Set on a future Earth, Defiance introduces players and viewers to a world where humans and aliens live together on a planet ravaged by decades of war and transformed by alien terra-forming machines. It centers on Jeb Nolan, the law-keeper in a bustling frontier boomtown that is one of the new world's few oasis of civility and inclusion. Nolan is a former Marine who fought in the alien conflict and suffered the loss of his wife and child in the war. The trauma transformed him into a lone wanderer in the wilds of this new and dangerous world.
38 listed episodes across 3 seasons. Air dates are provided by TVmaze and can change.
Season 1 12 episodes
E01
Pilot
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.
E02
Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go
A killer is pursued; at the same time, Nolan and Datak come to blows over an ancient ritual.
E03
The Devil in the Dark
Irisa is forced to confront a disturbing power; at the same time, Defiance is invaded by a swarm of menacing Hellbugs.
E04
A Well Respected Man
Kenya is kidnapped; Rafe moves a step closer to learning the truth about his son's death.
E05
The Serpent's Egg
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.
E06
Brothers in Arms
An old war buddy catches up with Nolan at the same time a Castithan criminal with a history of violence enters the picture.
E07
Goodbye Blue Sky
Interesting relationships develop when the residents of Defiance are forced to stay indoors as a threatening Razor Rain storm approaches. Meanwhile, visions lead Irisa to the Spirit Riders and Sukar, who has fallen under the influence of a strange and mysterious force.
E08
I Just Wasn't Made for These Times
Nolan and Tommy encounter an American astronaut who has been in hypersleep for several decades.
E09
If I Ever Leave This World Alive
The Irathients are quarantined in the mines after Defiance is struck by a mysterious plague; and Amanda reconnects with an old flame from the Earth Republic.
E10
The Bride Wore Black
The body of a prominent businessman who disappeared nearly six years ago is discovered hidden in the walls of NeedWant, prompting an investigation by Nolan and Tommy that exposes many of the secrets held by the people of Defiance. It also causes unrest on the eve of Alak and Christie's wedding.
E11
Past Is Prologue
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.
E12
Everything Is Broken
Amanda is locked in a bitter power struggle with Datak as the citizens of Defiance cast their votes for mayor. At the same time, Nolan is violently confronted by his past; and Irisa must decide whether or not to accept her destiny.
Season 2 13 episodes
E01
The Opposite of Hallelujah
Nolan's search for Irisa leads him to "New Chicago" and "Angel Arc" Los Angeles. Meanwhile, back in Defiance, the Earth Republic appoints a charming, calculating and ambitious man named Niles Pottinger as mayor.
E02
In My Secret Life
Irisa is arrested upon her return to Defiance, but Nolan can arrange her release by capturing those responsible for an explosion that nearly killed Mayor Pottinger. Meanwhile, Stahma decides the only way to stay in control of her family's criminal enterprises is by ensuring that Datak stays behind bars.
E03
The Cord and the Ax
Irisa continues to experience blackouts at a terrifying and increasing rate, but she tries to keep a worried Nolan in the dark about her situation; and under Stahma's self-appointed leadership, the Tarr family business prospers, while an increasingly suspicious Datak remains locked up behind bars.
E04
Beasts of Burden
Nolan is ordered to hunt down and destroy those responsible for a vicious attack in the badlands on a badly shaken Pottinger and his caravan. Tensions flare when Nolan's investigation turns up evidence implicating one of Rafe's miners. Meanwhile, Datak sets his vengeful sights on reclaiming control over the family business.
E05
Put the Damage On
A stalker terrorizes Amanda.
E06
This Woman's Work
An Arkfall crash salvage mission led by Nolan leads to danger in the form of an alien race he has never encountered before; at the same time, Stahma makes a shocking power play after she's admonished by church elders for her growing sense of female empowerment; and Irisa begins confessing her deep, dark secrets to Tommy.
E07
If You Could See Her Through My Eyes
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.
E08
Slouching Towards Bethlehem
Nolan interrogates a suspected Votanis Collective spy in an effort to prevent a cataclysmic terrorist attack on New York.
E09
Painted from Memory
Doc Yewll works to keep her dark secret from coming out.
E10
Bottom of the World
A deadly mine collapse leaves Amanda and Pottinger trapped, and it's a race against the clock for Nolan and Rafe to save them.
E11
Doll Parts
Nolan searches for Irisa, leaving Amanda to take on the deputy's badge just as a shocking murder rocks Defiance.
E12
All Things Must Pass
Nolan races to save Tommy's life and stop Irisa; tensions between Amanda and Stahma lead to a showdown.
E13
I Almost Prayed
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.
Season 3 13 episodes
E01
The World We Seize
Nolan and Irisa are mysteriously rescued from their underground confinement just in time to discover that enemy forces are marching on the town of Defiance, which has fallen on hard times following the collapse of the gulanite mines.
E02
The Last Unicorns
Datak, Stahma and Rafe run into deadly complications on their quest to reunite their family; and Alak comes to realize just how unstable her mother-in-law is during their journey through the woods.
E03
The Broken Bough
Amanda negotiates with the Omec, a new alien race, for the future of Defiance; and the Tarrs return to find much changed and their loyalties tested between the humans, the Omec, and the Votanis Collective. Meanwhile, Nolan and Irisa encounter a survivor of Votanis Collective atrocities that can aid their first strike against Gen. Rahm Tak's oncoming army.
E04
Dead Air
Nolan and Amanda are captured while excavating a buried weapons cache; Berlin investigates a Votanis Collective bombing in the heart of Defiance and sees an opportunity to get revenge on Irisa; Stahma's clandestine relationship with the mysterious Omec leader T'evgin takes a turn.
E05
History Rhymes
Amanda and Doc Yewll must enlist the Omec for help rescuing Nolan and Irisa, who have fallen into an unexpected and potentially fatal tour of their own past. Meanwhile, Datak and Stahma prepare a decisive move against Gen. Rahm Tak, leader of the Votanis Collective.
E06
Where the Apples Fell
Nolan and Berlin pursue the Tarrs after their connection to the Votanis Collective is exposed; at the same time, Alak comes to grips with his future as a father.
E07
The Beauty of Our Weapons
A visiting arms dealer changes Defiance's fortunes, and divides Amanda, Nolan and Berlin; at the same time, Nolan encounters difficulty recruiting a militia to fight the oncoming Votanis Collective army. Elsewhere, Stahma's presence causes strife among the mysterious Omec; and Datak and Alak have a reckoning.
E08
My Name is Datak Tarr and I Have Come to Kill You
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.
E09
Ostinato in White
A gruesome murder is committed by an unusual beast that's on the loose and being hunted down by Nolan and Irisa, while Doc Yewll delves into the surprising victim. Elsewhere, Amanda resists welcoming back Stahma; and T'evgin learns an unsettling truth about his daughter.
E10
When Twilight Dims the Sky Above
Amanda decides to ignore Nolan's skepticism and welcome an encouraging Votanis Collective delegation to Defiance. Meanwhile, Stahma's loyalties are tested by an unexpected arrival; and T'evgin takes another step towards acclimating to life on Earth.
E11
Of a Demon in My View
Nolan is unexpectedly freed from Votanis Collective custody, at which point Amanda, Irisa and Berlin rush to save him from Kindzi's clutches. Elsewhere, Datak regrets seeking Doc Ywell's help against the Omec; and something startling is witnessed in the mines.
E12
The Awakening
Nolan, Amanda and Irisa search for a way to stop invulnerable Kindzi from waking and transporting more Omec to Earth; Datak seeks escape from a deadly compound; and Stahma implores Alak for forgiveness before it's too late.
E13
Upon the March We Fittest Die
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.
