7.6/10387 votes#1 - Pilot
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 1/29/2012
Out of prison after three years, 'Ace' Bernstein and his aide/chauffeur Gus Demitriou plot a purchase to reverse the sagging fortunes of a famous racetrack. Four dissolute gamblers at the track pool their meager resources to make a Pick Six bet that could be worth millions. Grizzled trainer Walter Smith sees classic potential in an untested thoroughbred.
Director: Michael Mann
Writer: David Milch
7.4/10237 votes#2 - Ace Meets with a Potential Investor
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 2/5/2012
Ace meets with his parole officer and starts to line up potential investors as a public face for his next big venture. Meanwhile, Renzo stumbles into a risky proposition by making claim on a horse trained by Escalante; Jerry takes a beating at a high-stakes poker table; and Walter finds a seasoned jockey for his prized thoroughbred, much to Rosie's dismay.
Director: Terry George
Writer: N/A
7.4/10198 votes#3 - Ace Meets with a Talented Whiz Kid
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 2/12/2012
Jerry pursues a deal to buy the horse that Renzo lost to Mulligan while also talking to Escalante about training it. Meanwhile, Walter mulls a change in jockeys after Gettin' Up Morning's first race ends badly; and Ace gives a young whiz kid the opportunity of a lifetime.
Director: Allen Coulter
Writer: N/A
7.6/10199 votes#4 - Ace Meets with a Colleague
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 2/19/2012
Ace meets with Claire about a charitable endeavor for prisoners, and discusses his new venture with an old partner. Meanwhile, Jerry’s gambling nemesis lures him into a dangerous game that may require an intervention by his racetrack buddies; and Walter turns to Rosie to be his new jockey.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.6/10184 votes#5 - Ace Forces Escalante to Swap Jockeys
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 2/26/2012
Ace takes the reins when Escalante surprises Gus with his decision to race Pint of Plain with an inexperienced jockey in the horse's debut. Meanwhile, Marcus delves into the meaning of his friendship with Jerry; and Claire accompanies Ace to the track after accepting his very generous donation.
Director: Brian Kirk
Writer: N/A
7.4/10139 votes#6 - Ace Pitches a Deal
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 3/4/2012
Ace meets with a track owner and his parole officer, but sends Nathan Israel to discuss business with his fellow investors, who scheme to stay one step ahead of their new partner. Meanwhile, an earthquake has a curious effect on Joey's state of mind; and Leon and Rosie find their racing skills questioned by higher authorities.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.6/10182 votes#7 - Ace and Claire Tour a Horse Farm
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 3/11/2012
Ace has a relaxing visit to the prison-outreach retirement farm for horses, but Nathan Israel has a rougher time trying to persuade Ace's new partners of his boss' sincerity. Meanwhile, Walter discusses Gettin' Up Morning's ownership with a lawyer and decides on his next rider; Jerry teams up with a card dealer to play their way into a poker tournament; Lonnie makes a solo claim on another horse; and Rosie asks Joey for representation.
Director: Brian Kirk
Writer: N/A
7.6/10174 votes#8 - Ace Counters Smythe's Move with His Own
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 3/18/2012
Ace reacts decisively to a new wrinkle in the racetrack deal, but it's probably not a move that Smythe will take lying down. Meanwhile, Walter tries to concentrate on the historic Western Derby, in which his horse will go head-to-head with Gus'; Rosie's good news isn't so great for Leon; and Jo is injured in a stable accident.
Director: Allen Coulter
Writer: N/A
8.3/10214 votes#9 - Two Prized Colts Go Head-to-Head
Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 3/25/2012
Gus does everything in his power to protect Ace, and later they watch as their star mount races against Walter's prized horse; while worrying about Jo's recovery, Escalante prepares his horses for their races; Renzo's mother comes for a visit.
Director: Mimi Leder
Writer: N/A
The Best Episodes of Luck Season 1
Every episode of Luck Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Luck Season 1!
A drama set in the world of horse racing focusing on lives of owners, jockeys, trainers and gamblers who are all tied to the same...
Genre:Drama
Network:HBO
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"Pilot" is the best rated episode of "Luck" season 1. It scored 7.6/10 based on 387 votes. Directed by Michael Mann and written by David Milch, it aired on 1/29/2012. This episode is rated 0.2 points higher than the second-best, "Ace Meets with a Potential Investor".