The worst episodes of The Affair
Ranked by viewer rating, lows first. Lit marks on the season rail place this list across the run. Vote on a placement to back it or contest it.
- 01
Cole tries to keep Alison's behavior from ruining an important deal while Luisa's legal status threatens their future. An encounter with a local surfer leads Cole to question if he's the same person he used to be. Alison is saved by a handsome stranger.
- 02
Noah asks Alison to help him research the local culture for his novel, but their innocent tour of Montauk proves more dangerous than expected. Meanwhile, Cole takes a stand on behalf of his community; and Helen deals with business back in Brooklyn.
- 03
Haunted by recent hardship, Noah struggles to navigate the challenges of his old life while attempting to adapt to a new one. A new love interest isn't enough to overcome a sense of dread. Someone is watching him.
- 04
Noah struggles to adjust to his new life after moving to Los Angeles to be closer to his kids. He attempts to reach a gifted but troubled student while under the stern eye of the school's principal. Helen finally discovers the source of her anxiety, only to be blindsided by a new catastrophe.
- 05
Allegations against Noah surface and he seeks guidance on how to handle the situation. Helen celebrates a birthday and protects Sierra during an extremely trying time.
- 06
Noah's undying love for Alison leads to serious consequences. Meanwhile, Alison discovers a surprising truth about how to sustain a marriage.
- 07
Sasha proposes adjustments to Noah's script. Sasha's relationship with Helen blossoms, and Noah takes notice. Bruce's condition worsens. Joanie's business trip leads to violent encounters.
- 08
Noah and Alison grow closer on a day trip to remote Block Island, but they quickly realize that intimacy can be a double-edged sword.
- 09
A medical emergency with Martin casts Helen and Noah's litigation process in a new light; Helen makes a long-overdue decision; Noah is surprised when Alison wants to stay with her mother at the Sousanna Institute and realizes that the dynamics of their relationship have shifted, which leads to some troublesome discoveries.
- 10
Running from secrets she left behind in Paris, Juliette finds Noah an alluring prospect. But a terrifying event shatters all hope of an easy affair. Meanwhile, Noah must fight like never before to make sense of what just occurred.
- 11
Noah's attempt to teach his students a lesson in civil duty spirals out of control. Helen can't handle Vik's decision and goes behind his back, only to find resistance everywhere she turns.
- 12
One year earlier: after a stern request from Noah leaves Helen devastated, various pressures cause Helen and Vik to reexamine their relationship. Alison returns to Montauk after a crisis only to have her worst fears realized.
- 13
Cole is put in an increasingly impossible situation by Alison's return to his life. Alison must contend with Luisa while attempting to reconnect with her daughter. Simultaneously, a dangerous passion threatens to wreck everything.
- 14
Alison spends a day with Noah on Block Island; a wistful Noah finds his problems returning with a force.
- 15
Helen's escape to Montauk exacerbates her guilt and hastens an identity crisis: should the truth finally come out? Noah's world collapses, leaving him to process something horrific.
- 16
Alison and Ben dig into her past and begin confronting her fears. Cole's relationship with Alison is jeopardizing his marriage to Luisa.
- 17
Noah and Helen try to have an amicable divorce, but inescapable conflict is revealed; Helen experiences surprising developments.
- 18
Alison's summer with Noah is interrupted by an unwelcome guest. Meanwhile, Cole's self-destructive lifestyle causes everyone to become concerned.
- 19
Helen embarks on a journey of troublesome discoveries; Noah tries to repair his relationship with Martin.
- 20
Helen goes to Joshua Tree in search of meaning. Noah and Anton begin an adventure with high hopes until an ominous phone call alters their course.
- 21
Preparations are made at the Butler estate for an annual summer party. Meanwhile, aspects of Noah and Alison's separate lives start to weave together and the two are forced to consider an inevitability.
- 22
Season 2 ends as events set in motion long ago come to their conclusion. A startling admission causes Noah to withdraw from his new life. Meanwhile, Alison is honest with Noah and herself; a dispute between Cole and Scotty is followed by tragedy; and a turn in Noah's trial results in a shocking event.
- 23
Vik decides it's time he started living for himself. But is he ready to face the consequences? Cole meets Nan, an old friend of his father's, who sends him on a journey to exorcise the ghosts of his past.
- 24
Noah supports Anton in a decision about his future, which puts Janelle in a complicated spot with her ex-husband. Alison makes a surprising discovery about her father, and another about Ben that eventually leads her back to Noah.
- 25
Janelle struggles with her relationship and work, so turns to Carl for support. Production for Descent commences, and Sasha takes an interest in Helen. Helen takes her first steps towards acceptance.
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