The Strain

10 Best Episodes of The Strain

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 City. He and his team are called upon to investigate a mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism. As the strain spreads, Eph, his team, and an assembly of everyday New Yorkers, wage war for the fate of humanity itself.

Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 02, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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The Strain - S2E13

#15 - Night Train (Season 2 - Episode 13)

Setrakian and Fet battle for possession of the Occido Lumen, and gain a surprising new ally. A massive attack imperils Eph, Nora, and Zack's escape from New York.

The episode was rated 7.80 from 2483 votes.

The Strain - S3E8

#14 - White Light (Season 3 - Episode 8)

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The Master’s voice proves to be more powerful and potentially fatal than Eph or Dutch anticipated. Fet and Setrakian track down the cargo from the Egyptian vessel and realize they may be in over their heads. Quinlan strikes a deal with the Ancients, but a last minute betrayal proves deadly.

The episode was rated 7.82 from 3185 votes.

The Strain - S1E4

#13 - It's Not for Everyone (Season 1 - Episode 4)

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.

The episode was rated 7.82 from 3080 votes.

The Strain - S1E3

#12 - Gone Smooth (Season 1 - Episode 3)

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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.

The episode was rated 7.83 from 3247 votes.

The Strain - S1E12

#11 - Last Rites (Season 1 - Episode 12)

Dutch returns with a plan to broadcast Eph’s warning about the vampiric plague, but they face a new threat when Eichhorst launches his own attack against the pawn shop. Palmer receives a special visitor. Gus gears up for the on-coming fight but discovers there’s another mysterious factor involved.

The episode was rated 7.85 from 2603 votes.

The Strain - S1E13

#10 - The Master (Season 1 - Episode 13)

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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.

The episode was rated 7.86 from 2597 votes.

The Strain - S1E9

#9 - The Disappeared (Season 1 - Episode 9)

Eph races to safeguard his family, only to learn that Kelly is missing. Dutch reveals her role in Palmer’s plan. Gus is forced to make a difficult decision about Felix.

The episode was rated 7.87 from 2763 votes.

The Strain - S1E1

#8 - Night Zero (Season 1 - Episode 1)

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When a plane lands in New York City with everyone on board dead, Dr. Ephraim 'Eph' Goodweather, head of the CDC’s Canary Project, and his team are called upon to investigate. What looks at first like a mysterious viral outbreak might be the beginning of something infinitely more sinister.

The episode was rated 7.88 from 4200 votes.

The Strain - S4E10

#7 - The Last Stand (Season 4 - Episode 10)

In the series finale, Quinlan devises a desperate plan, but the costs are enormous. Eph wrestles with his conscience, Fet undertakes a suicide mission, and Dutch and Gus dig in for battle as humankind makes its final stand against the Master and his Strain.

The episode was rated 7.91 from 2476 votes.

The Strain - S3E9

#6 - Do or Die (Season 3 - Episode 9)

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NYC is falling. Eph and Dutch frantically race to finish their new device to stop the Master before the city is overrun. Justine, Gus, and Angel fight in one last stand to stop the spreading virus. Palmer extracts vengeance for past wrongs but may have crossed the line.

The episode was rated 7.91 from 3112 votes.

The Strain - S1E6

#5 - Occultation (Season 1 - Episode 6)

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. Setrakian realizes that the coming eclipse is the tipping point for virus infection and the beginning of the end.

The episode was rated 7.93 from 2881 votes.

The Strain - S3E10

#4 - The Fall (Season 3 - Episode 10)

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Humanity teeters on the edge of destruction. The Master finally reveals himself, initiating the end game of a battle in which there can be only one winner. Eph, Fet, Setrakian, and Dutch must overcome their personal differences in a last-ditch effort to vanquish the strain.

The episode was rated 7.99 from 3102 votes.

The Strain - S1E8

#3 - Creatures of the Night (Season 1 - Episode 8)

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.

The episode was rated 7.99 from 2856 votes.

The Strain - S4E7

#2 - Ouroboros (Season 4 - Episode 7)

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His health failing, Setrakian ignores Eph’s warnings, pushing himself to the limit in his quest for victory and revenge. Fet and Quinlan race back to Manhattan, while the Master seals off the city and prepares to eliminate them all.

The episode was rated 8.09 from 2612 votes.

The Strain - S1E7

#1 - For Services Rendered (Season 1 - Episode 7)

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.

The episode was rated 8.10 from 2870 votes.

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