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The Best Episodes of BrainDead Season 1

Every episode of BrainDead Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of BrainDead Season 1!

A young fresh-faced Hill staffer gets her first job in Washington, D.C. and discovering two things: 1. The government has stopped working, and 2. alien...
Genres:Sci-Fi & FantasyDramaComedy
Network:CBS

Season 1 Ratings Summary

"The Insanity Principle: How Extremism in Politics Is Threatening Democracy in the 21st Century" is the best rated episode of "BrainDead" season 1. It scored 7.5/10 based on 596 votes. Directed by Robert King and written by Robert King, Michelle King, it aired on 6/13/2016. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "Playing Politics: Living Life in the Shadow of the Budget Showdown -- A Critique".

  • The Insanity Principle: How Extremism in Politics Is Threatening Democracy in the 21st Century
    7.5/10596 votes

    #1 - The Insanity Principle: How Extremism in Politics Is Threatening Democracy in the 21st Century

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 6/13/2016

    When Laurel Healy returns home to Washington, D.C. to work for her brother, Senator Luke Healy, on Capitol Hill, she is caught in the midst of two huge problems: the government has stopped working due to budgetary disagreements, and mysterious bugs are eating the brains of a growing number of Congress members and Hill staffers.

    Director: Robert King

    Writer: Robert King, Michelle King

  • Playing Politics: Living Life in the Shadow of the Budget Showdown -- A Critique
    7.6/10500 votes

    #2 - Playing Politics: Living Life in the Shadow of the Budget Showdown -- A Critique

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 6/20/2016

    Laurel continues to investigate the death of esteemed Dr. Daudier, while bugs infect more citizens of Washington, D.C. Rochelle Daudier, the deceased doctor’s daughter and Gustav Triplette, an eccentric genius, both encounter the bugs separately and begin to question exactly what is happening.

    Director: Jim McKay

    Writer: Lawrence Kaplow

  • Goring Oxes: How You Can Survive the War on Government Through Five Easy Steps
    7.9/10458 votes

    #3 - Goring Oxes: How You Can Survive the War on Government Through Five Easy Steps

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 6/27/2016

    When a bizarre and deadly incident takes place on live television, Agent Onofrio's investigation into it causes Laurel, Gustav and Rochelle to dig deeper into the bug mystery. Luke attempts to cover up his affair with his Chief of Staff, Scarlett, before his opponent for the minority whip position, Senator Ella Poundstone, can make it public.

    Director: Jim McKay

    Writer: Jonathan Tolins

  • Wake Up Grassroots: The Nine Virtues of Participatory Democracy, and How We Can Keep America Great by Encouraging an Informed Electorate
    8.0/10415 votes

    #4 - Wake Up Grassroots: The Nine Virtues of Participatory Democracy, and How We Can Keep America Great by Encouraging an Informed Electorate

    Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 7/11/2016

    Laurel and Rochelle try to persuade Laurel’s friend Abby to get an MRI so they can uncover the real cause of the strange behavior taking over Washington, D.C. Luke attempts to reopen the government through a secret deal with the Republicans

    Director: Allan Arkush

    Writer: Peter Parnell

  • Back to Work: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Congress and How It Gets Things Done (and Often Doesn't)
    8.0/10400 votes

    #5 - Back to Work: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Congress and How It Gets Things Done (and Often Doesn't)

    Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 7/24/2016

    Laurel asks her brother, Luke, for his help to get the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the bugs, but he insists she first consult Dr. Joanne Alaimo, a leading entomologist, for her perspective on the invasion. Laurel’s relationship with Anthony takes a drastic turn.

    Director: Allan Arkush

    Writer: Jacquelyn Reingold

  • Past as Prologue: Notes Toward a Post-Reagan Theory of Party Alliance, Tribalist, and Loyalty
    8.4/10447 votes

    #6 - Past as Prologue: Notes Toward a Post-Reagan Theory of Party Alliance, Tribalist, and Loyalty

    Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 7/31/2016

    When Laurel is infected by the bugs, Gustav and Rochelle work quickly to figure out if there is any way to save her. When the Centers for Disease Control has its funding temporarily cut, Luke attempts to reach a compromise to have the money reinstated, but Red’s political machinations undermine him at every turn.

    Director: Fred Toye

    Writer: Aurin Squire

  • The Power of Euphemism: How Torture Became a Matter of Debate in American Politics
    8.5/10413 votes

    #7 - The Power of Euphemism: How Torture Became a Matter of Debate in American Politics

    Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 8/7/2016

    Laurel comes under investigation about her potential involvement with the bug infestation. Also, Gustav and Rochelle discover a unique way to communicate with those infected by the bugs.

    Director: Fred Toye

    Writer: Laura Marks

  • The Path to War Part One: The Gathering Political Storm
    7.7/10341 votes

    #8 - The Path to War Part One: The Gathering Political Storm

    Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 8/14/2016

    Rochelle and Gustav capture and question a man they suspect is infected by the bugs. Also, Luke and Red face off in a Senate Intelligence meeting about a potential war.

    Director: Brooke Kennedy

    Writer: Peter Parnell

  • Taking on Water: How Leaks in D.C. are Discovered and Patched
    7.8/10348 votes

    #9 - Taking on Water: How Leaks in D.C. are Discovered and Patched

    Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 8/21/2016

    Senator Red Wheatus hires a special investigator to dig into the Healy family’s financial and personal history. Also, when Gareth learns some sordid details about Laurel’s romantic past, it puts a strain on their budding relationship.

    Director: Ron Underwood

    Writer: Jonathan Tolins, Aurin Squire

  • The Path to War Part Two: The Impact of Propaganda on Congressional War Votes
    7.7/10313 votes

    #10 - The Path to War Part Two: The Impact of Propaganda on Congressional War Votes

    Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 8/28/2016

    Laurel must work alongside an old boyfriend, Ben Valderrama, when Luke enlists her help in putting together a political documentary to support his anti-war initiative. Also, Laurel worries about the health of Luke and Germaine’s baby.

    Director: Félix Enríquez Alcalá

    Writer: Lawrence Kaplow

  • Six Points on the New Congressional Budget: The False Dichotomy of Austerity vs. Expansionary Policies
    8.3/10330 votes

    #11 - Six Points on the New Congressional Budget: The False Dichotomy of Austerity vs. Expansionary Policies

    Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 9/4/2016

    Luke and Laurel rush to uncover Red's secret agenda, which is buried in a massive new budget bill. Also, Gareth inadvertently witnesses an unsettling bug encounter in Red's office.

    Director: Brooke Kennedy

    Writer: Jonathan Tolins, Jacquelyn Reingold

  • Talking Points Toward a Wholistic View of Activism in Government: Can the Top Rebel?
    8.3/10314 votes

    #12 - Talking Points Toward a Wholistic View of Activism in Government: Can the Top Rebel?

    Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 9/11/2016

    When Laurel discovers that a senate bill is not what it appears, she implores Luke to help, leading to a dramatic Senate sit-in. Also, Red and Ella battle for control of the bug agenda, and Laurel questions whether or not she should leave Washington, D.C. for good

    Director: Félix Enríquez Alcalá

    Writer: Lawrence Kaplow

  • The End of All We Hold Dear: What Happens When Democracies Fail: A Brief Synopsis
    8.4/10341 votes

    #13 - The End of All We Hold Dear: What Happens When Democracies Fail: A Brief Synopsis

    Season 1 Episode 13 - Aired 9/11/2016

    Laurel discovers the secret to driving the bugs out of a person's brain and tests the tactic on her father. Armed with new knowledge, Laurel and Gareth attempt to expel the Queen bug out of Red's head once and for all. Laurel and Gareth progress in their romantic relationship.

    Director: Robert King

    Writer: Jonathan Tolins, Jacquelyn Reingold