'Countdown' creator and star Jessica Camacho on Jensen Ackles chemistry and high-intensity stunt work
Jessica Camacho highlights the importance of spontaneity and camaraderie in Countdown, crediting Jensen Ackles for embracing the series’ lively tone from the outset. “They wanted us to have a lot of fun, that was a priority. And so Jensen took that to heart,” Camacho shared, reflecting on her role in the high-stakes ensemble that anchors the Prime Video thriller.
Jensen Ackles as Mark Meachum with Jessica Camacho as Amber Oliveras in 'Countdown.'
Amazon
Tragedy struck the task force when Countdown returned following its three-episode debut, as Department of Homeland Security Officer Damon Drew (Jonathan Togo) was fatally shot. The episode had Detective Mark Meachum (Jensen Ackles) discover a hideout linked to bomb maker Boris Volchek (Bogdan Yasinski), which led to a tense standoff involving Meachum’s uncle, Mikhail (Daniel Chernish). Meachum summoned backup before being ambushed, but the team arrived during a gunfight. Damon was critically wounded and later died en route to the hospital.
Emotions ran high through the episode as the task force mourned Damon’s loss and turned attention to Mikhail, who fled the scene. When Mikhail’s wife was apprehended, the team leveraged her cooperation to lure her husband into custody. Under threat to his loved ones, Mikhail agreed to help locate Volchek, though the terrorist evaded capture yet again. As the story closed, Volchek was seen observing the task force from a distance before sending a decoy to a planned airport rendezvous.
The Hollywood Reporter spoke with Countdown creator Derek Haas and Camacho, who portrays DEA Agent Amber Oliveras, about the evolving storyline and cast dynamics. They explored how the characters and cast forged connections quickly, both on and off screen.
Haas recalled pitching the idea after conversations with Amazon’s Vernon Sanders. “You know what movies I loved growing up? Eighties action movies — Die Hard, Romancing the Stone, Lethal Weapon…” he explained. Wanting a less grim tone than many crime dramas today, he drew inspiration from real-world task forces described to him by a Chicago intelligence officer. That concept—specialists from different agencies uniting for a common cause—provided the backbone for the series.
Camacho described discovering the role through the audition process. “I was doing the actors’ circuit… and here comes Countdown into my inbox.” She was immediately taken by her first scene as Oliveras, impressed by its visual power and the glimpse it offered into her character’s intensity and resilience. “It was so compelling. I was in, all I had to do was book it!”
That memorable introduction had Camacho’s character suspended in a basement, clearly tortured but cleverly escaping using a nearby water pail. Haas confirmed she did the entire stunt sequence herself. “Yeah, that was her. She was awesome!” Camacho laughed, recalling, “That was me, strung up! We did not phone that in!” She embraced every physical demand of the role and credits her audition tape for landing the part.
Chemistry with Jensen Ackles was another decisive factor. Camacho recalled, “The minute Jensen opened his mouth, it was a lock.” She described his humor and openness as instrumental in building their rapport. His spontaneity helped create on-screen moments full of playful energy, something the producers actively encouraged.
Haas echoed the sentiment. From their first group lunch to the first day on set, he saw instant synergy among the ensemble. “I was hoping everyone would see that the chemistry that I saw on the very first day,” he noted. Watching the cast bond outside of filming reassured him the dynamic would translate on screen.
Camacho’s dedication to authenticity also stood out. Haas recalled a call where she said, “Hey Derek, I read four books about the Drug Enforcement Agency…” before asking to speak with a real agent. He said that level of commitment made her perfect for the role and helped shape the writing. “If you are a smart writer, you start to infuse the character with the actors and actresses that you get to work with.”
