8.0/10583 votes#1 - Unknown Trouble
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 4/9/2009
On his first day, rookie officer Ben Sherman is assigned to veteran cop John Cooper, his no-nonsense training officer. After being involved in a fatal shooting, Ben already begins questioning his career choice. Detectives Sammy Bryant and Nate Moretta try to convince a young teen to testify after learning she is an eyewitness in the attempted murder of a boy who was mistaken for a gang member. Meanwhile, Detective Lydia Adams investigates the disappearance of a young girl.
Director: Christopher Chulack
Writer: Ann Biderman
7.5/10427 votes#2 - Mozambique
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 4/16/2009
An investigation is opened after Ben, John, and Officer Chickie Brown encounter an infant crawling down the street. Lydia takes a personal interest in the case after Child Protective Services gets involved, and goes out on a limb for the mother. Meanwhile, Sammy and Nate are furious when they learn their teenage eyewitness won't get police protection due to lack of funds, and put up their own money after an attempt is made on her life.
Director: Nelson McCormick
Writer: Ann Biderman
7.5/10400 votes#3 - See the Woman
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 4/23/2009
Ben and John are called to the home of a man who wants them to find his dog, and another in which a drug overdose led to homicide. Chickie and her partner, Officer Bill "Dewey" Dudek, butt heads after he makes some poor decisions that may have repercussions, and later, Dewey finds himself in an embarrassing situation.
Director: Christopher Chulack
Writer: Ann Biderman
7.7/10368 votes#4 - Sally in the Alley
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 4/30/2009
A young Jane Doe found murdered in an alley sets Lydia on an emotional journey, and she discovers her suspect was involved in a cold case. Meanwhile, Sammy's wife, Tammi, decides to embark on a new career, and Nate deals with some family issues and reveals a deep secret.
Director: Christopher Chulack
Writer: Ann Biderman
7.9/10367 votes#5 - Two Gangs
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 5/7/2009
In an effort to recover Detective Daniel "Sal" Salinger's stolen weapon, Sammy and Nate crack down on the residents in the neighborhood where it occurred. Elsewhere, a man exposes himself to Lydia.
Director: Christopher Chulack
Writer: Ann Biderman, Dee Johnson
7.7/10353 votes#6 - Westside
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 5/14/2009
Lydia and her partner, Detective Russell Clarke, investigate a string of jewelry thefts in Bel Air and Ben discovers one of the victims is someone he knows. In another matter, Ben must face his past when it comes back to haunt him. Meanwhile, John reveals a secret he's been harboring for a long time, Russell has troubles at home, and Sammy and Nate take extraordinary steps to protect their eyewitness, Janilla, after another attempt is made on her life.
Director: Christopher Chulack
Writer: Ann Biderman, Dee Johnson, Angela Amato Velez
8.5/10391 votes#7 - Derailed
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 5/21/2009
When Sammy discovers Marta has made bail, and fearing another attempt will be made on Janilla's life, he arranges to have her stay with Lydia, but Janilla's safety is compromised after she visits her old neighborhood. Meanwhile, Sal continues to spy on his daughter's activities, Dewey flips out when Chickie confronts him about his drinking problem, and Russell is caught in the middle when he attempts to defuse an ongoing domestic battle between a neighbor and his wife.
Director: Christopher Chulack
Writer: Ann Biderman
The Best Episodes of Southland Season 1
Every episode of Southland Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Southland Season 1!
A raw and authentic look into the Los Angeles crime scene, going far inside the lives of cops, criminals, victims and their families. The show...
Genre:Drama
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"Unknown Trouble" is the best rated episode of "Southland" season 1. It scored 8/10 based on 583 votes. Directed by Christopher Chulack and written by Ann Biderman, it aired on 4/9/2009. This episode is rated 0.5 points higher than the second-best, "Mozambique".