Latest news with #MarkMeachum
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jensen Ackles Compares Countdown Action Scenes, Says Truck Surfing Is a Whole ‘Different Ballgame' (WATCH)
It's not easy being LAPD Detective Mark Meachum. In last week's July 11 episode of Prime Video's Countdown, undercover Hurricane Task Force members sneaked into a ritzy party at the Belarusian consulate, so as to hack its database and see what all Volchek's homeland knows about his decidedly dirty dealings. More from TVLine Exclusive Countdown Sneak Peek: Amber Offers Mark Comfort - But Does She Know His Secret? Save the Dates: Robin Wright and Olivia Cooke in The Girlfriend, Love Island Reunion and More Daniel Dae Kim Is One Dangerous 'Dead' Dad in Trailer for Amazon Spy Thriller Butterfly In the course of that surreptitious mission, Meachum (played by Jensen Ackles) stumbled into a heated hand-to-hand fight inside the consulate's security station, where all sorts of limbs were thrown, much furniture broken. In this Wednesday's Episode 6 of the thriller series, Meachum found himself 'surfing' atop a trailer traveling at high speed, before leaping onto the pickup truck pulling it. Which scenario most thrilled Ackles himself, who of course has had his share of action-packed fun on series such as Supernatural and The Boys? 'Oh man, I had a lot of fun with both,' Ackles shares in the TVLine video above. Though when all is said and done, straddling the fast-moving trailer was 'more exhilarating,' he says. As we noted above, 'I've done the hand-to-hand fight scene quite a bit' in other roles, Ackles reminds, and while those are fun, 'they're also tricky,' in that punches and kicks need to land in such a way that 'no one catches an elbow' for real. Also, 'Those are really sweaty days!' Ackles reports with a laugh. 'You do three takes and you get drenched.' Meanwhile, keeping one's balance while standing atop a moving trailer, and at times purposely falling, is 'a totally different kind of ballgame,' Ackles makes clear. 'All you've got to do is just hang on,' he says — until the scene demands that you get knocked to your knees and nearly slide off the side, all whilst tethered to the stunt vehicle by a thin cable. 'It's like hanging over the side of a cliff and having a buddy hang onto you,' Ackles explains, visibly dazzling even Countdown co-star Eric Dane seated next to him in the Zoom. 'It was a little nerve-wracking! But it was a lot of fun.' Want scoop on , or for any other TV show? Shoot an email to InsideLine@ and your question may be answered via Matt's Inside Line! Best of TVLine Yellowjackets' Tawny Cypress Talks Episode 4's Tai/Van Reunion: 'We're All Worried About Taissa' Vampire Diaries Turns 10: How Real-Life Plot Twists Shaped Everything From the Love Triangle to the Final Death Vampire Diaries' Biggest Twists Revisited (and Explained)
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.
Metro
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
'Wildly entertaining' Amazon Prime action thriller soars up top 10 chart
There's something inherently satisfying when a team of ragtag individuals are put together for a high-stakes mission. Whether it's Brad Pitt and George Clooney assembling a new group in Ocean's Eleven or Tom Cruise setting up his next daring stunt in the Mission: Impossible franchise, teamwork does indeed make the dream work. And when it comes to Amazon Prime Video's latest series, Countdown, it is certainly no exception to that rule. Created by Derek Haas, who is known for shows such as One Chicago and FBI: International, viewers are hailing it as a 'wildly entertaining' ride. Following the murder of a Department of Homeland Security agent, Nathan Blythe (Euphoria star Eric Dane) puts together a task force of agents from various agencies who are each known for their unconventional methods. The team includes Mark Meachum (The Boys star Jensen Ackles), Amber Oliveras (Jessica Camacho), Keyonte Bell (Elliot Knight), Evan Shepherd (Violett Beane), and Lucas Finau (Uli Latukefu). To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Each of them works to track down the murderer; however, the search starts to reveal a much darker conspiracy that could endanger the lives of Americans. Described by Collider as 'wildly entertaining', the 13-part series has received some mixed reviews after the opening three episodes dropped on the streaming service. Writing on Rotten Tomatoes, viewer Natalia G said: 'Really enjoyed the first three episodes. Full of action and thrill. All of the actors are doing an amazing job. Looking for something to watch this July? Why not check out these incredible series … The Boys – 93% The Wheel of Time – 89% The Bondsman – 83% Invincible – 99% Fallout – 84% Condor – 87% 'The characters already seem to be well fleshed out, and I quickly became invested in their stories and what they are going through. Jensen Ackles as a lead is doing an amazing job. 'Mark Meachum is a complex character that really is going through some dark stuff in his personal life. And Ackles portrayed that struggle beautifully. Can't wait to see what's next!' Jade M added: 'Loved it. Kept me on the edge of my seat! Am invested in the team, I need to know about them and I already care. Jensen Ackles was so very good but I was expecting him to be. The others were also very good.' However, TV criticNick Schager from The Daily Beast wrote: 'Clunky, simplistic, unbelievable, and inert, it's a show that manages the impressive feat of being generic in absolutely every respect.' Ross McIndoe from Slant Magazine also argued: 'The series feels like a cop show from an older, more conservative era of television.' This comes as viewers are also rushing to binge an 'excellent' crime drama on Amazon Prime Video that offers a new perspective on a comic book classic. Created by Bruno Heller, Gotham follows James 'Jim' Gordon's early days at the Gotham City Police Department. Set during the period after the death of Bruce Wayne's parents, the series has received high praise from fans. Writing on IMDb, where it currently has a 7.8 rating, hgdybecker described it as a 'different take on the Batman universe – but a very good one'. Earlier this month, Countdown star Dane broke his silence after receiving a heartbreaking ALS diagnosis in April. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is often referred to as one of the most cruel diseases a human can face, and is a progressive neurological disease that is almost always fatal. Speaking with Good Morning America's Diane Sawyer, the former Grey's Anatomy star defiantly vowed 'I don't feel like this is the end of me'. More Trending 'I wake up every day and I'm immediately reminded that this is happening,' he said. 'I don't think this is the end of my story. I don't feel like this is the end of me.' Countdown is available to stream now on Amazon Prime Video. View More » A previous version of this article was published on June 25, 2025 Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: UK viewers can finally watch season 2 of 'compelling' Australian thriller MORE: Film hailed 'one of the greatest ever made' now available on Amazon Prime MORE: British actor claims stepping into James Bond role is a 'nightmare'
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What You Need to Know About the Jensen Ackles Action Series, Countdown
Monday night on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jensen Ackles made his Tonight Show debut to promote his new action-packed series, Countdown. During his appearance, he assured everybody that the show is a bit of a throwback. His new series is designed to give you the same nostalgic feel of movies and TV shows like Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, and The A-Team. Here's what you need to know about the Days of Our Lives alum's Prime Video thriller. Here's what you need to know about Prime Video's Countdown: 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. Countdown starts streaming on Prime Video on Wednesday, June 25, when the first three episodes are released. One episode drops each subsequent week, with the finale streaming on Wednesday, September 3. So there will be 13 episodes in total. Jensen Ackles (The Boys, Supernatural), Eric Dane (Grey's Anatomy, Euphoria), and Jessica Camacho (The Flash, Watchmen). The series also stars Violett Beane (Death and Other Details), Elliot Knight (The Boys), and Uli Latukefu (Young Rock). Right off the bat, in episode one, look out for a pretty big cameo. And, later in the season, DAYS star Mary Beth Evans is set to make an appearance, according to TV Line. She will play the mother of one of the major characters. TV Line describes Countdown as 24 meets Graceland, which is a fair assessment. On one hand, the energy is urgent, the stakes are high, and the action is intense and pulse-pounding, much like the late, great Fox drama 24. If the high-octane action scenes filmed in Los Angeles don't get you (don't worry, they will), then there's the team aspect that made USA Network's Graceland such a fun show. Countdown's Eric Dane-led task force brings a group of misfits, rebels, and insanely competent individuals together. Thankfully, the chemistry is there from the beginning, even though it's more of a slow build. What we're always afraid of with ensemble casts is that one or more characters will get the short end of the drama stick. But here, you may have to be patient, but every individual is going through something, and their stories are told. This includes Ackles's character, Mark Meachum, an LAPD detective, who faces a lot of challenges that could and should make doing his job difficult. Yet he does it anyway. In the initial trailer for Countdown, Meachum states a mantra. of sorts, 'If I'm going out, I'm going out saving something.' He has a lot going on, but none of that is going to get in the way of him bringing down the bad guys. Take a look at images from the series as well as the recent red carpet premiere and after-party, Courtesy of Prime Video. Sneak Peek Jensen Ackles on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
The Review Geek
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Countdown (2025) – Season 1 Episode 1 'Teeth in the Bone' Recap & Review
Episode 1 Episode 1 of Countdown begins with Homeland Security officer Robert Darden being killed while meeting with a thug. The next day, FBI Agent Nathan Blythe puts together a task force but two of the members are missing. LAPD Homicide Detective Mark Meachum is jumped in prison. He has been undercover for 9 months before being pulled out for the task force. He doesn't seem to be well but he cites the prison riot for his headaches. Next, we have DEA Agent Amber Oliveras being held hostage by drug dealers. She frees herself and beats up her captors before calling backup. Her senior scolds her for being brash before informing her of the task force. With the task force complete, Blythe introduces everyone. Oliveras has 14 years of experience infiltrating gangs. FBI Agent Keyonte Bell focuses on homegrown terrorists and comes from a family of cops. FBI Agent Evan Shepherd works in the cybercrime department. LAPD Detective Luke Finau focuses on guns, gangs and narcotics. He is aggressive and has been suspended several times. As for Mark, he has worked with Blythe before and is quite chatty which gets on everyone's nerves. Onto the case, Darden seems to be corrupt, having taken several huge bribes. It is why Blythe wants the task force to be a secret. Mark tries to team up with Oliveras but she refuses. It is revealed that she is friends with his ex-fiancée and knows he slept with her sister before the wedding. Shepherd looks up to Blythe but doesn't understand why he treats her like his personal driver. Bell and Oliveras bond while Finau quietly tolerates Mark's ramblings. The team questions Darden's colleagues and gets a lead – Darden's friend and a shady officer, Jim Talbott. Mark learns someone from DC is supporting their task force and realises there is more to Darden's case. However, Blythe shuts him down when he questions him. Shepherd IDs the shooter, Cesar Murillo and Mark takes the lead, much to Oliveras' annoyance. He gets another headache but he keeps going. He ends up lowering his guard and Oliveras covers him as they find Los Reyes Nuevos members. Mark thanks her but she is still annoyed that he took the lead. It cuts to Ray, an agent, warning Blythe that Oliveras is a ticking time bomb. She tends to go deep undercover and has turned into an addict. But Blythe is not deterred as her latest tests are clean. Talbott is a dead-end as well but red flags pop up for Maurice Spellman, the customs officer who pointed them towards Talbott. A car chase ensues before they arrest him. Mark is upset that Oliveras messed up his car chase strategy and they bicker. Blythe takes advantage of their anger and makes them interrogate Maurice. As expected, Mark and Oliveras end up arguing in the interrogation room. It confuses Maurice who finally slips up. They push and threaten his sister till he comes clean. Looks like Maurice is the mole for Los Reyes and Darden was trying to expose them before they killed him. Blythe takes Shepherd to inform Darden's widow and reveals that he wants to mentor Shepherd on the field. As for his second-in-charge, Damon, he heads to a Little League practice. We learn that his son, Noah, was killed. On Finau's advice, Oliveras looks up Mark's 9-month prison stint. It cuts to Mark visiting a doctor as he has an incurable brain tumour. The doctor suggests palliative care but he refuses. Back at the base, Mark keeps hounding Blythe for his ulterior motives. We learn that Blythe had assigned Mark to an extremely risky operation which could have ruined his career if it had failed. This is why he owes Mark and tolerates his cheek. Blythe finally reveals that he knew there were moles but his investigations have been constantly rebuffed. Darden's murder allowed him to directly appeal to the director. Which means some very senior officers are on the cartel's payroll. It is why he cannot trust anyone. Mark also realises why he picked the task force members he did – they are all indispensable or have ticked off their seniors. No one will miss them if it all goes sideways. Right then, Bell finds an arms deal going down at Pier 31. They rush to the location and a gun fight ensues. Mark ends up killing Murillo who was about to shoot Oliveras. Blythe notices someone escaping. At the end of Countdown Episode 1, Bell identifies highly radioactive weapons. They are enough to fuel a Chernobyl-level event. The Episode Review Countdown Episode 1 feels very Suicide Squad with a bunch of misfits teaming up for a risky operation with McSteamy playing Viola Davis. Helmed by Derek Haas, king of American TV procedural shows like FBI: International and the Chicago series, Countdown has all the usual quirks with tons of chases, gun fights and mysterious criminals doing criminal things while our heroes try to stop them. There's some info-dumping which doesn't really serve any purpose as we doubt they will be important later on. Viewers have to sift through all that exposition to figure out what is filler and what is relevant to the Darden case. But fortunately, this chapter is quite fast-paced and packed so there are no dull moments. Along with the set-up, different character dynamics are also built like that between Mark and Blythe, and Mark and Oliveras. As a Supernatural fan, we also know the allure of having Jensen Ackles once again playing a cocky, trigger-happy, misunderstood anti-hero. But with a strong ensemble cast like the one Countdown has, we do hope that they invest in their other characters instead of just focusing on Ackles, Eric Dane and Jessica Camacho. For now, the cliffhanger is enough to convince viewers to tune into the next episode. Next Episode Expect A Full Season Write-Up When This Season Concludes!
