10 Episodes
Short on time? Here's the essentials:
Noah, a married teacher and aspiring novelist, meets Alison, a grieving waitress, in Montauk. Both are seeking escape and connection, and their intense attraction quickly ignites an affair. The season explores their illicit relationship from their differing perspectives, while a future investigation into a mysterious death looms over them.
As their affair deepens, Noah and Alison share intimate details, including Alison's profound grief over the tragic death of her young son, Gabriel. Their secret encounters escalate, but their illicit relationship is soon exposed by Oscar, a local restaurant owner, causing immense fallout. Noah initially tries to end the affair, but the repercussions continue to unravel his marriage to Helen, his wife.
The situation culminates when Noah discovers a shocking secret involving his daughter. This pushes him to his breaking point, and he leaves his family. The season concludes with a flash-forward, revealing that Noah is arrested for Scotty's murder, leaving Alison to promise she will help him.
Season 1 of The Affair covers episodes 1-10. Here's everything that happened:
Season 1, Episode 1: Episode 1 - The premiere introduces Noah, a teacher and novelist, and Alison, a waitress, as they meet in Montauk. Told from their differing perspectives, Noah's family vacation is juxtaposed with Alison's grief over her son's death. They connect, but Noah returns to his family. The episode concludes with both being questioned about a potential crime.
Season 1, Episode 2: Episode 2 - The episode explores Noah's and Alison's differing recollections of events, highlighting their growing attraction. Noah's obsession intensifies, while Alison deals with financial stress. They meet at a party, and Noah learns Alison is married. The episode culminates with Noah and Alison kissing on the beach. The questioning about a death continues.
Season 1, Episode 3: Episode 3 - Noah seeks inspiration from Alison for his novel, leading to a Montauk tour where their connection deepens. Alison, struggling with her past, considers returning to work but backs out after a triggering experience. Cole opposes a development plan at a town hall, causing tension. The episode concludes with Alison and Noah acknowledging their mutual attraction.
Season 1, Episode 4: Episode 4 - Noah and Alison travel to Block Island, growing closer as they share personal stories. They visit the Mohegan Bluffs, where Alison recounts a childhood memory. Alison reveals the tragic death of her son Gabriel. The episode concludes with Noah and Alison back at her house, where they engage in sexual intimacy.
Season 1, Episode 5: Episode 5 - Alison's mother, Athena, returns, stirring up family tensions. Noah's daughter, Whitney, is caught cyberbullying. Noah and Helen argue about finances and Whitney's behavior. Noah and Alison make plans to run away together. The episode concludes with the detective revealing that Scottie was murdered, not Cole.
Season 1, Episode 6: Episode 6 - Noah's friend Max arrives, leading to a wild night where Noah lies about knowing "The End" nightclub. Alison's involvement in her family's drug dealing is revealed, shocking Noah. Oscar exposes the affair and Alison begs Cole to stop dealing drugs. Noah, disgusted, rushes home and has sex with Helen. Noah ends the affair with Alison, leaving her devastated.
Season 1, Episode 7: Episode 7 - The Solloways return to Brooklyn as summer ends. Noah confesses his affair to Helen after a panic attack. Alison's affair is revealed to Cole by Oscar, leading to a fight. Cole and Alison decide to try for another baby, while Alison visits Helen's store. The episode concludes with Alison seeing the Solloway family together.
Season 1, Episode 8: Episode 8 - Noah attends an award ceremony for Helen's father and encounters Alison, who is working there. Alison's grandmother suffers a heart attack, and Noah drives her to the hospital. Alison's grandmother dies, leading to a moment of shared grief with Noah. Helen reveals why she married Noah. The episode concludes with the detective building his case against Noah.
Season 1, Episode 9: Episode 9 - Alison and Noah's affair intensifies in New York, but the harsh realities of their situation become clear. Alison spirals, sleeping with Oscar after learning the ranch has little value. Noah discovers Whitney's pregnancy with Scotty as the father and confesses to Helen, leading to him leaving his family. The episode concludes with Alison, Cole, and Noah all at the train station.
Season 1, Episode 10: Episode 10 - Noah and Helen confront Whitney about Scotty, leading to a family crisis. Alison returns to Cole, but their reunion is short-lived as she admits she can't stay. In a flash-forward, Noah and Alison are together with a child, but Noah is arrested for Scotty's murder. The episode concludes with Alison promising to get Noah out of this situation.
