The Best Episodes of Hell on Wheels Season 1

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   7.8/10(1455 votes)

   #1 - Pilot

   S1:E111/6/2011

   A former confederate soldier journeys to the transcontinental railroad to seek vengeance.

   Director:David Von Ancken

   Writers:Tony Gayton, Joe Gayton

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   Director:David Von Ancken

   Writers:Tony Gayton, Joe Gayton
2. 

   7.9/10(1105 votes)

   #2 - Immoral Mathematics

   S1:E211/13/2011

   Lily encounters natives in the wilderness. Cullen is questioned in regards to his recent actions against others. Meanwhile, Durant continues his push for political gain through his persuasions.

   Director:David Von Ancken

   Writers:Tony Gayton, Joe Gayton

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   Director:David Von Ancken

   Writers:Tony Gayton, Joe Gayton
3. 

   7.7/10(995 votes)

   #3 - A New Birth of Freedom

   S1:E311/20/2011

   When Lily goes missing, Durant organizes a search party. A subsidiary request prevents Cullen from his continued search for the sergeant involved in the murder of his wife.

   Director:Phil Abraham

   Writer:John Shiban

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   Director:Phil Abraham

   Writer:John Shiban
4. 

   7.6/10(933 votes)

   #4 - Jamais je ne t'oublierai

   S1:E411/27/2011

   Cullen's search for the sergeant nears its end; Durant keeps to his hidden agenda while assisting in Lily's recuperation.

   Director:Alex Zakrzewski

   Writers:Jami O'Brien, Jamie Linck O'Brien

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   Director:Alex Zakrzewski

   Writers:Jami O'Brien, Jamie Linck O'Brien
5. 

   7.7/10(935 votes)

   #5 - Bread and Circuses

   S1:E512/4/2011

   A bare-knuckle brouhaha between Elam and Cullen is spurred by Durant's latest attempt to deal with the railroad's financial crisis.

   Director:Adam Davidson

   Writer:Mark Richard

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   Director:Adam Davidson

   Writer:Mark Richard
6. 

   7.7/10(886 votes)

   #6 - Pride, Pomp and Circumstance

   S1:E612/11/2011

   Durant challenges the Cheyenne to a competition in an effort to bring a halt to ongoing negotiations. Meanwhile, Elam and Cullen try to prevent bloodshed in town.

   Director:Michael Slovis

   Writer:Bruce Marshall Romans

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   Director:Michael Slovis

   Writer:Bruce Marshall Romans
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7. 

   8.5/10(937 votes)

   #7 - Revelations

   S1:E712/18/2011

   With Elam's life in the balance, Cullen must decide how much he’s willing to risk. Meanwhile Durant faces financial ruin as Lily confronts the family of her late husband.

   Director:Michelle MacLaren

   Writers:Tony Gayton, Joe Gayton

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   Director:Michelle MacLaren

   Writers:Tony Gayton, Joe Gayton
8. 

   8.1/10(884 votes)

   #8 - Derailed

   S1:E81/1/2012

   Durant dispatches Cullen and Elam on a mission of vengeance. Lily struggles to find her place.

   Director:David Von Ancken

   Writer:Mark Richard

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   Director:David Von Ancken

   Writer:Mark Richard
9. 

   8.3/10(876 votes)

   #9 - Timshel

   S1:E91/8/2012

   A looming railroad deadline throws Cullen and Lily together; Joseph and Elam deal with what their violent mission has wrought.

   Director:John Shiban

   Writer:John Shiban

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   Director:John Shiban

   Writer:John Shiban
10. 

    8.3/10(880 votes)

    #10 - God of Chaos

    S1:E101/15/2012

    In the Season 1 finale, Cullen's past and future collide, impacting his life on the railroad.

    Director:David Von Ancken

    Writers:Tony Gayton, Joe Gayton

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    Director:David Von Ancken

    Writers:Tony Gayton, Joe Gayton