Alan Ritchson’s titular character inReachermay have competition as Amazon Prime Video’s most exciting action hero. Amazon has cornered the market on action-packed thriller shows, fromReachertoJack RyantoThe Terminal List, and a new series recently premiered to join the ranks.Countdown’sfirst four episodesare available, and it’s already landing with its target audience.
Countdown’scastis led by Jensen Ackles, a TV star with decades of experience who’s best known for his leading role onSupernatural. His other credits includeDawson’s Creek,Smallville, andThe Boys. The Amazon crime thriller is his latest series, developed by the creator of theChicagofranchise shows, such asChicago Fire.
Meanwhile,Alan Ritchson has reached a new career peak playing Jack Reacher, allowing him to branch out to major movie releases likeFast X.Reacherseason 4is in development, with a hopeful release date in early 2026, which would maintain the show’s annual schedule.
Jensen Ackles Is Carrying Countdown On His Back
Mark Meachum Is The Best Part Of The New Show
Jensen Ackles plays rogue homicide detective Mark Meachum inCountdown. He’sa rough-rider cop with undercover experience who’s willing to get his hands dirtyand bend the rules to bring down the bad guy. Mark Meachum is also anchored by a life-threatening medical diagnosis, making the show his last hurrah.
Oddly enough, Mark Meachum isn’t as prevalent inCountdownas Jack Reacher is inReacher. Jensen Ackles is, of course, the lead star, but the show’s plot is oriented toward an ensemble of characters, with a task force built from individuals with different strengths. If you watchReacher, you can expect a solid amount of Jack Reacher.
After four episodes ofCountdown, itfeels safe to say that Jensen Ackles is shining the brightest as the charmingly arrogant detective. Mark Meachum is the most enjoyable character to watch in the series so far, and he’s equally as entertaining as an action hero lead as Alan Ritchson, John Krasinski, or Chris Pratt.
Both Jensen Ackles and Alan Ritchson starred in The CW’sSmallville.
How Jensen Ackles' Mark Meachum Compares To Jack Reacher
Meachum & Reacher Fulfill The Rogue Action Heroe Archetype
CountdownandReacherdeal with different scenarios, but many of the same ideas.Law enforcement corruption is a threat to both leads, forcing them to go outside the lawto do what needs to be done. Reacher’sstakes are more personal, as the series begins with him wrongfully arrested for a murder, but Meachum’s past still plays a prevalent role.
Both men have complicated histories in law enforcement that made them the men they are at the start of their shows.Meachum and Reacher are tough, stubborn, and willing to stand up to bureaucratsif need be. They fulfill a similar archetype, and that’s the primary reason whyCountdownmight appeal to fans ofReacher.
