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Derek Haas’s “Countdown” was specifically created for streaming on Prime Video, with plans to feature prominent actors. This intense thriller series will portray an elite undercover task force probing a menace targeting Los Angeles after the assassination of an officer from the Department of Homeland Security. In addition, “Euphoria’s” Eric Dane and “The Flash’s” Jessica Camacho are also part of the cast.

During a recent interview while publicizing the new series, Haas shared the source of his inspiration for the show “Countdown”. His curiosity about task forces stemmed when he was looking for a plotline to justify a character’s departure. This revelation is undoubtedly linked to Sophia Bush’s exit from the crime drama at the end of season four.

Haas Got the Idea for Countdown Almost Ten Years Ago

Haas Worked as a Writer and Executive Producer on the One Chicago Franchise

Around a decade ago, Derek Haas played a significant role in NBC’s successful One Chicago series franchise. Haas served as both writer and executive producer for all three shows set within this universe. These shows focused on the lives of detectives working for Chicago’s Intelligence Unit. When it came time to write an exit storyline for Detective Erin Lindsay, portrayed by Sophia Bush, Derek Haas had to find a narrative that fit both the character and the series. As Haas explained to an interviewer, “When an actress decides to leave the show, we always ask ourselves, ‘Where could we send her?’

Haas discussed the situation with his team regarding Chicago P.D., he mentioned, “I approached our technical consultant and asked, ‘Where might she escape to?’ He responded, ‘Would you like her back?’, to which I replied affirmatively. I wanted it to be a heroic return.’ He suggested, ‘She should join a special task force.'” This information prompted Haas to delve deeper, and as he learned more about these task forces, he grew fascinated with the concept. “I discovered they’re like an elite squad,” Haas explained, “comprising individuals from various departments such as DEA, NSA, Coast Guard, Secret Service, detectives from different federal agencies. They are assembled for a specific mission.

I, as Agent Nathan Blythe, spearhead the investigative team on Countdown. My mission is to uncover potential corruption within the Department of Homeland Security. When one of our officers was brutally murdered in broad daylight, it became clear that the problem needed immediate attention. Facing resistance from my superiors, I decided to take matters into my own hands and circumvent certain individuals within the bureau. I carefully selected and handpicked every member for my covert operations squad. Drawing from the DEA, FBI, and LAPD, I assembled a team of highly capable, independent-minded professionals who may not always fit comfortably within their respective units.

The series, titled “Countdown,” will delve into both the personal and professional journeys of the task force and the antagonist, who is planning a catastrophic attack on the city. Agent Blythe, fueled by his dedication to justice, often pushes his team hard, aiming to solve the case at all costs. His relentless approach might remind some of cops who push the boundaries. Shows like FBI and Law & Order come to mind when considering if Countdown could be connected to Haas’ other productions.

Detective Erin Lindsay and Sophia Bush’s Exit From Chicago P.D.

Sophia Bush Left Chicago P.D. After Four Seasons

Erin Lindsay soon emerged as an essential emotional pillar within the series, with her intricate personality and unyielding commitment to her work. Detective Lindsay was the heart of the series. She shared a will-they-won’t-they relationship with her partner, Detective Jay Halstead, and harbored deep respect for her superior, Sergeant Hank Voight. Voight and Lindsay developed a father-daughter bond that significantly influenced the show’s storyline.

In the climactic finale of season four, I found myself in a rather precarious situation when I was temporarily removed from duty with the police force, awaiting investigation by Internal Affairs due to my actions in defending a missing boy by taking matters into my own hands against a suspect. As if that wasn’t enough, my mother, Bunny, became embroiled in a chilling murder case, and it seemed as though every new clue led right back to her.

Matters grew even more complex when the murder was linked to a lethal batch of pills that swept through the city, claiming the lives of numerous teenagers. The FBI swiftly took over the investigation, which only intensified the tension. They extended an offer for me to join their ranks, but I hesitated until I received news that Bunny had been apprehended. I agreed to take the position on one condition: they must release my mother first.

Erin Lindsay chose to exit the television show, and since then, she has been forthright about the reasons behind her departure. She referred to abusive conduct on set, a harmful work environment, and enduring harsh temperatures in freezing Chicago as her grounds for leaving. In essence, Bush decided to step down to safeguard her mental well-being. Given her previous experience of nine years on an equally abusive set on the show “One Tree Hill,” it’s not surprising that Bush opted against jeopardizing her personal or emotional safety again for another television production.

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2025-05-29 06:57