Episode 7 of "Countdown" kicks off with Mark immersed in his workout routine, mirroring the efforts of Borys, who reveals himself as a seasoned boxer. However, Mark's condition deteriorates; his headache intensifies, vision grows blurred, and he collapses in agony. His discomfort even prompts a tardy arrival at work, prompting concern from Oliveras, who discreetly covers for him.
Meanwhile, Bell and Shepherd chase a fresh lead, venturing out to interrogate Caluman Corporation about the gamma nipples found at the Port LA shootout scene. On a separate track, Finau delves into the mystery of the stolen Border Patrol vehicle. He finds it peculiar that CID's report claims it was spotlessly clean, devoid of any radiation traces. A friend at the impound division provides him with crucial information: the vehicle is actually a stolen civilian SUV disguised as a Border Patrol car—a detail conspicuously omitted from the report.
As for the younger duo, Shepherd notices Bell's dissatisfaction with Blythe, sensing that Bell believes Blythe is indifferent to their well-being. When they confront the Caluman manager, who is hesitant to disclose sensitive information, Shepherd strikes a chord with him over their shared admiration for the Lakers, successfully gaining his cooperation.
On their way back, Valwell intercepts Bell, using his camaraderie with Bell's father to leverage a proposition. He boasts about how they once watched each other's backs and offers to reciprocate by installing Bell as the FBI Deputy Director, provided Bell spies on Blythe. Bell, deep in contemplation, lies to Shepherd about their conversation, but she catches his frequent, veiled glares directed at Blythe, sensing an undercurrent of tension.
Borys ventures out to procure counterfeit passports but finds himself trapped by Astapov’s security contingent. At their helm stands Rolf, Danill’s uncle who is acutely aware of Borys’ involvement in his nephew’s disappearance. Rolf issues an ultimatum, demanding Borys flee the country and hand over the funds he embezzled in Belarus.
Elsewhere, Oliveras and Mark are hot on the trail of information regarding the Russian military ammunition discovered at the scene of the dance hall security murders. As they banter, they pay a visit to Oliveras’ contact, Weiss, who spills the beans on Szabo, an avid gun aficionado known to peddle such ammunition.
Back at headquarters, Blythe’s demeanor is curt during their debriefing, with Bell mirroring his intense energy. Shepherd attempts to broker peace among them. Subsequently, Finau briefs Blythe on the stolen SUV, earning a commendation for his ingenious strategy, which brings a smile to Finau’s face.
Posing as a couple of collectors, Mark and Oliveras approach Szabo, but their charade is swiftly uncovered. A frenetic chase ensues, culminating in Szabo’s arrest. They propose to overlook his illicit collection in exchange for his cooperation, but he insists on anonymity. He reveals that he sold the ammunition to Iskanders, a perilous private military contractor, whose LA branch is headed by… Andrej.
With SWAT and a search warrant in tow, the task force rushes to Iskanders’ LA operation. However, they only encounter Jan, Iskanders’ attorney, who brazenly asserts the branch serves primarily as a marketing front, yielding no incriminating evidence. The raid proves a bust, prompting finger-pointing between Blythe and SWAT Commander Aynesworth. Aynesworth implies that the mole could be within the task force ranks, but Blythe stands firm in his defense of his team. Bell’s expression softens with gratitude.
Meanwhile, Rolf’s patience with Borys wanes as the latter continues to stall. Just as Rolf prepares to end Borys’ life, Borys claims that the 100 million is stashed in his house, narrowly escaping the fatal blow.
Meanwhile, Shepherd at last uncovers a paper trail leading to Gallagher Freight. They arrive at Borys' warehouse, the intended destination of the trucks, only to find it eerily deserted. Finau stumbles upon an abandoned plastic wrapping, a revelation that the trucks have undergone a deceptive makeover. The task force is plunged into despair once again at yet another impasse.
That fateful night, Bell firmly declines Valwell's proposition. Acknowledging Blythe's unwavering support, Bell refuses to betray his trust. Valwell does not take the rejection lightly. Oliveras then makes an appearance at Mark's with more pills, fully aware of their futility. As they drown their sorrows in alcohol, Mark confesses the grim truth about his terminal tumor. Conscious of the impending loss of status if the news becomes public, he insists on contributing something meaningful before his demise.
In the climactic scene of Countdown Episode 7, Borys escorts Rolf and two guards to his residence, claiming that the money is secured in a basement safe. He cleverly diverts their attention and confines himself inside, setting off a bomb that explodes with a thunderous bang. Emerging from the chaos, he discovers the men lying lifeless.
