8.2/103,325 votes#1 - Night Zero
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 7/13/2014
When a plane lands in New York City with everyone on board dead, Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, head of the CDC’s Canary Project, and his team are called upon to investigate. Harlem pawnbroker Abraham Setrakian races to the airport, convinced that what looks at first like a mysterious viral outbreak might be the beginning of something infinitely more sinister.
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Writer: Chuck Hogan
7.7/102,289 votes#2 - The Box
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 7/20/2014
The four survivors begin manifesting strange symptoms, but Eph and Nora's attempt to quarantine them is thwarted as the disinformation campaign begins. Meanwhile, in jail, Setrakian receives a surprise visit from an old - a very old - acquaintance.
Director: David Semel
Writer: N/A
7.8/102,040 votes#3 - Gone Smooth
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 7/27/2014
Eph and Nora fight to save Captain Redfern's life before coming face-to-face with the horrifying effects of the virus. A spike in rat attacks signals Fet that something inexplicable is happening deep below the city. Released from jail, Setrakian begins his own merciless plan to stop the spread of the disease.
Director: David Semel
Writer: N/A
7.7/101,929 votes#4 - It's Not for Everyone
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 8/3/2014
A secret autopsy demonstrates the bizarre progression of the mystery virus, prompting Jim to make a startling confession. Eph and Nora race to find the father of the youngest victim of the plane tragedy, but someone unexpected beats them to it. Ansel, in the grip of disease, takes desperate measures to protect his family.
Director: Keith Gordon
Writer: N/A
7.9/101,839 votes#5 - Runaways
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 8/10/2014
With Nora gone, Eph reluctantly joins Setrakian's quest in hopes of gathering enough evidence to warrant a citywide quarantine. Fet encounters the unexpected inside the subway tunnels, and a medical emergency threatens Palmer's master plan.
Director: Peter Weller
Writer: N/A
7.9/101,826 votes#6 - Occultation
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 8/17/2014
After warning Kelly to leave the city with Zack ahead of the spreading plague, Eph is arrested by the FBI. Eichhorst has one final job for Gus, while Setrakian realizes that the coming eclipse is the tipping point for virus infection and the beginning of the end.
Director: Peter Weller
Writer: N/A
8.4/102,084 votes#7 - For Services Rendered
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 8/24/2014
Setrakian, Eph, and Nora formulate a plan to track down the Master using Jim as bait. Eichhorst and Setrakian’s pasts are revealed. At the Luss home, Neeva struggles to protect the children while encountering a mysterious stranger whose help she may not want.
Director: Charlotte Sieling
Writer: N/A
8.4/102,037 votes#8 - Creatures of the Night
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 8/31/2014
After discovering the potency of ultraviolet light against the strigoi, Setrakian gains a new and unlikely disciple. A quick trip to a Brooklyn convenience store turns into a deadly all-night siege.
Director: Guy Ferland
Writer: N/A
7.6/101,667 votes#9 - The Disappeared
Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 9/7/2014
Eph races to safeguard his family, only to learn that Kelly is missing. Dutch reveals her role in Palmer’s plan, and Gus is forced to make a difficult decision about Felix.
Director: Charlotte Sieling
Writer: N/A
7.4/101,630 votes#10 - Loved Ones
Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 9/14/2014
Eph investigates Kelly’s disappearance and struggles with what he finds. Dutch pursues a plan to retaliate against Palmer, and Fitzwilliam makes a surprising choice.
Director: John Dahl
Writer: N/A
7.7/101,594 votes#11 - The Third Rail
Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 9/21/2014
Setrakian leads Eph, Fet and Nora in the hunt for the Master’s lair. Left behind at the pawnshop with Mariela, Zack risks his safety for Mariela's sake.
Director: Deran Sarafian
Writer: N/A
7.9/101,586 votes#12 - Last Rites
Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 9/28/2014
Dutch returns with a plan to broadcast Eph’s warning about the vampiric plague. However, they face a new threat when Eichhorst launches his own attack against the pawn shop. Palmer receives a special visitor, and Gus gears up for the on-coming fight but discovers there’s another mysterious factor involved.
Director: Peter Weller
Writer: N/A
7.8/101,725 votes#13 - The Master
Season 1 Episode 13 - Aired 10/5/2014
Eph and Fet recon for an all-out assault that Setrakian assures them will finally kill the Master. Gus aligns himself with a strange new force, one that may swing the fight in an unforeseen direction.
Director: Phil Abraham
Writer: Guillermo del Toro
The Best Episodes of The Strain Season 1
Every episode of The Strain Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The Strain Season 1!
A high concept thriller that tells the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, the head of the Center for Disease Control Canary Team in New York...
Genres:Sci-Fi & FantasyDramaMystery
Network:FX
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"Night Zero" is the best rated episode of "The Strain" season 1. It scored 8.2/10 based on 3325 votes. Directed by Guillermo del Toro and written by Chuck Hogan, it aired on 7/13/2014. This episode is rated 0.5 points higher than the second-best, "The Box".