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 killed his wife. His journey takes him west to Hell on Wheels, a dangerous, raucous, lawless melting pot of a town that travels with and services the construction of the first transcontinental railroad, an engineering feat unprecedented for its time.
The best episode of "Hell on Wheels" season 1 is "Pilot", rated 7.8/10 from 1369 user votes. It was directed by David Von Ancken and written by Joe Gayton, Tony Gayton. "Pilot" aired on 11/6/2011 and is rated 0.1 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "Immoral Mathematics".
A former confederate soldier journeys to the transcontinental railroad to seek vengeance.
Director: David Von Ancken
Writer: Joe Gayton, Tony Gayton
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
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
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
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
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
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
Durant dispatches Cullen and Elam on a mission of vengeance. Lily struggles to find her place.
Director: David Von Ancken
Writer: Mark Richard
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
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