Warning! This review contains SPOILERS for Countdown season 1, episode 9.
Countdown episode 9 is easily my favorite of the series so far. Everything works. The show knew how to set up a good cliffhanger ending in Countdown episode 8. At the time, I was focused on how Volchek (Bogdan Yasinski) stabbed Blythe (Eric Dane), and it seemed like he would die.
The Prime Video action series did not take long to answer that question. But that wasn’t even the most important part of episode 9, which kicked the Volchek storyline into high gear. Heading into episode 10, it very much feels like we are nearing the season finale.
However, Countdown season 1 boasts 13 episodes, so I’m curious to see how the series resolves the major cliffhanger it just set up while also leaving more story to be explored. Meachum (Jensen Ackles) and his disease might have finally found a light at the end of the tunnel, which is exciting.
Blythe Survives To Fight Another Day
Before getting into episode 9’s cliffhanger ending, I have to dive into how Countdown explained Blythe’s fate. Given how the show is no stranger to killing characters, I was genuinely worried that Blythe would die despite his huge role as the leader of the task force. Thankfully, that did not come to pass, with Dane’s character surviving.
As the task force’s leader, Blythe is central to the rest, and seeing their genuine worry over his uncertain fate worked well to increase the tension.
Throughout the season, the task force members have started to feel closer. Despite some characters still needing more development, Countdown has done a solid job of presenting their dynamic as a group, as well as a few pairings.
As the task force’s leader, Blythe is central to the rest, and seeing their genuine worry over his uncertain fate worked well to increase the tension. Oliveras (Jessica Camacho) met her doctor friend, who is a charismatic character able to fulfill two roles. I’m excited to see where that leads.
Conveniently, Oliveras’ friend is a neuro-oncologist, which is just what Meachum needs. I have long questioned how Ackles’ character could survive throughout the show if Countdown were to come back for season 2 and more. This may be the answer, as the doctor could find a way to help him. However, he shares a past with Oliveras, so a love triangle could develop.
Volchek’s Storyline Reaches Its Boiling Point
Now on to the main event of Countdown episode 9: Volchek’s master plan in action. So far, the villain is not someone to make mistakes, as Volchek learned from all that went wrong in his past. Countdown‘s latest episode is a win for the character, with the trucks filled with fissile material ready to level Los Angeles.
Volchek has been consumed with the idea of revenge for how he was wronged throughout his life.
One character we have not seen much from is Finau (Uli Latukefu), and I enjoyed how episode 9 used his family as the emotional component to Volchek’s plan. Sure, the trucks’ explosion would kill many, but the fact that Finau’s daughters and wife were right next to them added to the tension.
After so many flashbacks, I’m understanding Volchek more, and the reveal of his murder-suicide endgame didn’t faze me. Volchek has been consumed with the idea of revenge for how he was wronged throughout his life, so it was expected. “Our names will be remembered,” says Volchek, making it clear that it is about making a statement.
After episodes of buildup, we finally get to the moment I have waited all season for — Volchek and Meachum face-to-face. It was satisfying to know that Volchek would not get the thrill of seeing everyone die around him, clueless about what was happening, as Finau shot at the ground to make everyone leave when he saw his daughters.
And then came that cliffhanger ending, with Volchek pressing the button to set off the bombs just as Meachum spotted him. Since we have four more episodes, there is no way those bombs can kill the entire task force. I believe Shepherd (Violett Beane) and Bell (Elliot Knight) will find a way to stop it, but things should get bloody regardless.
Countdown releases new episodes on Prime Video every Wednesday.
Countdown Season 1, Episode 9
9/10
- Release Date
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June 25, 2025
- Network
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Prime Video
- Showrunner
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Derek Haas
- The Volchek plot finally builds to a head.
- The tension can be felt throughout the episode.
- The best cliffhanger ending of the show.
