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The Following Season 1 Episodes
Season 1 Episode Guide
15 Episodes 2013 - 2013
Kevin Bacon stars in this roller-coaster-like thriller as former FBI agent Ryan Hardy, who's called out of retirement to help catch escaped serial killer Joe Carroll (James Purefoy), whom he helped put away years earlier in a case that, quite literally, almost killed him. Carroll, a charismatic former English professor obsessed with Edgar Allan Poe, hasn't forgotten his old nemesis, either: the orchestrated mayhem he unleashes, which is carried out by acolytes he cultivated through the Internet and prison visitations, is designed to torment Hardy, who had an affair with Carroll's ex-wife Claire (Natalie Zea) after his arrest. In fact, Carroll has so much faith in his followers that he intentionally allows himself to be caught—all the better to taunt Hardy in person. Chief among his disciples: Emma (Valorie Curry), who worked as the live-in nanny for Claire's and Carroll's young son Joey (Kyle Catlet), and Claire's seemingly sweet gay neighbors Jacob (Nico Tortorella) and Paul (Adan Tanto). The three make off with the boy, setting in motion a season-long cat-and-mouse game with Hardy and the FBI. At the same time, other followers pull off a never-ending series of stunts, ranging from murders that mimic some of Carroll's to self-immolation to an attempt to kill Hardy's sister.
Episode 1
Pilot
Mon, Jan 21, 2013 60 mins
In the premiere episode, former FBI agent Ryan Hardy is called out of retirement to help track down an escaped serial killer whom he originally caught years ago.
Episode 2
Chapter Two
Mon, Jan 28, 2013 60 mins
Hardy, Weston and new team leader Parker turn to Carroll's ex-wife—and Hardy's former lover—while digging deep into Carroll's psyche. In other events, Emma, Jacob and Paul keep Claire's son Joey at a house in the country.
Episode 3
The Poet's Fire
Mon, Feb 4, 2013 60 mins
Hardy and the team try to predict the actions of one of Carroll's followers. In other events, Paul has difficulty controlling his jealousy over Emma and Jacob's relationship; and the origin of Hardy and Carroll's relationship is revealed.
Episode 4
Mad Love
Mon, Feb 11, 2013 60 mins
Maggie plots Hardy's demise; Paul reveals a secret of Emma's. In other events, Hardy and Claire's history together is recalled.
Episode 5
The Siege
Mon, Feb 18, 2013 60 mins
Claire receives a call that might lead her to her son; Carroll turns to a lawyer from his past to send a message that could have deadly repercussions.
Episode 6
The Fall
Mon, Feb 25, 2013 60 mins
The team learns of Joe Carroll's true intentions from a new follower; Ryan tries to turn Emma, Jacob and Paul against one another; and Emma makes a startling decision.
Episode 7
Let Me Go
Mon, Mar 4, 2013 60 mins
With the help of his lawyer, Carroll makes a convincing argument that he should be moved to another facility; Emma and Joey meet up with one of Roderick's men, unaware that he harbors a secret.
Episode 8
Welcome Home
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 60 mins
The FBI assigns a new team leader to the case, which doesn't sit well with Ryan or Parker; Carroll meets with a follower from his past.
Episode 9
Love Hurts
Mon, Mar 18, 2013 60 mins
Ryan and Parker attempt to circumvent Nick in order to continue their search; Joe demands that Ryan reveal Claire's whereabouts to him; and past followers return.
Episode 10
Guilt
Mon, Mar 25, 2013 60 mins
Joe sends two followers to capture Claire; Jacob's reunion with Emma is less than ideal; someone from Ryan's past reenters his life.
Episode 11
Whips and Regret
Mon, Apr 1, 2013 60 mins
The FBI tracks down a location that may have links to Joe's followers; Claire adjusts to life at the mansion; Emma's betrayal comes between Jacob and Emma.
Episode 12
The Curse
Mon, Apr 8, 2013 60 mins
A follower may be able to lead Ryan and the FBI to Carroll; Weston returns to the team; Claire comes face-to-face with Emma for the first time since Joey's kidnapping.
Episode 13
Havenport
Mon, Apr 15, 2013 60 mins
Roderick's role as sheriff is questioned after the Havenport Police Department is brought onto the case; Ryan tries to win the trust of one of Joe's followers by butting heads with the FBI.
Episode 14
The End Is Near
Mon, Apr 22, 2013 60 mins
Ryan, Parker and Weston prepare to storm the mansion unaware that Joe has set an escape plan in motion; disguised followers create a diversion at the town evacuation center.
Episode 15
The Final Chapter
Mon, Apr 29, 2013 60 mins
In the Season 1 finale, Ryan tries to stop Joe before it's too late; and Joe takes Claire to a special location.
