode of "Countdown" kicks off with a dramatic scene where Homeland Security Officer Robert Darden meets his untimely demise at the hands of a ruthless thug during a clandestine meeting. The following day, FBI Agent Nathan Blythe swings into action, assembling a crack task force to unravel the mystery, only to discover that two of its intended members are inexplicably absent.
Meanwhile, deep inside a prison's unforgiving walls, LAPD Homicide Detective Mark Meachum, who had been undercover for a grueling nine months, is abruptly extracted and subsequently ambushed. Despite his obvious discomfort, Mark chalks up his headaches to the prison riot's chaos. His grit and determination, however, remain unshaken.
Elsewhere, DEA Agent Amber Oliveras finds herself in a perilous situation, held captive by ruthless drug dealers. With quick thinking and unmatched prowess, she manages to free herself, dishes out a well-deserved beating to her captors, and promptly calls for backup. Though her supervisor reprimands her for her bold actions, he soon informs her of her inclusion in the task force.
With the task force now at full strength, Blythe introduces its members with a flair for drama. Oliveras, a seasoned agent with 14 years of experience infiltrating gangs, brings her unparalleled insight into the world of criminal organizations. FBI Agent Keyonte Bell, specializing in homegrown terrorists and hailing from a lineage of law enforcement officers, adds a unique perspective to the team. FBI Agent Evan Shepherd, a cybercrime expert, brings his tech-savvy skills to the fold.
LAPD Detective Luke Finau, a force to be reckoned with, focuses on guns, gangs, and narcotics. His aggressive tactics and colorful disciplinary record make him a controversial yet invaluable asset. As for Mark, his previous collaborations with Blythe and his chatterbox nature, while irritating to some, also bring a sense of camaraderie and levity to the intense operation.
Together, these diverse yet formidable agents embark on a high-stakes mission to uncover the truth and bring justice to those who deserve it.
In the unfolding saga, Darden emerges as a figure seemingly tarnished by corruption, entangled in a web of colossal bribes. This is precisely why Blythe insists on shrouding the task force in secrecy. Mark attempts to forge an alliance with Oliveras, only to encounter a stark refusal. The revelation follows that Oliveras harbors a personal connection—she is close with Mark's ex-fiancée and is aware of his indiscretion with her sister prior to the wedding. Meanwhile, Shepherd holds Blythe in high esteem yet fails to grasp the rationale behind his treatment of her akin to a personal chauffeur. Bell and Oliveras forge a bond amidst Finau's stoic endurance of Mark's incessant musings.
Delving into Darden's circle, the team uncovers a clue: Jim Talbott, a shadowy law enforcement officer and a close confidant of Darden's. Mark discovers that their task force enjoys support from someone high up in DC, hinting at deeper layers to Darden's case. Yet, when Mark seeks clarification, Blythe curtly silences him. Shepherd identifies Cesar Murillo as the shooter, prompting Mark to seize the initiative, much to Oliveras' chagrin. Despite a throbbing headache, Mark persists, eventually letting his guard down. Oliveras, still peeved by his assumption of leadership, steps in to cover for him as they track down members of Los Reyes Nuevos. Mark expresses gratitude, but her annoyance lingers.
The scene shifts to Ray, an agent, cautioning Blythe that Oliveras is a potential disaster waiting to happen. Her propensity for deep undercover missions has reportedly turned her into an addict. Yet, Blythe remains undeterred, her recent tests clearing her of any substance abuse. Talbott proves to be a dead-end lead, but suspicion shifts to Maurice Spellman, the customs officer who steered them toward Talbott. A thrilling car chase ensues, culminating in Spellman's arrest.
Mark is incensed as Oliveras fouls up their meticulously planned car chase strategy, leading to a heated exchange between them. Sensing their agitation, Blythe cunningly manipulates the situation, compelling them to interrogate Maurice. As anticipated, the interrogation room soon descends into a squabble between Mark and Oliveras, leaving Maurice bewildered and eventually causing him to crack under the pressure. They escalate their tactics, leveraging the threat to his sister, until he confesses. It transpires that Maurice is indeed the mole working for Los Reyes, and Darden had been on the verge of exposing them before his tragic demise.
Blythe then accompanies Shepherd to inform Darden's widow of the developments, revealing his desire to mentor Shepherd in the field. Meanwhile, Damon, his second-in-command, finds solace at a Little League practice, haunted by the loss of his son, Noah.
On Finau's advice, Oliveras delves into Mark's past, uncovering his nine-month prison stint. The scene shifts to Mark consulting a doctor who delivers the grim news of an incurable brain tumor. The physician suggests palliative care, but Mark steadfastly refuses.
Back at headquarters, Mark relentlessly probes Blythe about his hidden agendas. It emerges that Blythe once assigned Mark to an exceedingly perilous mission, which could have derailed his career had it failed. This debt of gratitude is the reason Blythe tolerates Mark's brazen behavior.
Blythe ultimately confesses that he was aware of the existence of moles but faced repeated obstacles in his investigations. Darden's murder provided him with the leverage to appeal directly to the director, suggesting that high-ranking officers are complicit with the cartel. This revelation underscores his profound distrust of everyone around him. Mark also comprehends the rationale behind Blythe's meticulous selection of task force members – each one is either indispensable or has crossed swords with their superiors, rendering them expendable in the eyes of the higher-ups.
Just then, Bell detects an arms deal unfolding at Pier 31. They race to the location, where a fierce gun battle ensues. In the chaos, Mark swiftly eliminates Murillo, who was poised to execute Oliveras. Blythe notices a figure slipping away amidst the turmoil.
As Countdown Episode 1 concludes, Bell identifies the weapons as highly radioactive, possessing the potential to trigger a catastrophe akin to Chernobyl.
