Latest news with #Chernobyl-level
The Advertiser
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
The clock is ticking in new Prime action series Countdown
Cops and agents from various branches of law enforcement are brought together on a task force in LA to prevent the potential loss of thousands of lives in new action drama Countdown. It looks like bad guys have got their hands on some highly dangerous material that could cause a Chernobyl-level disaster in the City of Angels, so this crew will do whatever it takes to stop that from happening - even if it involves colouring outside the lines and putting their own lives in significant danger. It's a ragtag group centred around LAPD officer Mark Meachum (the always-charming and ever-watchable Jensen Ackles, Supernatural) who has just done a nine-month undercover stint in prison. Then there's Amber Oliveras (Jessica Camacho), who spent significant time undercover with drug cartels, tech whiz Evan Shepherd (Violett Beane, Drop), man mountain Lucas Finau (Aussie Uli Latukefu, The Last Anniversary), third generation FBI agent Keyonte Bell (Elliott Knight) and the folks in charge, Nathan Blythe (Eric Dane, still best known as McSteamy from Grey's Anatomy) and his right-hand man Damon Drew (Jonathan Togo, CSI: Miami). The action is pretty decent and the characters are likeable. Countdown is a highly palatable action series with a broad appeal, easily sitting alongside the likes of Reacher or The Night Agent. After an initial drop of three episodes to get you hooked, the series is releasing episodes weekly. Marvel's TV shows have been very hit and miss thus far - mostly miss, if we're being honest. While the likes of Daredevil, Ms Marvel and Hawkeye were brilliant, we had to endure the lacklustre Secret Invasion, Loki season two and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Ironheart is the latest offering, and it follows Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), a gifted young scientist/inventor who was first introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. After picking up a bunch of knowledge during her time in Wakanda, Riri has gone back to college and found the resources just aren't up to her new standard, and has started completing other students' projects for cash to fund her work. The school, of course, is not on board with this and she is expelled, sent back home to Chicago with what little she could pocket on her way out. Down on her luck and without the funds to truly amaze in her iron suit, she falls in with a less than legal crew who are taking on morally questionable rich folk in the city. They're led by The Hood, played by the talented Anthony Ramos (Hamilton, Into the Heights). Aussie Zoe Terakes is also one of the band of misfits, who each bring their own set of skills to the criminal group. While Riri is working hard on getting her iron suit up to scratch, she accidentally creates a new AI helper (like Jarvis was Iron Man's helper before he became Vision) in the form of her dead best friend. It's a nice touch and one of the better points in the series. She's also formed a friendship with 'Joe McGillicuddy' (Alden Ehrenreich, Solo: A Star Wars Story), who is hiding a familiar identity behind his fake name. Ironheart has its moments, and sometimes hits those Marvel notes of old that we all love, but on the whole it's not one of the more memorable instalments in the Marvel TV hall of fame. The opening couple of episodes might be a little uneven, but the performances and concept in Smoke should be enough to keep you intrigued beyond them. Taron Egerton (Rocketman) plays Dave Gudsen, a former firefighter turned arson investigator with designs on becoming an author. He's got two serial arsonist cases on his desk when detective Michelle Calderon (Jurnee Smollett, The Burial) is reassigned to help him out. She's out of favour in her own department and is determined to score a big win on the arson cases. The show is moody and a little offputting, and even features a song by Radiohead's Thom Yorke in the opening titles. We follow one of the arsonists from the start, played by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, and his performance is highly impressive and sad. There's a reveal at the end of the second episode that's played like it's a big shocker but was fairly obvious to anyone paying attention. Time will tell if the show lives up to the promise of its cast (which also includes Greg Kinnear, Rafe Spall and John Leguizamo) and writer, Dennis Lehane (known for the likes of Gone Baby Gone, Mystic River and Shutter Island). Season four of The Bear is not going to be for everyone. If thus far you've merely put up with the characters' more introspective, slow-moving moments while you waited for the plot to kick in, this season might just lose you. There's very little actual movement in the story. The crazy intensity and chaos of the kitchen that drove seasons one and two has faded away. Now it's all about how these flawed but lovable characters are feeling more than what they're doing. Just about everyone on the show has recognised their own shortcomings and is actively working to remedy them - a remarkable thing to behold. If you've made it this far because you love seeing Carmy, Richie, Syd, Tina and the rest grow and tackle their issues and obstacles, you'll still love The Bear in season four. While there aren't any episodes to rival Fishes or Forks from season two, or even last season's Napkins or Ice Chips, episode seven of this season is beautiful and moving, and filled to the brim with guest stars, including new addition Brie Larson. Other guest stars this season include Rob Reiner and Danielle Deadwyler. The final season of juggernaut Korean series Squid Game, which is really much more of an extension of season two than its own thing, has arrived on Netflix with six brand new episodes. For something less intense, catch Mark Ruffalo and Riverdale's Lili Reinhart in the eight-episode dramedy Hal and Harper on Stan. For some documentary action, catch the film Shark Whisperer on Netflix, Ewan McGregor's latest motorcycle travelogue series The Long Way Home on AppleTV+, and the truly moving and affecting film My Mom Jayne, from Law and Order SVU's Mariska Hargitay, about her famous mother Jayne Mansfield, on Max. Cops and agents from various branches of law enforcement are brought together on a task force in LA to prevent the potential loss of thousands of lives in new action drama Countdown. It looks like bad guys have got their hands on some highly dangerous material that could cause a Chernobyl-level disaster in the City of Angels, so this crew will do whatever it takes to stop that from happening - even if it involves colouring outside the lines and putting their own lives in significant danger. It's a ragtag group centred around LAPD officer Mark Meachum (the always-charming and ever-watchable Jensen Ackles, Supernatural) who has just done a nine-month undercover stint in prison. Then there's Amber Oliveras (Jessica Camacho), who spent significant time undercover with drug cartels, tech whiz Evan Shepherd (Violett Beane, Drop), man mountain Lucas Finau (Aussie Uli Latukefu, The Last Anniversary), third generation FBI agent Keyonte Bell (Elliott Knight) and the folks in charge, Nathan Blythe (Eric Dane, still best known as McSteamy from Grey's Anatomy) and his right-hand man Damon Drew (Jonathan Togo, CSI: Miami). The action is pretty decent and the characters are likeable. Countdown is a highly palatable action series with a broad appeal, easily sitting alongside the likes of Reacher or The Night Agent. After an initial drop of three episodes to get you hooked, the series is releasing episodes weekly. Marvel's TV shows have been very hit and miss thus far - mostly miss, if we're being honest. While the likes of Daredevil, Ms Marvel and Hawkeye were brilliant, we had to endure the lacklustre Secret Invasion, Loki season two and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Ironheart is the latest offering, and it follows Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), a gifted young scientist/inventor who was first introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. After picking up a bunch of knowledge during her time in Wakanda, Riri has gone back to college and found the resources just aren't up to her new standard, and has started completing other students' projects for cash to fund her work. The school, of course, is not on board with this and she is expelled, sent back home to Chicago with what little she could pocket on her way out. Down on her luck and without the funds to truly amaze in her iron suit, she falls in with a less than legal crew who are taking on morally questionable rich folk in the city. They're led by The Hood, played by the talented Anthony Ramos (Hamilton, Into the Heights). Aussie Zoe Terakes is also one of the band of misfits, who each bring their own set of skills to the criminal group. While Riri is working hard on getting her iron suit up to scratch, she accidentally creates a new AI helper (like Jarvis was Iron Man's helper before he became Vision) in the form of her dead best friend. It's a nice touch and one of the better points in the series. She's also formed a friendship with 'Joe McGillicuddy' (Alden Ehrenreich, Solo: A Star Wars Story), who is hiding a familiar identity behind his fake name. Ironheart has its moments, and sometimes hits those Marvel notes of old that we all love, but on the whole it's not one of the more memorable instalments in the Marvel TV hall of fame. The opening couple of episodes might be a little uneven, but the performances and concept in Smoke should be enough to keep you intrigued beyond them. Taron Egerton (Rocketman) plays Dave Gudsen, a former firefighter turned arson investigator with designs on becoming an author. He's got two serial arsonist cases on his desk when detective Michelle Calderon (Jurnee Smollett, The Burial) is reassigned to help him out. She's out of favour in her own department and is determined to score a big win on the arson cases. The show is moody and a little offputting, and even features a song by Radiohead's Thom Yorke in the opening titles. We follow one of the arsonists from the start, played by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, and his performance is highly impressive and sad. There's a reveal at the end of the second episode that's played like it's a big shocker but was fairly obvious to anyone paying attention. Time will tell if the show lives up to the promise of its cast (which also includes Greg Kinnear, Rafe Spall and John Leguizamo) and writer, Dennis Lehane (known for the likes of Gone Baby Gone, Mystic River and Shutter Island). Season four of The Bear is not going to be for everyone. If thus far you've merely put up with the characters' more introspective, slow-moving moments while you waited for the plot to kick in, this season might just lose you. There's very little actual movement in the story. The crazy intensity and chaos of the kitchen that drove seasons one and two has faded away. Now it's all about how these flawed but lovable characters are feeling more than what they're doing. Just about everyone on the show has recognised their own shortcomings and is actively working to remedy them - a remarkable thing to behold. If you've made it this far because you love seeing Carmy, Richie, Syd, Tina and the rest grow and tackle their issues and obstacles, you'll still love The Bear in season four. While there aren't any episodes to rival Fishes or Forks from season two, or even last season's Napkins or Ice Chips, episode seven of this season is beautiful and moving, and filled to the brim with guest stars, including new addition Brie Larson. Other guest stars this season include Rob Reiner and Danielle Deadwyler. The final season of juggernaut Korean series Squid Game, which is really much more of an extension of season two than its own thing, has arrived on Netflix with six brand new episodes. For something less intense, catch Mark Ruffalo and Riverdale's Lili Reinhart in the eight-episode dramedy Hal and Harper on Stan. For some documentary action, catch the film Shark Whisperer on Netflix, Ewan McGregor's latest motorcycle travelogue series The Long Way Home on AppleTV+, and the truly moving and affecting film My Mom Jayne, from Law and Order SVU's Mariska Hargitay, about her famous mother Jayne Mansfield, on Max. Cops and agents from various branches of law enforcement are brought together on a task force in LA to prevent the potential loss of thousands of lives in new action drama Countdown. It looks like bad guys have got their hands on some highly dangerous material that could cause a Chernobyl-level disaster in the City of Angels, so this crew will do whatever it takes to stop that from happening - even if it involves colouring outside the lines and putting their own lives in significant danger. It's a ragtag group centred around LAPD officer Mark Meachum (the always-charming and ever-watchable Jensen Ackles, Supernatural) who has just done a nine-month undercover stint in prison. Then there's Amber Oliveras (Jessica Camacho), who spent significant time undercover with drug cartels, tech whiz Evan Shepherd (Violett Beane, Drop), man mountain Lucas Finau (Aussie Uli Latukefu, The Last Anniversary), third generation FBI agent Keyonte Bell (Elliott Knight) and the folks in charge, Nathan Blythe (Eric Dane, still best known as McSteamy from Grey's Anatomy) and his right-hand man Damon Drew (Jonathan Togo, CSI: Miami). The action is pretty decent and the characters are likeable. Countdown is a highly palatable action series with a broad appeal, easily sitting alongside the likes of Reacher or The Night Agent. After an initial drop of three episodes to get you hooked, the series is releasing episodes weekly. Marvel's TV shows have been very hit and miss thus far - mostly miss, if we're being honest. While the likes of Daredevil, Ms Marvel and Hawkeye were brilliant, we had to endure the lacklustre Secret Invasion, Loki season two and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Ironheart is the latest offering, and it follows Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), a gifted young scientist/inventor who was first introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. After picking up a bunch of knowledge during her time in Wakanda, Riri has gone back to college and found the resources just aren't up to her new standard, and has started completing other students' projects for cash to fund her work. The school, of course, is not on board with this and she is expelled, sent back home to Chicago with what little she could pocket on her way out. Down on her luck and without the funds to truly amaze in her iron suit, she falls in with a less than legal crew who are taking on morally questionable rich folk in the city. They're led by The Hood, played by the talented Anthony Ramos (Hamilton, Into the Heights). Aussie Zoe Terakes is also one of the band of misfits, who each bring their own set of skills to the criminal group. While Riri is working hard on getting her iron suit up to scratch, she accidentally creates a new AI helper (like Jarvis was Iron Man's helper before he became Vision) in the form of her dead best friend. It's a nice touch and one of the better points in the series. She's also formed a friendship with 'Joe McGillicuddy' (Alden Ehrenreich, Solo: A Star Wars Story), who is hiding a familiar identity behind his fake name. Ironheart has its moments, and sometimes hits those Marvel notes of old that we all love, but on the whole it's not one of the more memorable instalments in the Marvel TV hall of fame. The opening couple of episodes might be a little uneven, but the performances and concept in Smoke should be enough to keep you intrigued beyond them. Taron Egerton (Rocketman) plays Dave Gudsen, a former firefighter turned arson investigator with designs on becoming an author. He's got two serial arsonist cases on his desk when detective Michelle Calderon (Jurnee Smollett, The Burial) is reassigned to help him out. She's out of favour in her own department and is determined to score a big win on the arson cases. The show is moody and a little offputting, and even features a song by Radiohead's Thom Yorke in the opening titles. We follow one of the arsonists from the start, played by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, and his performance is highly impressive and sad. There's a reveal at the end of the second episode that's played like it's a big shocker but was fairly obvious to anyone paying attention. Time will tell if the show lives up to the promise of its cast (which also includes Greg Kinnear, Rafe Spall and John Leguizamo) and writer, Dennis Lehane (known for the likes of Gone Baby Gone, Mystic River and Shutter Island). Season four of The Bear is not going to be for everyone. If thus far you've merely put up with the characters' more introspective, slow-moving moments while you waited for the plot to kick in, this season might just lose you. There's very little actual movement in the story. The crazy intensity and chaos of the kitchen that drove seasons one and two has faded away. Now it's all about how these flawed but lovable characters are feeling more than what they're doing. Just about everyone on the show has recognised their own shortcomings and is actively working to remedy them - a remarkable thing to behold. If you've made it this far because you love seeing Carmy, Richie, Syd, Tina and the rest grow and tackle their issues and obstacles, you'll still love The Bear in season four. While there aren't any episodes to rival Fishes or Forks from season two, or even last season's Napkins or Ice Chips, episode seven of this season is beautiful and moving, and filled to the brim with guest stars, including new addition Brie Larson. Other guest stars this season include Rob Reiner and Danielle Deadwyler. The final season of juggernaut Korean series Squid Game, which is really much more of an extension of season two than its own thing, has arrived on Netflix with six brand new episodes. For something less intense, catch Mark Ruffalo and Riverdale's Lili Reinhart in the eight-episode dramedy Hal and Harper on Stan. For some documentary action, catch the film Shark Whisperer on Netflix, Ewan McGregor's latest motorcycle travelogue series The Long Way Home on AppleTV+, and the truly moving and affecting film My Mom Jayne, from Law and Order SVU's Mariska Hargitay, about her famous mother Jayne Mansfield, on Max. Cops and agents from various branches of law enforcement are brought together on a task force in LA to prevent the potential loss of thousands of lives in new action drama Countdown. It looks like bad guys have got their hands on some highly dangerous material that could cause a Chernobyl-level disaster in the City of Angels, so this crew will do whatever it takes to stop that from happening - even if it involves colouring outside the lines and putting their own lives in significant danger. It's a ragtag group centred around LAPD officer Mark Meachum (the always-charming and ever-watchable Jensen Ackles, Supernatural) who has just done a nine-month undercover stint in prison. Then there's Amber Oliveras (Jessica Camacho), who spent significant time undercover with drug cartels, tech whiz Evan Shepherd (Violett Beane, Drop), man mountain Lucas Finau (Aussie Uli Latukefu, The Last Anniversary), third generation FBI agent Keyonte Bell (Elliott Knight) and the folks in charge, Nathan Blythe (Eric Dane, still best known as McSteamy from Grey's Anatomy) and his right-hand man Damon Drew (Jonathan Togo, CSI: Miami). The action is pretty decent and the characters are likeable. Countdown is a highly palatable action series with a broad appeal, easily sitting alongside the likes of Reacher or The Night Agent. After an initial drop of three episodes to get you hooked, the series is releasing episodes weekly. Marvel's TV shows have been very hit and miss thus far - mostly miss, if we're being honest. While the likes of Daredevil, Ms Marvel and Hawkeye were brilliant, we had to endure the lacklustre Secret Invasion, Loki season two and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Ironheart is the latest offering, and it follows Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), a gifted young scientist/inventor who was first introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. After picking up a bunch of knowledge during her time in Wakanda, Riri has gone back to college and found the resources just aren't up to her new standard, and has started completing other students' projects for cash to fund her work. The school, of course, is not on board with this and she is expelled, sent back home to Chicago with what little she could pocket on her way out. Down on her luck and without the funds to truly amaze in her iron suit, she falls in with a less than legal crew who are taking on morally questionable rich folk in the city. They're led by The Hood, played by the talented Anthony Ramos (Hamilton, Into the Heights). Aussie Zoe Terakes is also one of the band of misfits, who each bring their own set of skills to the criminal group. While Riri is working hard on getting her iron suit up to scratch, she accidentally creates a new AI helper (like Jarvis was Iron Man's helper before he became Vision) in the form of her dead best friend. It's a nice touch and one of the better points in the series. She's also formed a friendship with 'Joe McGillicuddy' (Alden Ehrenreich, Solo: A Star Wars Story), who is hiding a familiar identity behind his fake name. Ironheart has its moments, and sometimes hits those Marvel notes of old that we all love, but on the whole it's not one of the more memorable instalments in the Marvel TV hall of fame. The opening couple of episodes might be a little uneven, but the performances and concept in Smoke should be enough to keep you intrigued beyond them. Taron Egerton (Rocketman) plays Dave Gudsen, a former firefighter turned arson investigator with designs on becoming an author. He's got two serial arsonist cases on his desk when detective Michelle Calderon (Jurnee Smollett, The Burial) is reassigned to help him out. She's out of favour in her own department and is determined to score a big win on the arson cases. The show is moody and a little offputting, and even features a song by Radiohead's Thom Yorke in the opening titles. We follow one of the arsonists from the start, played by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, and his performance is highly impressive and sad. There's a reveal at the end of the second episode that's played like it's a big shocker but was fairly obvious to anyone paying attention. Time will tell if the show lives up to the promise of its cast (which also includes Greg Kinnear, Rafe Spall and John Leguizamo) and writer, Dennis Lehane (known for the likes of Gone Baby Gone, Mystic River and Shutter Island). Season four of The Bear is not going to be for everyone. If thus far you've merely put up with the characters' more introspective, slow-moving moments while you waited for the plot to kick in, this season might just lose you. There's very little actual movement in the story. The crazy intensity and chaos of the kitchen that drove seasons one and two has faded away. Now it's all about how these flawed but lovable characters are feeling more than what they're doing. Just about everyone on the show has recognised their own shortcomings and is actively working to remedy them - a remarkable thing to behold. If you've made it this far because you love seeing Carmy, Richie, Syd, Tina and the rest grow and tackle their issues and obstacles, you'll still love The Bear in season four. While there aren't any episodes to rival Fishes or Forks from season two, or even last season's Napkins or Ice Chips, episode seven of this season is beautiful and moving, and filled to the brim with guest stars, including new addition Brie Larson. Other guest stars this season include Rob Reiner and Danielle Deadwyler. The final season of juggernaut Korean series Squid Game, which is really much more of an extension of season two than its own thing, has arrived on Netflix with six brand new episodes. For something less intense, catch Mark Ruffalo and Riverdale's Lili Reinhart in the eight-episode dramedy Hal and Harper on Stan. For some documentary action, catch the film Shark Whisperer on Netflix, Ewan McGregor's latest motorcycle travelogue series The Long Way Home on AppleTV+, and the truly moving and affecting film My Mom Jayne, from Law and Order SVU's Mariska Hargitay, about her famous mother Jayne Mansfield, on Max.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Here's the New Trailer for the Action-Packed Series ‘Countdown' Starring DAYS Alum Jensen Ackles
The trailer for Jensen Ackles's upcoming Prime Video series Countdown has been out for 24 hours, and it already has over 1.6 million views on YouTube (and counting). Ackles, who played the original Eric Brady on Days of Our Lives, steps into the lead, and from the looks of it, his new character has the ability to get into a lot of trouble and out of a lot of tight spots. The Supernatural and The Boys actor plays Mark Meachum, an LAPD Detective with a bit of a death wish. After the death of a Homeland Security Agent, Meachum is recruited for a secret task force consisting of undercover agents from all branches of law enforcement. According to a Prime Video press release, 'The hunt for the killer soon uncovers a plot far more sinister than anyone could have imagined, kicking off a race against time to save a city of millions.' In the brand-new trailer, this sinister plot is described as a 'Chernobyl-level event.' Hence, the task force will have to face massive explosions, deadly fights, and death-defying situations in order to 'stop a weapon of mass destruction.' No big deal, right? But don't worry, since this is Ackles, the former soap star will mix up the action and danger with a little fun, sarcasm, and character-driven angst. Look for Countdown to debut exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide on Wednesday, June 25. The first three episodes drop first, and then new episodes will follow weekly. The season one finale touches down on Wednesday, September 3. In addition to Ackles, Countdown stars Eric Dane (Grey's Anatomy, The Last Ship, Euphoria), Jessica Camacho (The Flash, Sleepy Hollow), Violett Beane (Death and Other Details), Elliot Knight (The Boys), and Uli Latukefu (Young Rock). Here's the trailer.
Tom's Guide
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
I've already watched the first three episodes of Prime Video's new action series — and it's no thrill ride
Prime Video's latest original series is "Countdown," an explosive, race-against-time action thriller from "One Chicago" creator Derek Haas and star Jensen Ackles. Viewing the "Countdown" trailer, I was pretty amped. While I'm not hugely familiar with Haas' previous series, I'm always game for a dose of adrenaline, and "Countdown" looked like it'd deliver some thrills. Ahead of the show's three-episode premiere today (June 25), I had the chance to check out the initial drop ... and I've got bad news. I'd hoped that "Countdown" would be a fun, high-octane summer treat on the Amazon streaming service, but after watching these first three episodes, I can't say I'm eager to sit through any more "Countdown" — here's why. The big problem here, simply put, is that "Countdown" is so generic that I quickly found it was washing over me. And given there are 10 more episodes left, well, that's worrying. The series revolves around Mark Meachum (Jensen Ackles), an LAPD detective who is recruited to a secret task force after a Department of Homeland Security officer is murdered in broad daylight. Together with other undercover agents from other branches of law enforcement, Meachum starts to search for the killer. Soon, the task force uncovers a far more sinister plot that leads to a race against time to save the city. As a set-up, that sure sounds like a recipe for a thrilling ride, right? Well, that's not how I feel three episodes in. It's not like "Countdown" is slow-moving, per se; the series opens with a frenetic chase, and there's action and plot reveal woven in pretty regularly to keep things moving along. It's just that what's here isn't fun to watch, and despite that set-up, the story just feels so inert. There's mention of incredibly high stakes (our heroes are trying to prevent a "Chernobyl-level event" from happening in Los Angeles) and that grand terror plot to foil, but the show can't match those stakes. A lot of time is spent watching middling chatter, or cliche storybeats, or exposition dumps. The characters, so far, feel pretty one-note, and even some of the action looks and feels pretty clunky. Despite the ticking-clock premise, it's anything but edge-of-your-seat stuff. Each of these opening episodes ends with a big crescendo moment that I'm sure was designed to have you itching to want to come back for more, but the reality is, "Countdown" is just another average-at-best police procedural that just sucks the fun out of proceedings. While I don't think "boring" is a productive criticism, that's ultimately the way I'd describe Prime Video's new show. And with my interest already wavering from the first three instalments, I can't really fathom what "Countdown" could do to change my mind on that front. Unless you're really going to get a kick out of some of the action sequences or love a gruff, cocksure Jensen Ackles turn, "Countdown" doesn't feel like it's worth the time investment. It's just sort of fine at best, and that's simply not good enough to have me ready to commit to returning week to week for the remaining episodes. Looks like I'm not alone on that front, either; early reviews show "Countdown" is proving divisive. At the time of writing, the show's currently sitting at a 50% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with others also criticizing the show's cliche feel. I'm not one to rag on a show unnecessarily, but honestly, when I was watching "Countdown," the only counting going on was from me, looking at the remaining runtime and wishing for the show to be over. I'm willing to be proven wrong, but the series didn't make a good first impression. And if reading this has put you off "Countdown" and you're now in dire need of some streaming inspiration right now, check out our guide to the best Prime Video shows for tons more suggestions that are more deserving of your time. "Countdown" episodes 1-3 are streaming now on Prime Video.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Middle East conflict: Could Iran's nuclear sites turn toxic? Experts weigh risks after US and Israeli strikes
This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows the Fordo enrichment facility in Iran before U.S. strikes, Friday, June 20, 2025. (Pic credit: AP) As US and Israeli airstrikes tear through Iran's key nuclear infrastructure, international attention is shifting to a far graver question: Are these attacks triggering nuclear contamination risks across the region? US President Donald Trump declared on Sunday that Iran's most fortified nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, had been "completely obliterated" in coordinated military strikes. While Iran denies the presence of nuclear weapons at the sites, several of them are central to the country's uranium enrichment program. So far, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not detected increased radiation levels outside the impacted areas. But experts warn that doesn't mean there's no danger. Which sites were hit and what do they contain? The US strikes targeted: Fordow: An underground uranium enrichment facility Natanz: Home to centrifuge halls and production centers Isfahan: A complex that includes Iran's Uranium Conversion Facility Previous Israeli strikes also hit Arak (Khondab), a site under construction, and other centrifuge hubs in Tehran and Karaj. While most of these sites were not actively running reactors, they did contain uranium hexafluoride (UF6), a toxic chemical compound used in uranium enrichment. Chemical, not radiological but still dangerous Experts emphasise: attacks on enrichment sites like Natanz or Isfahan don't create nuclear mushroom clouds, but they can release toxic substances, especially UF6, into the air. "When uranium hexafluoride interacts with moisture, it creates harmful chemicals," Reuters quoted Darya Dolzikova of London's RUSI think-tank. "The danger is more chemical than radiological but still real." Whether those chemicals stay near the site or spread across borders depends on wind speed, direction, and the facility's depth underground. Are underground sites safer to bomb? Ironically, yes. Hitting a site buried under concrete and rock, like Fordow, may actually reduce the spread of contamination. "You're burying the hazardous material in tons of earth," said Simon Bennett, a safety expert from the University of Leicester. "The material is toxic, but it doesn't travel far, and it's barely radioactive in its pre-reactor form." The nightmare scenario: Bushehr While attacks on enrichment sites carry low to moderate environmental risk, experts warn that a strike on the Bushehr nuclear power plant could trigger a radiological catastrophe. Located on Iran's Gulf coast, Bushehr is an active reactor. Israeli forces mistakenly claimed to have struck the site on June 19, sparking panic before walking the statement back. "A hit on Bushehr could release radioactive material into the sea or air," said James Acton of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. "It would be a Chernobyl-level disaster in waiting." Why the Gulf states are extremely nervous The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is on high alert. Not just because of fallout, but because millions depend on the Gulf's waters for desalinated drinking water. Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE rely on desalination for over 80–100% of their water supply Saudi Arabia still sources 50% from desalination An oil spill, natural disaster, or nuclear leak could cripple the region's water infrastructure "One contaminant near a coastal desalination plant can shut down freshwater access for an entire city," said Nidal Hilal, director of NYU Abu Dhabi's Water Research Centre.
Tom's Guide
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Prime Video just dropped an exhilarating trailer for its new crime thriller show — and it looks like an explosive summer watch
Prime Video has just released the trailer for "Countdown", the Amazon streaming service's newest crime drama — and it looks perfect for anyone looking for a dose of adrenaline-pumping action that'll liven up our summer. Created by Derek Haas (exec producer for "One Chicago" and the "FBI" franchises), "Countdown" was billed as an "action-packed" series when we got our first look at the show. Judging by this trailer, it looks like Prime Video wasn't kidding, either. Check it out below: The stakes for this new mission are certainly very high. Early on, Eric Dane's Nathan Blythe briefs the team that a foreign party is planning "a Chernobyl-level event here in Los Angeles," and later you'll hear a voice say, "one mistake and we're dead." Aside from a few joke lines, the trailer very much sells those stakes, too; this trailer's practically all-out action from the jump. There are snippets of buildings being cleared, hand-to-hand brawls, shootouts, and chases, and it all culminates in Ackles flipping a thumbs-up before leaping, mid-pursuit, from a caravan being towed by a speeding truck. In other words, if you like your streaming shows with a bit of high-octane fun involved, "Countdown" looks like it belongs on your watchlist. You don't have to wait too long to stream it, either: Prime Video is giving the series a three-episode premiere on Wednesday, June 25. It also sounds like "Countdown" will run a little longer than your average streaming show, too; new episodes will premiere on a weekly basis, and Prime's confirmed the series' "exhilarating" season finale will drop on Wednesday, September 3. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Along with the above trailer, Prime Video has released a "Countdown" synopsis, which gives us a pretty clear picture of what to expect from the new show. It reads: "When an officer with the Department of Homeland Security is murdered in broad daylight, LAPD detective Mark Meachum, portrayed by Ackles, is recruited to a secret task force, alongside undercover agents from all branches of law enforcement, to investigate. But the hunt for the killer soon uncovers a plot far more sinister than anyone could have imagined, kicking off a race against time to save a city of millions." In addition to Ackles, "Countdown" also stars Eric Dane, Jessica Camacho, Violett Beane, Elliot Knight, and Uli Latukefu. Looking for something new to stream while you wait for "Countdown" to arrive? Check out our guide to the best Prime Video shows you can stream right now for tons more streaming recommendations.
