The essential episodes of Defiance

Watch these 15 in order and you've got Defiance — each pick states its reason.

1. 01

   S01E01 · Pilot · April 15, 2013 · 2h

   Pilot6.4

   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.

2. 02

   S01E02 · Top rated · April 22, 2013 · 1h

   Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go6.6

   A killer is pursued; at the same time, Nolan and Datak come to blows over an ancient ritual.

3. 03

   S01E04 · Top rated · May 6, 2013 · 1h

   A Well Respected Man6.6

   Kenya is kidnapped; Rafe moves a step closer to learning the truth about his son's death.

4. 04

   S01E05 · Top rated · May 13, 2013 · 1h

   The Serpent's Egg6.6

   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.

5. 05

   S01E06 · Season 1 peak · May 20, 2013 · 1h

   Brothers in Arms6.9

   An old war buddy catches up with Nolan at the same time a Castithan criminal with a history of violence enters the picture.

6. 06

   S01E11 · Top rated · July 1, 2013 · 1h

   Past Is Prologue6.7

   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.

7. 07

   S02E07 · Top rated · July 31, 2014 · 1h

   If You Could See Her Through My Eyes6.5

   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.

8. 08

   S02E08 · Season 2 peak · August 7, 2014 · 1h

   Slouching Towards Bethlehem6.8

   Nolan interrogates a suspected Votanis Collective spy in an effort to prevent a cataclysmic terrorist attack on New York.

9. 09

   S02E09 · Top rated · August 14, 2014 · 1h

   Painted from Memory6.7

   Doc Yewll works to keep her dark secret from coming out.

10. 10

    S02E10 · Top rated · August 21, 2014 · 1h

    Bottom of the World6.8

    A deadly mine collapse leaves Amanda and Pottinger trapped, and it's a race against the clock for Nolan and Rafe to save them.

11. 11

    S02E11 · Top rated · August 21, 2014 · 1h

    Doll Parts6.7

    Nolan searches for Irisa, leaving Amanda to take on the deputy's badge just as a shocking murder rocks Defiance.

12. 12

    S02E12 · Top rated · August 28, 2014 · 1h

    All Things Must Pass6.6

    Nolan races to save Tommy's life and stop Irisa; tensions between Amanda and Stahma lead to a showdown.

13. 13

    S02E13 · Top rated · August 28, 2014 · 1h

    I Almost Prayed6.6

    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.

14. 14

    S03E08 · Season 3 peak · July 24, 2015 · 1h

    My Name is Datak Tarr and I Have Come to Kill You6.5

    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.

15. 15

    S03E13 · Series finale · August 28, 2015 · 1h

    Upon the March We Fittest Die6.1

    A potential suicide mission is agreed to be the only way to end the Omec threat once and for all when Season 3 comes to a close.