Episode 13 of "Countdown" kicks off with a dramatic scene where Todd engages in the manufacture of a toxic gas, casting an ominous shadow over the narrative. Oliveras, determined to unravel the mystery surrounding Todd, texts Mark to share her theory that he might have a background in law enforcement. However, Mark fails to reply, choosing instead to indulge in a fleeting encounter with his LAPD colleague, Hannah, leaving Oliveras feeling neglected.
The following morning, Oliveras' frustration bubbles over as Mark remains eerily silent. Matters worsen when Julio suggests road trips and dinner plans with friends, which she curtly declines, citing the unpredictable nature of her work. Julio accepts her decision with grace, but Oliveras finds herself increasingly uncomfortable with the domesticity that seems to permeate her personal life.
Elsewhere, Molly succumbs to relapse, failing to show up for dinner with Shepherd. She returns home in a disheveled state, accompanied by her drug dealer boyfriend. Shepherd, furious and disheartened, storms out but catches a glimpse of the dealer's license plate, planting a seed of suspicion in his mind.
At headquarters, Oliveras confronts Mark about his ghosting behavior, and a heated exchange ensues, with both parties voicing their grievances about Julio and their differing perspectives on stability. Meanwhile, Bell pores over CCTV footage from the biker bar, meticulously analyzing every frame. Their efforts bear fruit when Shepherd discovers the inspiration for the manifesto in Randy Mankin's conspiratorial MAGA radio show, a program avidly listened to by Todd.
As Mark and Oliveras set out to question Mankin, Mark's curiosity gets the better of him, prompting him to inquire about Julio. Oliveras defends her attraction to his stability, which Mark dismisses as mundane.
The investigation into Mankin yields surprising cooperation. He reveals that his show has a plethora of obsessive fans, all of whom are kept under surveillance by his company. However, Todd's name doesn't surface among them, leading Blythe to order an expansion of their cyber security measures.
Amidst this unfolding drama, the pressure mounts as POTUS prepares to arrive in six days for a fundraiser. Blythe demands stringent security details, his stress compounded by his boss, Tostrud's inquiry into the task force's safety. The stakes have never been higher, and the countdown to confrontation continues.
Meanwhile, with Finau's assistance, Shepherd delves deeper into the life of Molly's drug-dealing boyfriend. Bell has frequently witnessed him loitering around Molly, and his rap sheet is replete with criminal charges. Returning to the heart of the case, Finau issues an alert concerning Todd's sniper rifle. His FBI contact reveals a six-month-old raid that involved rifles of the same model. Oliveras persists with her theory, inquiring about the FBI agents assigned to the case. She is also haunted by Mark's comment and confronts him head-on. She fiercely defends Julio, but Mark contends that civilians neither comprehend nor appreciate their circumstances. She attempts to call his bluff, but he doubles down, asserting that their relationship would flow effortlessly. Their undeniable chemistry is palpable, and she acknowledges it. Amusement breaks the tension as she laughs, thinking he's merely joking, and he allows her to believe it. However, it seems his words were earnest.
Later, Julio calls to apologize for pushing Oliveras, expressing his joy at having her around. She hastily ends the call upon noticing Mark's proximity. Shepherd then tasks Oliveras with investigating Molly's boyfriend, Dougray Rawlston. It appears he either beats his charges or evades parole with ease. She yearns to comprehend why the DEA consistently permits his release.
Elsewhere, Blythe and Fitz embark on a venue inspection for the fundraiser, but Shelby insists that all security measures are in place. He also admires Fitz's relentless pursuit of the threat. Their conversation is abruptly interrupted by news of Todd burning his car in a secluded parking lot. The security guard discloses that Todd possessed an FBI badge, but the thumbprint belonged to him. Unfortunately, the guard can only provide a vague description. Todd's identity as the arsonist is confirmed as he leaves his signature on the charred vehicle.
The staff maintains their assertion that they witnessed no one fleeing the scene, leading Blythe to suspect that Todd might have cleverly disguised himself among the throng. Demanding photographs of every individual present, the tension mounts. Mark and Oliveras are tasked with updating the officer on-site, who turns out to be none other than Hannah, much to Mark's fluster and amusement as she teases him, with Oliveras catching the playful banter and chuckling along.
Back at headquarters, Blythe briefs his superior, hinting that Todd could be an FBI agent or someone with equivalent access. That evening, Hannah sends a text to Mark, who ignores it, leaving her hanging. The following morning, Oliveras's anxiety is palpable as she rambles about her fears, hoping Julio isn't bored or dissatisfied with her. Her insistent claims of happiness only serve to deepen his concern. However, he chooses to let it slide.
Once settled in her car, an ominous gas starts seeping from the air conditioning, causing Oliveras to faint, and before she knows it, Todd abducts her. The task force discovers that FBI Agent Seth Vaughn Lewis attempted to access their information 48 hours prior. Mark's worries intensify when Oliveras doesn't show up, and Shepherd tracks her phone to a café. Unfortunately, Todd has already planted it in the café's trash, foiling their initial attempts to locate her.
The task force delves into Lewis's background, uncovering惊人的 similarities to Todd. Lewis's car model was spotted near the bar, he was involved in a case with religious symbols near Sugarloaf, resides close to the race track, participated in the six-month raid case, and is part of Mankin's cyber security detail. As the team rushes to Seth's place, Shepherd receives a call informing him that Molly is in the hospital, having overdosed and fallen into a coma.
At Seth's residence, the task force encounters Todd's wife, who tries to caution them. The agents storm in and apprehend Seth, who turns out to be Todd's friend, clueless about the unfolding drama. Mark and Blythe find this turn of events oddly perplexing.
The scene shifts to Todd, leading Oliveras into the woods. He receives a call from his FBI superior, unaware of the identity theft. The supervisor mentions Seth's arrest, revealing that Seth and Todd were former partners, sharing the same caseload. It also transpires that Todd has divorced his wife, who is now in a relationship with Seth. Pretending shock, Todd ends the call.
In a cruel twist, Todd, as loyal as an ex-wife's dog, frees Oliveras, bidding her to flee. As she dashes away, he aims his sniper rifle at her, ready to pull the trigger, leaving viewers on a cliffhanger as the episode draws to a thrilling close.
