The Strain Season One Episode Guide

Episode 1.01 – Night Zero
(Airs July 13, 10:00 pm e/p)

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.

Written by Guillermo del Toro & Chuck Hogan; directed by Guillermo del Toro.

Episode 1.02 – The Box
(Airs July 20, 10:00 pm e/p)

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. Written by David Weddle & Bradley Thompson; directed by David Semel.

Episode  1.03 – “Gone Smooth”
(Airs July 27, 10:00 pm e/p)

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.

Teleplay by Chuck Hogan; directed by David Semel.

Episode 1.04 – It’s Not For Everyone
(Airs August 3, 10:00 pm e/p)

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.

Written by Regina Corrado; directed by Keith Gordon.

Episode 1.05 – Runaways
(Airs August 10, 10:00 pm e/p)

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.

Written by Gennifer Hutchison; directed by Peter Weller.

 Episode 1.06 – Occultation

(Airs August 17, 10:00 pm e/p)

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.

Written by Justin Britt-Gibson; directed by Peter Weller.

Episode 1.07 – For Services Rendered

(Airs August 24, 10:00 pm e/p)

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.

Teleplay by Bradley Thompson & David Weddle; directed by Charlotte Sieling.

Episode  1.08– Creatures of the Night 

(Airs August 31, 10:00 pm e/p)

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. 

Teleplay by Chuck Hogan; directed by Guy Ferland.

Episode 1.09 – The Disappeared

(Airs September 7, 10:00 pm e/p)

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. 

Teleplay by Regina Corrado; directed by Charlotte Sieling.

Episode 1.10 – Loved Ones

(Airs September 14, 10:00 pm e/p)

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. 

Teleplay by Gennifer Hutchison; directed by John Dahl.

Episode 1.11 – The Third Rail

(Airs September 21, 10:00 pm e/p)

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. 

Teleplay by Justin Britt-Gibson and Chuck Hogan; directed by Deran Sarafian.

Episode 1.12 – Last Rites

(Airs September 28, 10:00 pm e/p)

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. Teleplay by Carlton Cuse and David Weddle & Bradley Thompson; directed by Peter Weller.

Episode 1.13 – The Master (Season Finale)

(Airs October 5, 10:00 pm e/p)

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. Teleplay by Carlton Cuse & Chuck Hogan; directed by Phil Abraham.