Countdown – Episode 102 – Dead Lots of Times

Episode 2 picks up right where the pilot left off, wasting zero time getting back into the action. With the introductions behind us and the stakes already sky-high, Countdown hits the ground running—and doesn’t let up for a second.

The plot takes a sharp turn south—literally—as the team heads to Mexico on a mission that puts everything on the line. Their goal? Secure a truckload of narcotics for a powerful cartel in exchange for intel on a high-priority shipment that could crack the case wide open. But this isn’t just a smash-and-grab job—it’s a carefully orchestrated, high-stakes dance with danger.

Oliveras proves she’s more than just muscle, leveraging a shady contact to grease the wheels, while Meachum throws himself in head-first, ready to play fall guy if things go sideways. It’s a bold move that showcases the growing bond between the team. There’s trust now—gritty, earned, and forged in the kind of fire only this kind of op can provide.

What hits hardest here is the moral grey area. The team is working with a cartel—not ideal—but it’s all in service of the bigger picture. That tension adds weight to every scene. They know the lines are getting blurry, but the mission demands results. And when lives are at stake, the greater good takes the wheel.

Action-wise, Countdown continues to deliver. The shootouts are slick, the tension is tight, and the soundtrack is still firing on all cylinders. The pumping score keeps the pulse high, especially in the episode’s final act, where loyalties are tested and the risk of failure feels very real.

The entire cast continues to shine. Jessica Camacho’s Oliveras brings fire, Beane and Knight add layered depth to their roles, and Latukefu’s Finau is shaping up to be a low-key powerhouse. But the MVP this round? Eric Dane. The man oozes control as Nathan Blythe. He’s calm, commanding, and always one step ahead. After leading The Last Ship, this kind of role is his wheelhouse—and he owns it.

There’s a constant unease running through the episode—like at any moment, someone could take a bullet. And that’s what makes Countdown so compelling. It doesn’t play it safe. This isn’t a sanitized, invincible task force. It’s dangerous work, and the consequences feel real.

Only two episodes in, and I’m already hooked. This series isn’t just finding its footing—it’s sprinting ahead with purpose. If Dead Lots of Times is the pace they’re setting this early, we’re in for one hell of a season.