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The Best Episodes of Hell on Wheels Season 1

Every episode of Hell on Wheels Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Hell on Wheels Season 1!

Binge this in 7h 9m·Peaking at 8.5/10
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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Hell on Wheels Season 1 Episode 7 - Revelations
    8.5/10(976 votes)

    S1:E7

    With Elam's life in the balance, Cullen must decide how much he’s willing to risk. Meanwhile Durant faces financial ruin as Lily confronts the family of her late husband.

    Director:Michelle MacLaren
    Writers:Joe Gayton, Tony Gayton

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  2. Hell on Wheels Season 1 Episode 9 - Timshel
    8.3/10(919 votes)

    S1:E9

    A looming railroad deadline throws Cullen and Lily together; Joseph and Elam deal with what their violent mission has wrought.

    Director:John Shiban
    Writer:John Shiban

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  3. Hell on Wheels Season 1 Episode 10 - God of Chaos
    8.3/10(920 votes)

    S1:E10

    In the Season 1 finale, Cullen's past and future collide, impacting his life on the railroad.

    Director:David Von Ancken
    Writers:Joe Gayton, Tony Gayton

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  4. Hell on Wheels Season 1 Episode 8 - Derailed
    8.1/10(927 votes)

    S1:E8

    Durant dispatches Cullen and Elam on a mission of vengeance. Lily struggles to find her place.

    Director:David Von Ancken
    Writer:Mark Richard

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  5. Hell on Wheels Season 1 Episode 2 - Immoral Mathematics
    7.9/10(1160 votes)

    S1:E2

    Lily encounters natives in the wilderness. Cullen is questioned in regards to his recent actions against others. Meanwhile, Durant continues his push for political gain through his persuasions.

    Director:David Von Ancken
    Writers:Joe Gayton, Tony Gayton

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  6. Hell on Wheels Season 1 Episode 1 - Pilot
    7.8/10(1538 votes)

    S1:E1

    A former confederate soldier journeys to the transcontinental railroad to seek vengeance.

    Director:David Von Ancken
    Writers:Joe Gayton, Tony Gayton

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  7. Hell on Wheels Season 1 Episode 5 - Bread and Circuses
    7.8/10(984 votes)

    S1:E5

    A bare-knuckle brouhaha between Elam and Cullen is spurred by Durant's latest attempt to deal with the railroad's financial crisis.

    Director:Adam Davidson
    Writer:Mark Richard

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  8. Hell on Wheels Season 1 Episode 3 - A New Birth of Freedom
    7.7/10(1048 votes)

    S1:E3

    When Lily goes missing, Durant organizes a search party. A subsidiary request prevents Cullen from his continued search for the sergeant involved in the murder of his wife.

    Director:Phil Abraham
    Writer:John Shiban

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  9. Hell on Wheels Season 1 Episode 6 - Pride, Pomp and Circumstance
    7.7/10(933 votes)

    S1:E6

    Durant challenges the Cheyenne to a competition in an effort to bring a halt to ongoing negotiations. Meanwhile, Elam and Cullen try to prevent bloodshed in town.

    Director:Michael Slovis
    Writer:Bruce Marshall Romans

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  10. Hell on Wheels Season 1 Episode 4 - Jamais je ne t'oublierai
    7.6/10(981 votes)

    S1:E4

    Cullen's search for the sergeant nears its end; Durant keeps to his hidden agenda while assisting in Lily's recuperation.

    Director:Alex Zakrzewski
    Writers:Jamie Linck O'Brien, Jami O'Brien

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Revelations" is the best rated episode of Hell on Wheels season 1. It scored 8.5/10 from 976 votes. Directed by Michelle MacLaren and written by Joe Gayton, Tony Gayton, it aired on December 18, 2011. This episode is rated 0.2 points higher than the second-best, "Timshel".