The Best Episodes of BrainDead Season 1

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   7.5/10(607 votes)

   #1 - The Insanity Principle: How Extremism in Politics Is Threatening Democracy in the 21st Century

   S1:E16/13/2016

   When Laurel Healy returns home to Washington, D.C. to work for her brother, Senator Luke Healy, on Capitol Hill, she is caught in the midst of two huge problems: the government has stopped working due to budgetary disagreements, and mysterious bugs are eating the brains of a growing number of Congress members and Hill staffers.

   Director:Robert King

   Writers:Michelle King, Robert King

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   Director:Robert King

   Writers:Michelle King, Robert King
2. 

   7.6/10(507 votes)

   #2 - Playing Politics: Living Life in the Shadow of the Budget Showdown -- A Critique

   S1:E26/20/2016

   Laurel continues to investigate the death of esteemed Dr. Daudier, while bugs infect more citizens of Washington, D.C. Rochelle Daudier, the deceased doctor’s daughter and Gustav Triplette, an eccentric genius, both encounter the bugs separately and begin to question exactly what is happening.

   Director:Jim McKay

   Writer:Lawrence Kaplow

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   Director:Jim McKay

   Writer:Lawrence Kaplow
3. 

   8.0/10(465 votes)

   #3 - Goring Oxes: How You Can Survive the War on Government Through Five Easy Steps

   S1:E36/27/2016

   When a bizarre and deadly incident takes place on live television, Agent Onofrio's investigation into it causes Laurel, Gustav and Rochelle to dig deeper into the bug mystery. Luke attempts to cover up his affair with his Chief of Staff, Scarlett, before his opponent for the minority whip position, Senator Ella Poundstone, can make it public.

   Director:Jim McKay

   Writer:Jonathan Tolins

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   Director:Jim McKay

   Writer:Jonathan Tolins
4. 

   8.0/10(421 votes)

   #4 - Wake Up Grassroots: The Nine Virtues of Participatory Democracy, and How We Can Keep America Great by Encouraging an Informed Electorate

   S1:E47/11/2016

   Laurel and Rochelle try to persuade Laurel’s friend Abby to get an MRI so they can uncover the real cause of the strange behavior taking over Washington, D.C. Luke attempts to reopen the government through a secret deal with the Republicans

   Director:Allan Arkush

   Writer:Peter Parnell

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   Director:Allan Arkush

   Writer:Peter Parnell
5. 

   8.0/10(406 votes)

   #5 - Back to Work: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Congress and How It Gets Things Done (and Often Doesn't)

   S1:E57/24/2016

   Laurel asks her brother, Luke, for his help to get the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the bugs, but he insists she first consult Dr. Joanne Alaimo, a leading entomologist, for her perspective on the invasion. Laurel’s relationship with Anthony takes a drastic turn.

   Director:Allan Arkush

   Writer:Jacquelyn Reingold

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   Director:Allan Arkush

   Writer:Jacquelyn Reingold
6. 

   8.4/10(454 votes)

   #6 - Past as Prologue: Notes Toward a Post-Reagan Theory of Party Alliance, Tribalist, and Loyalty

   S1:E67/31/2016

   When Laurel is infected by the bugs, Gustav and Rochelle work quickly to figure out if there is any way to save her. When the Centers for Disease Control has its funding temporarily cut, Luke attempts to reach a compromise to have the money reinstated, but Red’s political machinations undermine him at every turn.

   Director:Frederick E. O. Toye

   Writer:Aurin Squire

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   Director:Frederick E. O. Toye

   Writer:Aurin Squire
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7. 

   8.5/10(421 votes)

   #7 - The Power of Euphemism: How Torture Became a Matter of Debate in American Politics

   S1:E78/7/2016

   Laurel comes under investigation about her potential involvement with the bug infestation. Also, Gustav and Rochelle discover a unique way to communicate with those infected by the bugs.

   Director:Frederick E. O. Toye

   Writer:Laura Marks

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   Director:Frederick E. O. Toye

   Writer:Laura Marks
8. 

   7.7/10(347 votes)

   #8 - The Path to War Part One: The Gathering Political Storm

   S1:E88/14/2016

   Rochelle and Gustav capture and question a man they suspect is infected by the bugs. Also, Luke and Red face off in a Senate Intelligence meeting about a potential war.

   Director:Brooke Kennedy

   Writer:Peter Parnell

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   Director:Brooke Kennedy

   Writer:Peter Parnell
9. 

   7.8/10(354 votes)

   #9 - Taking on Water: How Leaks in D.C. are Discovered and Patched

   S1:E98/21/2016

   Senator Red Wheatus hires a special investigator to dig into the Healy family’s financial and personal history. Also, when Gareth learns some sordid details about Laurel’s romantic past, it puts a strain on their budding relationship.

   Director:Ron Underwood

   Writers:Jonathan Tolins, Aurin Squire

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   Director:Ron Underwood

   Writers:Jonathan Tolins, Aurin Squire
10. 

    7.8/10(319 votes)

    #10 - The Path to War Part Two: The Impact of Propaganda on Congressional War Votes

    S1:E108/28/2016

    Laurel must work alongside an old boyfriend, Ben Valderrama, when Luke enlists her help in putting together a political documentary to support his anti-war initiative. Also, Laurel worries about the health of Luke and Germaine’s baby.

    Director:Félix Alcalá

    Writer:Lawrence Kaplow

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    Director:Félix Alcalá

    Writer:Lawrence Kaplow
11. 

    8.3/10(337 votes)

    #11 - Six Points on the New Congressional Budget: The False Dichotomy of Austerity vs. Expansionary Policies

    S1:E119/4/2016

    Luke and Laurel rush to uncover Red's secret agenda, which is buried in a massive new budget bill. Also, Gareth inadvertently witnesses an unsettling bug encounter in Red's office.

    Director:Brooke Kennedy

    Writers:Jacquelyn Reingold, Jonathan Tolins

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    Director:Brooke Kennedy

    Writers:Jacquelyn Reingold, Jonathan Tolins
12. 

    8.3/10(321 votes)

    #12 - Talking Points Toward a Wholistic View of Activism in Government: Can the Top Rebel?

    S1:E129/11/2016

    When Laurel discovers that a senate bill is not what it appears, she implores Luke to help, leading to a dramatic Senate sit-in. Also, Red and Ella battle for control of the bug agenda, and Laurel questions whether or not she should leave Washington, D.C. for good

    Director:Félix Alcalá

    Writer:Lawrence Kaplow

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    Director:Félix Alcalá

    Writer:Lawrence Kaplow
13. 

    8.5/10(348 votes)

    #13 - The End of All We Hold Dear: What Happens When Democracies Fail: A Brief Synopsis

    S1:E139/11/2016

    Laurel discovers the secret to driving the bugs out of a person's brain and tests the tactic on her father. Armed with new knowledge, Laurel and Gareth attempt to expel the Queen bug out of Red's head once and for all. Laurel and Gareth progress in their romantic relationship.

    Director:Robert King

    Writers:Jacquelyn Reingold, Jonathan Tolins

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    Director:Robert King

    Writers:Jacquelyn Reingold, Jonathan Tolins