We pick up with the new case in Countdown season 1, episode 11. Of course, the new suspect needs a name, and Meachum has the perfect one: Todd.
Caution: This post contains SPOILERS for Countdown season 1, episode 11.
With only three episodes to cover this story, which started at the end of episode 10, things have to move a little faster than with the Volchek one. That means we quickly get over hurdles that are thrown the task force’s way.
And yes, Oliveras is back. Thanks to a few calls, Blythe is able to get her back, and it means we get caught up on the Oliveras and Meachum of all things. They’re not together, and Oliversas has decided to try things with Julio. Will that change as Oliveras and Meachum start working together again?
The Singapore government tries to get in the way in Countdown
The episode starts with getting to the bottom of who owns the cabins that were rented. It turns out that it’s a Singapore company, but when Meachum and Oliveras go to get some details, the Singapore ambassador steps in. The government is part owner, and they don’t want any details getting out.
That changes when Blythe calls in Governor George Shelby, who is one of the intended targets. Shelby makes it clear that if the Singapore government stands by and something happens to the POTUS, then the government is going to have a lot of explaining to do. Naturally, they don’t want that, so they hand over the information needed.
The cabin was rented out to a Trevor Pastornack, who goes by the name TK. This guy is a con artist of sorts, by convincing people of a Spirit Mother and selling tears of the Spirit Mother for a hyped up price. It’s clear to us that he’s not the guy, and it doesn’t take long for the task force to figure it out either. Of course, there has to be a chase to make him look guilty first.
The real suspect wanted the feds to find TK
After catching TK since he went to his ex-wife’s place, Meachum and Oliveras quickly figure out that he’s not the guy. This guy was on the run for selling drugs, but that’s not what the cops are interested in. They want to know about the cabin.
TK explains that a guy got in touch with him to rent out the cabin. He makes an easy $500 just to rent the cabin in his name. Of course, the guy is anonymous, and Shepherd and Bell initially run into a dead end when they realize that all communication is through anonymous email addresses and burner phones.
As Meachum questions how TK gets in touch if there’s a problem, Shepherd goes on the hunt for an encrypted chat. Sure enough, there’s one there, and Blythe gets Shepherd to reach out and pretend to be TK.
The suspect doesn’t fall for it, but he also hands over what the feds want to know. He gives them his Rosetta Stone for his manifesto because he wanted the feds to find it. It’s full of words about taking down the government. This guy is clearly a member of the fringe ideology, believing that he is not subject to the authorities or state governments.
A look back at who Todd likely is in Countdown season 1, episode 11
As all this happens, we get flashbacks to November and then December 2023. We follow a guy who is on sick leave from his job, and constantly listens to a radio station that supports his fringe ideas. This is clearly Todd, and we’re seeing the buildup to the events.
In December 2023, he catches his friend from work and his wife together. Rather than confront them, he decides to take his wife’s dog and drives the dog to the woods where he usually goes deer hunting. As he tells the dog to run, he gets his rifle ready. While we don’t see him shoot the dog, it’s clear that he’s angry and detached enough to do it. However, we’ll have to see in Countdown season 1, episode 12 if he goes through with it.
Countdown airs on Wednesdays on Prime Video.