7.8/101,377 votes#1 - Pilot
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 11/6/2011
A former confederate soldier journeys to the transcontinental railroad to seek vengeance.
Director: David Von Ancken
Writer: Joe Gayton, Tony Gayton
7.9/101,038 votes#2 - Immoral Mathematics
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 11/13/2011
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
Writer: Joe Gayton, Tony Gayton
7.7/10929 votes#3 - A New Birth of Freedom
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 11/20/2011
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
7.6/10874 votes#4 - Jamais je ne t'oublierai
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 11/27/2011
Cullen's search for the sergeant nears its end; Durant keeps to his hidden agenda while assisting in Lily's recuperation.
Director: Alex Zakrzewski
Writer: Jamie Linck O'Brien, Jami O'Brien
7.7/10873 votes#5 - Bread and Circuses
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 12/4/2011
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
7.7/10829 votes#6 - Pride, Pomp and Circumstance
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 12/11/2011
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
8.5/10877 votes#7 - Revelations
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 12/18/2011
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
Writer: Joe Gayton, Tony Gayton
8.1/10827 votes#8 - Derailed
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 1/1/2012
Durant dispatches Cullen and Elam on a mission of vengeance. Lily struggles to find her place.
Director: David Von Ancken
Writer: Mark Richard
8.3/10818 votes#9 - Timshel
Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 1/8/2012
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
8.3/10822 votes#10 - God of Chaos
Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 1/15/2012
In the Season 1 finale, Cullen's past and future collide, impacting his life on the railroad.
Director: David Von Ancken
Writer: Joe Gayton, Tony Gayton
The Best Episodes of Hell on Wheels Season 1
Every episode of Hell on Wheels Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Hell on Wheels Season 1!
The epic story of post-Civil War America, focusing on Cullen Bohannon, a Confederate soldier who sets out to exact revenge on the Union soldiers who...
Genres:Action & AdventureDramaWestern
Network:AMC
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"Pilot" is the best rated episode of "Hell on Wheels" season 1. It scored 7.8/10 based on 1377 votes. Directed by David Von Ancken and written by Joe Gayton, Tony Gayton, it aired on 11/6/2011. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "Immoral Mathematics".