Hell on Wheels: Season 5
Season 5 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Hell on Wheels Season 4.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 5 Progress Shield
Chinatown
Jul 18, 2015
Cullen is in California with the Central Pacific Railroad, and must deal with the new workers.
Mei Mei
Jul 25, 2015
Cullen and Fong find themselves in peril as they transport a locomotive over the Sierra Nevada mountains. The Swede gains Phineas' trust.
White Justice
Aug 1, 2015
Cullen contends with violence in Chinatown set off by disgruntled railroad workers. Meanwhile, the Swede manipulates Phineas in his plot against the Mormons.
Struck
Aug 8, 2015
Cullen solves a Chinese labor strike in the wake of violence. Meanwhile, Durant pulls Mickey deeper into Union Pacific business.
Elixir of Life
Aug 15, 2015
Unexpected violence erupts in Chinatown during the festival of Tin Hau Don; Cullen confronts the Swede; and Durant involves Maggie in his latest scheme.
Hungry Ghosts
Aug 22, 2015
Cullen and Mei escort precious cargo through the California wilderness; Eva nurses Louise back to health.
False Prophets
Aug 29, 2015
Cullen and Durant meet with President Grant to discuss the future of the railroad; the Swede puts his plan against the Mormons in action.
Two Soldiers
Jun 11, 2016
The Swede's murderous rampage on the Hatch homestead results in a long overdue showdown with Cullen.
Return to the Garden
Jun 18, 2016
Cullen faces life-changing decisions in Utah as Truckee adapts to life without him.
61 Degrees
Jun 25, 2016
Cullen's nitroglycerin experiment provides an explosive backdrop for the railroad life in Truckee. Durant's plan turns deadly.
Gambit
Jul 2, 2016
Mickey's dirty business with Durant leaves him with blood on his hands. Meanwhile, Campbell's return to town complicates Louise's life.
Any Sum Within Reason
Jul 9, 2016
Chang discovers Mei's secret and forces her to flee Truckee. Meanwhile, Cullen's search for her brings new realizations while exorcising old demons.
Railroad Men
Jul 16, 2016
The race to finish the railroad comes down to inches, forcing all parties to contemplate the end of the line, and what the future holds for them.
Done
Jul 23, 2016
The golden spike, government hearings and unpredictable actions mean new beginnings and endings for the survivors.