The eleventh episode of "Countdown" kicks off in November 2023, as a shadowy figure—presumably the killer—ventures into a dense forest, donning the guise of a hunter. He maneuvers adeptly to evade fellow hunters and ultimately prevails over his prey after a decisive shot.
Meanwhile, Bell convenes a briefing for the task force, focusing on the Sugarloaf cabins, which serve as both a hunting retreat and a clever disguise for the elusive suspect. The discovery of a state-of-the-art sniper rifle among the belongings only deepens the mystery. Teo, the cabin owner, comes under scrutiny, and Oliveras arrives with an intent to interview him, much to the relief of her colleagues, though Mark's demeanor remains oddly constrained.
Amidst these developments, intelligence surfaces indicating Governor George Shelby, a presidential hopeful, as one of the intended targets. With the President of the United States overseas and slated to return for a fundraiser later in the month, the clock is ticking to apprehend the assassin.
Post-briefing, Fitz teases Mark about his overt admiration for Oliveras, which she finds endearing but leaves Mark visibly embarrassed. Suspecting something amiss, Fitz inquiries with Finau, who reveals Mark harbors feelings for Oliveras but has yet to make a move.
Elsewhere, Bell confides in Shepherd about Molly's dangerous liaisons with notorious drug dealers, evoking Shepherd's disapproval for not being informed sooner.
As Mark and Oliveras set off to question Teo, their conversation reveals that Oliveras is in a relationship with Dr. Julio, leaving Mark bitter and lashing out in frustration. He defiantly claims his own indulgences in casual relationships, igniting an argument between them. Adding insult to injury, the interview with Teo hits a roadblock due to his company's partial ownership by the People's Action Party of Singapore, who direct the authorities to engage through legal channels, refusing cooperation.
In the year 2023, the suspect, engaged in a conversation with a concerned friend, reveals his current struggling state and absence from work. The friend, overcome with worry, finds herself brushed aside as the suspect abruptly storms away. Meanwhile, Blythe takes matters into his own hands regarding the PAP, determined to handle the situation personally. With a lack of alternative engagements, Mark persuades the group to indulge in a night out, only to encounter resistance from Oliveras, met with a tinge of sarcasm from Mark. Elsewhere, Bell and Shepherd mend fences, with Bell offering an apology for his earlier silence, and Shepherd confiding her troubles with Molly, who has inexplicably ghosted her.
Oliveras, still perturbed by Mark's behavior, seeks solace at Julio's for dinner, where emotions overflow and lead to a unexpected intimate encounter with Julio. The remainder of the task force, left behind, indulges in animated storytelling at the bar. Mark, unable to resist the allure of a charming stranger, abandons his teammates to pursue her, ultimately leaving with her for the night.
Blythe, ever resourceful, brings in Governor Shelby to wield his authority, threatening the PAP representative into collaborating with the ongoing investigation. The following morning, Mark exudes confidence, seemingly buoyed by his night's conquest, raising questions about the veracity of his previous romantic escapades. He joins Oliveras at Teo's, where he offers a sincere apology for his earlier rudeness towards Julio. Oliveras attempts to lighten the mood with humor, but Mark's unusual sobriety turns the conversation awkward, culminating in their mutual acknowledgment that a relationship between them would be disastrous.
Flashing back, the task force's suspect, now known as Todd, finds solace neither in his home nor in his marriage. His wife dotes affectionately on their dog, a pet Todd detests, while her understanding demeanor hides his distant demeanor. Todd appears defeated yet reluctant to shatter her illusions, vowing halfheartedly to return to work soon.
In the present timeline, an examination of Teo's records uncovers TK, an ex-convict who rented the cabin, now part of a cult. A background check reveals TK lacks the suspect's supposed skills and intellect, sparking a brief chase before Bell and Shepherd intervene. Their visit to TK's ex-wife is fruitful, as they swiftly discern her false demeanor and apprehend TK.
By December 2023, Todd's world crumbles when he discovers his wife's affair with a friend. Devastated, he takes solace in an unexpected form—their shared dog, now a symbol of betrayal and loss.
Currently, TK's interrogation is underway. Mark and Oliveras remain in sync, feigning membership in his cult until he cracks. Enticed by payment, he divulges his name for the suspect's rental agreement. Mark seizes the interrogation moment to forge a connection with Oliveras, but she skillfully dodges his advances. Meanwhile, Shepherd uncovers the suspect's contact details, prompting the suspect to become alert.He swiftly hands over the code to decrypt his manifesto, revealing the suspect's belief that the government has stripped him of everything, fueling his desire for retribution.
In the wintry depths of December 2023, Todd ventures into the woods with his dog, harboring malicious intent towards his wife. He instructs the dog to bolt, aiming his rifle at the fleeing animal, contemplating the act that could harm the innocent creature as a proxy for his desired vengeance.
