Countdown: Will Jensen Ackles Ever Get Rid of Dean for Good?

 

I’m three episodes into The Countdown when I saw an Instagram reel of Jensen Ackles saying it was canceled. Can’t say I’m surprised.

Honestly, Jensen was the reason I even pressed play — and I know I’m not alone. Most of us tuned in because of him. Without him, I doubt the show would’ve had much of a chance. And now that we did give it a chance… well, I’m not sure disappointed is the right word, but let’s just say it’s not the kind of show that leaves you counting down for the next episode.

It’s just another cop show — and when you’re jumping into a genre that’s been done (and done well) so many times, you can’t afford to be “just another one.”

A Strong Start That Fizzles Fast

The first episode actually starts strong. Milo Ventimiglia (This is Us) is murdered in an unbelievable scene. Even though the synopsis tells you it’s coming, the scene still catches you off guard. The way it’s shot, the pacing — it actually makes you jump a little.

For a moment, I thought, “Okay, maybe this is going somewhere.”

But then… it doesn’t. What follows is a predictable, slightly clunky investigation that never finds its rhythm. The tension from the first episode disappears faster than the killer does.

The Cast (or: Jensen Carries, Again)

Let’s be honest — most of us came here for Jensen Ackles. We wanted to see what he’d do next, maybe something different this time.

Instead, we got a familiar face playing a familiar type: the rebellious who doesn’t play by the rules, cracks jokes at the worst moments, and hides a big heart under layers of sarcasm and leather jackets. Sound familiar? Yeah, it’s basically Dean Winchester with a badge.

But here’s the thing — Jensen still makes it work. Somehow, even when he’s playing another “Dean-adjacent” character, he brings something alive to the screen. You can see flashes of real emotion, even when the script doesn’t deserve it.

The problem isn’t him. It’s everything around him. The supporting cast feels flat, and the dialogue doesn’t help. The show had potential, but it never quite delivers. You can see what they were aiming for — gritty, emotional, high-stakes crime drama — but it lands somewhere between meh and maybe next time.

The Curse of Dean Winchester

So, will Jensen ever get rid of Dean for good? I’m not sure he even can — and maybe that’s not entirely a bad thing.

Dean is iconic. It’s hard to shake off a character that defined you (and a whole generation of fans) for fifteen years. But at the same time, I’d love to see Jensen in a role that challenges that image — something quieter, darker, or completely unexpected. Because if Countdown proves anything, it’s that he deserves better material.

Until then, we’ll keep showing up for him, even if the show itself doesn’t quite earn it.