Episode 5 of "Countdown" kicks off with a nostalgic glimpse into London's vibrant scene of 2018, where Borys and his beloved wife, Kira, savored the sweetness of domestic bliss. Borys, now a pivotal figure in the agro-industry, found himself engrossed in a crucial investor meeting. His company, responsible for over half of Belarus' exports and nourishing neighboring nations, stood at a crossroads. The investors faced a dilemma: choosing between two formidable companies, with Borys' arch-rival, Matt Woodley, posing a formidable threat.
Amidst the present-day tension, Borys instructed his loyal lieutenant, Danill, to delve deeper into the enigmatic figure of Mark. The task force struggled to uncover Mark's true identity, as Bell discreetly warned Blythe that Valwell had set its sights on him. With time slipping through their fingers, Blythe resorted to drastic measures. He approached the Belarus Consul General, Astapov, seeking insights on Volchek. However, Astapov's evasive demeanor and abrupt dismissal left Blythe fuming. Determined not to be thwarted, Blythe sought assistance from Tim, a seasoned and influential ally from his past.
Elsewhere, Mark revisited the harrowing memory of heroin, prompting Oliveras to attempt to discredit his perceptions. Her gaslighting tactics fell flat, and she subtly hinted at being coerced into drug use during an undercover mission. Mark, seemingly understanding her plight, shared his own rebellious teenage years and the preordained path his future had taken.
Back in 2018, Borys orchestrated a cunning plan, enlisting his friend Andrej to unearth dirt on Woodley. Leveraging this compromising information, Borys managed to coerce Woodley into withdrawing his bid for the partnership. Victorious, Borys secured the deal, but Woodley vowed vengeance, his eyes burning with resentment.
In the present, Danill unmasked Mark's criminal alias, Jack Walker. However, his meticulous search yielded no court records or trials associated with Walker, revealing Jack Walker as a mere facade. Regrettably, Danill's sloppiness caught up with him when the task force discovered his men's tampering with the dance hall's security system to erase CCTV footage.
Blythe briefed the team on Astapov's suspicious behavior, concluding that he indeed possessed information on Volchek. Given that Astapov's computer was impervious to virtual hacking, they devised a bold plan to crash his upcoming event. The stage was set for a high-stakes confrontation, with each move bringing them closer to unraveling the intricate web of deceit and danger.
With Finau's wife lending her aid, they venture toward the caterer, whose son serves in the military, making her promptly consent to facilitate their infiltration. Amidst these secretive preparations, Mark's headache intensifies to the point of causing him to briefly faint. Unbeknownst to all, Oliveras harbors suspicions.
In the year 2019, Woodley's strike finally materializes. Andrej alerts Borys to the impending arrest by the Belarusian Ministry of Finance, orchestrated by allegations of embezzlement. Despite his patriotic endeavors, Borys is distressed to find his own country turning against him. He hastily informs Kira of their urgent need to flee.
Currently, Mark frantically pleads with his doctor for stronger medication, to no avail. On the brink of panic, he is abruptly interrupted by Oliveras, his date for the Belarusian gala. They arrive, donning disguises as Tim and his spouse, while Shepherd poses as a waiter, with Finau and Bell keeping watch from a catering van nearby.
Blythe forcefully persuades Astapov to accompany him to his office and scans his keycard, granting Shepherd access to hack into Astapov's computer. Meanwhile, Oliveras and Mark keep two security guards occupied. Blythe further distracts Astapov with a bribery attempt. Shepherd narrowly escapes just in time, and the task force discreetly departs.
Subsequently, Blythe orchestrates a threat from Tim, an influential politician with investments in Valwell's ventures, compelling Valwell to leave the task force alone.
Back at their base, Shepherd uncovers an encrypted file detailing Borys Volchek's background as a bomb expert. It also reveals that in 2019, he feigned his death by detonating a plane carrying Kira and a decoy. Mark realizes with a chill that they too might be under scrutiny.
Precisely as anticipated, Andrej is diligently probing through the LAPD's database, in relentless pursuit of uncovering Jack Walker's true identity. However, when Mark Meachum's name flashes across the screen, the accompanying photograph reveals an entirely different individual. Shepherd has meticulously concealed their authentic personas beneath a shroud of secrecy. Meanwhile, Borys presses on with his devised scheme, which includes the strategic targeting of the Wilshire Federal Building. As the final moments of Countdown Episode 5 unfold, we witness Blythe stepping into its hallowed halls, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense sequel.
