Countdown Season 1 Episode 7 Review: Nothing Else Helps

Taking a step back from the more explosive action scenes, Countdown Season 1 Episode 7, “Nothing Else Helps,” focuses on a more storyline-driven hour.

As one of the more laid-back outings for the series, it’s a shame there isn’t more that takes place. The team spends almost the entire hour on research, trying to figure out where they went wrong at the beginning.

Nothing truly substantial occurs until the last fifteen minutes of the episode, and even then, the team still doesn’t get any footing on Volchek. The only real progression made is them uncovering the meaning behind the name Gallagher and that Volchek has three 18-wheelers at his disposal.

Speaking of the devil, while Volchek’s intentions toward the U.S. are grave and the need to bring him down is dire, he has, unfortunately, been a primary source of entertainment. That is, until this episode, when he unexpectedly becomes a prisoner of Astapov’s men.

An Explosive Ending

As I previously said, the exhilarating action scenes that have been naturally pulling me in are essentially non-existent. Instead of doing the leading as per usual, we’re privy to Volchek being taken hostage by Astapov’s men.

While their actions are justified, especially seeing as how Volchek killed one of the agents’ nephews, it’s less thrilling than we’ve been accustomed to so far. Thankfully, the ending moments of the episode make up for the lack of action intermixed into the hour of search and discovery.

It’s a rather shocking ending, as Volchek takes the opportunity to escape inside his safe after leading Astapov’s men down to the basement. Unsure of the setup within, my initial expectation was that he would wait inside until the men grew bored and eventually left the home.

However, I was pleasantly surprised as the three are instead met with an unexpected explosion, taking their lives and leaving Volchek to continue his mission.

A Rather Unsatisfactory Revelation

We’re now more than halfway through the season, and up to this point, we’ve watched as Meachum has adamantly worked to ensure his diagnosis is kept a secret.

It’s the one thing about him that he hasn’t allowed himself to share with anyone, so his opening up about the tumor is a pivotal moment. That’s why it feels like a bit of a slap in the face for it to happen so quickly toward the end of the episode.

The dynamics of the interactions between Meachum and Oliveras have been one of the more appealing aspects of their relationship.

It’s been nice seeing a more thoughtful side of Oliveras, helping him out with pain medication and being a genuine friend. However, that doesn’t mean that’s the approach that should’ve been taken when finally revealing Meachum’s prognosis.

Where Loyalties Lie

It’s no secret that out of everyone, Bell is the one who has felt the most out of place within the group this season. And with Blythe’s criticisms on Countdown Season 1 Episode 6, “A Needle or a Bullet,” it almost felt as if the series was setting him up to betray the group.

Honestly, given the history between Bell and Valwell’s family, their shared interests, and the tension with leadership, the series has been setting up the potential for Bell to jump ship from the beginning.

That’s why it’s so satisfying when he tells DA Valwell that his loyalties lie with Blythe and the group. It’s not uncommon to have a boss with whom you don’t necessarily get along or agree, but that doesn’t mean it has to affect your values, and that’s what Valwell fails to remember.

He’s under the impression that he can use his relationship with Bell’s father to get Bell to be his mole and do his bidding. Meanwhile, Bell is focused on being the best agent that he can be, and that means not being easily manipulated or going against his team.

With the truth of Valwell’s desires finally revealed, hopefully, Bell can use this information to his advantage, getting back on Blythe’s good side, and possibly pulling one over on the DA.

Stray Thoughts:

• I keep patiently waiting for a praise-worthy scene to come from Eric Dane, but I’m losing hope with each passing week. It’s time to see Blythe do more than raise his voice and get testy with others. We need to see him in action.
• As much as I enjoy slow-burn relationships, I hope we see Meachum and Oliveras admit their feelings for one another before the final episodes of the season.

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Countdown is available to stream on Wednesdays on Prime Video.

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