Jensen Ackles Discusses His Role in *Countdown*
For Jensen Ackles, the star of *Countdown*, portraying a character battling a brain tumor offers a unique sense of freedom. It’s a mix of fun and a bit of oddity.
We took some time to chat with him about his latest project, the new Prime Video series, *Supernatural*. Ackles mentioned that stepping into the shoes of Mark Meetham, an LAPD officer secretly dealing with glioblastoma, was both challenging and relatable, reflecting parts of his own life and experiences.
“It’s definitely an interesting aspect to dive into,” Ackles said, with a hint of irony in his tone. “It adds depth to the character, which in turn enriches the relationships he builds throughout the series.”
In this action-packed thriller, Ackles’ character is recruited by FBI director Nathan Blythe, played by Eric Dane, and joins a covert team of law enforcement officials to thwart impending terrorist threats in Los Angeles. The story kicks off following the murder of a respected FBI agent, leading to the shocking revelation of nuclear weapon shipments that threaten the city.
As Meacham, Ackles is caught in a race against time alongside his team while facing the grim reality of his illness. “This character is a bit of a rebel. He’s pushing boundaries, trying to challenge his superiors, which he has to grapple with internally,” he described.
“He didn’t choose to submit to this situation,” he continued. “Instead, he decides if he’s going to fight, he’ll do it with everything he has, wanting to make sure he leaves a legacy he can be proud of.”
Insights into the Production
Addressing the show’s remarkable quality, Ackles complimented the writing talent of Derek Haas, who has a history with *Chicago Fire* and *Chicago PD*. “Derek is incredibly skilled and has plenty to share. He’s turned the elements he’s familiar with into a high-stakes, energetic narrative. The character he created is fantastic,” he remarked enthusiastically.
“He wrote all 13 scripts himself, which is pretty unusual. Typically, you have a team working on different episodes,” Ackles noted. “But I think that creates a continuity that you can really feel.” He shared that he’s used to working with scripts that have variations in tone and voice, but with Derek’s writing, everything resonated better for him.
Shifting gears from a long-running series like *Supernatural* to this shorter format felt like a refreshing change for Ackles. “Going from 23 episodes to 13 was a relief,” he said. “Everyone else might think it’ll take forever, but I felt completely at ease with it. I’m built for this format.”
When asked about his character’s confrontation with mortality, Ackles reflected candidly. “There’s a depth to playing someone who faces glioblastoma. It brings a different layer to the character and the narrative. I know people grappling with difficult health issues, and I appreciate that this character doesn’t simply lie down in defeat.” He admires how Derek integrated that complexity into the storyline.
Character Depth and Experience
Ackles emphasized the opportunity to explore varied dialogue in his role. “The beauty of acting is getting those multiple takes, and Derek’s writing allows for some interesting dynamics,” he explained. “You might stumble upon a line that becomes unexpectedly powerful, and it’s all thanks to the collaborative atmosphere. We often call those ‘happy accidents’ on set, and they happen frequently.”
He acknowledged that working with such talented actors indeed makes things more challenging for editors, “And I wholeheartedly agree with that.” His excitement about the project and insights into the character show a deep connection to the role and the broader themes of the series.
The first three episodes of *Countdown* are now streaming on Prime Video, with new episodes releasing weekly until September 3rd.
