The WORST episodes of Mercy Street

Every episode of Mercy Street ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of Mercy Street!

Based on real events, Mercy Street takes viewers beyond the battlefield and into the lives of a distinctive cast of characters — doctors, nurses, contraband laborers and Southern loyalists — realizing the chaotic world of Union-occupied Alexandria, Virginia, and the Mansion House Hospital in the early years of the Civil War.

Last Updated: 12/13/2024Network: PBSStatus: Ended
The Haversack
star
7.57
199 votes

#1 - The Haversack

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 1/24/2016

Confederate belle Emma nurses her wounded friend. Dr. Foster wrestles with his marriage and career as Mary tries to improve her patients’ lives with Samuel’s help. Aurelia submits to Silas’ advances in exchange for his help.

Directors: Roxann Dawson
Writer: David Zabel
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The Uniform
star
7.60
179 votes

#2 - The Uniform

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 1/31/2016

Dr. Foster confronts his family’s divided loyalties when his mother and wounded Confederate brother arrive. Alice is shocked to find her fiancé, Tom, deeply changed by war. Samuel and Aurelia try to persuade a slave boy to seize a chance at freedom.

Directors: Roxann Dawson
Writer: Alex Metcalf
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The New Nurse
star
7.76
283 votes

#3 - The New Nurse

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 1/17/2016

New England nurse Mary Phinney navigates her first day in Mansion House, a hotel turned Union hospital in an occupied Southern town. Mansion House owner James Sr. struggles to preserve the family fortune as daughter Emma secretly searches for her beau.

Directors: Roxann Dawson
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
star
7.80
174 votes

#4 - The Belle Alliance

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 2/7/2016

During a Union ball at their house, the Green girls and Frank initiate a daring plan to help Tom escape. Mary releases Dr. Foster, still shaky from his detox, from his “quarantine” so he can guide Samuel through a delicate operation.

Directors: Jeremy Webb
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
star
7.81
164 votes

#5 - The Dead Room

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 2/14/2016

The unexpected visit of a hospital inspector throws the staff into disarray. Mary feels empathy for a deserter, while Silas makes Samuel pay for his arrogance. A family tragedy forces James Sr. to take a risky step to earn his family’s respect.

Directors: Jeremy Webb
Writer: Rob Hanning
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
star
7.87
113 votes

#6 - Southern Mercy

Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 2/12/2017

After the Second Battle of Bull Run, Hopkins and Emma set out to rescue a stranded group of wounded Union soldiers. Lisette, a hospital observer, discovers the truth about a young soldier, shocking Foster. Hopkins and Emma share an intimate moment.

Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
star
7.96
122 votes

#7 - One Equal Temper

Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 2/5/2017

As Pinkerton looks at the Greens more closely, they join forces to hide an ugly secret. McBurney, hoping to distance Foster from Mary, sends him to a nearby army camp on a house call. Alice helps Frank escape and Samuel earns Charlotte’s respect.

Writer: Walon Green
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star
8.04
155 votes

#8 - Balm in Gilead

Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired 1/22/2017

The staff unites to save one of their own. A former slave turned activist arrives in town, causing a rift between Foster and Mary. The Greens are in disarray; Emma and Frank’s romance ignites and Samuel plans for a reunion with Aurelia.

Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
star
8.08
131 votes

#9 - Unknown Soldier

Season 2 - Episode 5 - Aired 2/19/2017

Lisette re-creates on paper the face of a disfigured, amnesiac soldier, leading to a family reunion. When Anne’s plans to be made head nurse fail, she rejoins Hale to undermine McBurney’s authority. Pinkerton questions the Greens, causing a rift.

Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
star
8.12
122 votes

#10 - House of Bondage

Season 2 - Episode 6 - Aired 3/5/2017

After Antietam, the Greens suffer a setback and Pinkerton’s inquiry heats up. Foster and Samuel visit Foster’s family plantation, where they intervene in a difficult labor. The hospital staff unites to oust their hated chief.

Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
star
8.17
132 votes

#11 - The Diabolical Plot

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 2/21/2016

President Lincoln’s visit sets in motion a diabolical rebel plot and offers an opportunity to free James Sr. Dr. Foster uncovers a scheme to undermine him at the expense of his patients. Aurelia recovered from her surgery makes a bold decision.

Directors: Jeremy Webb
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
star
8.21
135 votes

#12 - The House Guest

Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 1/29/2017

A house guest becomes the focus of Alice’s schemes. When Mary falls ill, Foster’s attempts to care for her antagonize the new chief. Charlotte tries to contain the smallpox epidemic and Samuel has to make a difficult decision.

Writer: Walon Green
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