7.9/10366 votes#1 - Pilot
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 7/15/2012
In this series opener, the US Secretary of State tries to protect a shocking family secret all the while dealing with an Iranian hostage crisis.
Director: Greg Berlanti
Writer: Greg Berlanti
7.9/10278 votes#2 - Second Time Around
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 7/22/2012
Douglas discovers Elaine has plans to run for office again as T.J. revisits his old habits and hits rock bottom. Elaine has Bud negotiate for the lives of Iranian hostages, placing him back into the spotlight.
Director: Bethany Rooney
Writer: Greg Berlanti, Molly Newman
8.3/10323 votes#3 - The Woman Problem
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 7/29/2012
Elaine makes an announcement to her family. The Hammond men visit a pollster during an impromptu fishing trip. Garcetti enacts a plan that puts Elaine in conflict with her longtime mentor. Susan shares her top-secret story with Alex.
Director: Michael Morris
Writer: Phil Klemmer, Brian Peterson, Kelly Souders
8.0/10275 votes#4 - Lost Boys
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 8/5/2012
T.J. recounts the events that lead up to his suicide attempt while dealing with his family's lack of interest in his club opening. Douglas struggles to cope with his betrayal and meanwhile, Elaine has a diplomatic crisis on her hands upon her return from overseas.
Director: David Petrarca
Writer: Speed Weed, Geoffrey Nauffts
8.2/10263 votes#5 - 16 Hours
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 8/12/2012
Elaine's attention is torn between catering to T.J. and a Chinese submarine rescue mission. She also makes a deal with Susan allowing her unlimited access to the rescue mission in exchange for her discretion about T.J.
Director: Tucker Gates
Writer: Phil Klemmer, Nicholas Wootton
8.3/10259 votes#6 - Resignation Day
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 8/19/2012
In the Season 1 finale, Elaine's plan to resign hits a snag and her resignation letter leaks to the press. Elsewhere, Douglas confesses his betrayal and makes a rash decision; and a surprising event leaves everyone at a crossroads.
Director: David Petrarca
Writer: Molly Newman, Speed Weed
The Best Episodes of Political Animals Season 1
Every episode of Political Animals Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Political Animals Season 1!
Former first lady and current Secretary of State Elaine Barrish Hammond try to keep her family together while simultaneously dealing with crises of the State...
Genre:Drama
Network:USA Network
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"Pilot" is the best rated episode of "Political Animals" season 1. It scored 7.9/10 based on 366 votes. Directed by Greg Berlanti and written by Greg Berlanti, it aired on 7/15/2012. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "Second Time Around".