The best episodes of Defiance
Ranked by viewer rating, highs first. Lit marks on the season rail place this list across the run. Vote on a placement to back it or contest it.
- 01
An old war buddy catches up with Nolan at the same time a Castithan criminal with a history of violence enters the picture.
- 02
Nolan interrogates a suspected Votanis Collective spy in an effort to prevent a cataclysmic terrorist attack on New York.
- 03
A deadly mine collapse leaves Amanda and Pottinger trapped, and it's a race against the clock for Nolan and Rafe to save them.
- 04
Nolan's involvement in an accident on the eve of the election has the town questioning his role as lawman and Amanda's credentials as potential mayor.
- 05
Doc Yewll works to keep her dark secret from coming out.
- 06
Nolan searches for Irisa, leaving Amanda to take on the deputy's badge just as a shocking murder rocks Defiance.
- 07
Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go
A killer is pursued; at the same time, Nolan and Datak come to blows over an ancient ritual.
- 08
Kenya is kidnapped; Rafe moves a step closer to learning the truth about his son's death.
- 09
Nolan and Amanda find themselves in danger as they attempt to transport a prisoner out of town; and Irisa's mood grows dark after a run-in with the man she believes tortured her as a child.
- 10
Nolan races to save Tommy's life and stop Irisa; tensions between Amanda and Stahma lead to a showdown.
- 11
Season 2 comes to a close with Nolan fighting both the Earth Republic and old acquaintances to stop Irisa's destructive plan from becoming a reality. He's also determined to save his adoptive daughter from the Kaziri forces that have been possessing her before his own friends attempt to kill her.
- 12
If You Could See Her Through My Eyes
Datak turns to an unlikely ally for help after he's framed for a bizarre murder; and a mysterious stranger leads Irisa to discover more about her destiny.
- 13
My Name is Datak Tarr and I Have Come to Kill You
Defiance is under siege. As Nolan, Amanda, Irisa and the militia defend the town against the Votanis Collective, Datak recalls his father's chilling lessons and makes a pivotal decision, while Stahma takes an unexpected trip.
- 14
The arrival of the mysterious Nolan and his charge Irisa to the town of Defiance marks a threat to the fragile peace that exists between the residents in the premiere of this futuristic drama, which is set in the year 2046, more than 30 years following a war between humans and aliens that left Earth forever changed.Nolan sticks around to help Defiance defend itself from an attack; and under Mayor Amanda Rosewater's leadership, the aliens and humans of the town set their differences aside long enough to rally against a Volge threat.
- 15
Irisa is forced to confront a disturbing power; at the same time, Defiance is invaded by a swarm of menacing Hellbugs.
- 16
The body of a prominent businessman who disappeared nearly six years ago is discovered hidden in the walls of NeedWant, prompting an investigation by Nolan and Tommy that exposes many of the secrets held by the people of Defiance. It also causes unrest on the eve of Alak and Christie's wedding.
- 17
A stalker terrorizes Amanda.
- 18
Amanda is locked in a bitter power struggle with Datak as the citizens of Defiance cast their votes for mayor. At the same time, Nolan is violently confronted by his past; and Irisa must decide whether or not to accept her destiny.
- 19
Irisa is arrested upon her return to Defiance, but Nolan can arrange her release by capturing those responsible for an explosion that nearly killed Mayor Pottinger. Meanwhile, Stahma decides the only way to stay in control of her family's criminal enterprises is by ensuring that Datak stays behind bars.
- 20
Irisa continues to experience blackouts at a terrifying and increasing rate, but she tries to keep a worried Nolan in the dark about her situation; and under Stahma's self-appointed leadership, the Tarr family business prospers, while an increasingly suspicious Datak remains locked up behind bars.
- 21
Nolan is ordered to hunt down and destroy those responsible for a vicious attack in the badlands on a badly shaken Pottinger and his caravan. Tensions flare when Nolan's investigation turns up evidence implicating one of Rafe's miners. Meanwhile, Datak sets his vengeful sights on reclaiming control over the family business.
- 22
An Arkfall crash salvage mission led by Nolan leads to danger in the form of an alien race he has never encountered before; at the same time, Stahma makes a shocking power play after she's admonished by church elders for her growing sense of female empowerment; and Irisa begins confessing her deep, dark secrets to Tommy.
- 23
Nolan is unexpectedly freed from Votanis Collective custody, at which point Amanda, Irisa and Berlin rush to save him from Kindzi's clutches. Elsewhere, Datak regrets seeking Doc Ywell's help against the Omec; and something startling is witnessed in the mines.
- 24
I Just Wasn't Made for These Times
Nolan and Tommy encounter an American astronaut who has been in hypersleep for several decades.
- 25
If I Ever Leave This World Alive
The Irathients are quarantined in the mines after Defiance is struck by a mysterious plague; and Amanda reconnects with an old flame from the Earth Republic.
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