Ep 9. Love Hurts

In The Following season 1 episode 9, titled Love Hurts, viewers are taken on a suspenseful and emotional ride as the scene is set for the thrilling season finale. In this episode, cult leader Joe Carroll (James Purefoy) and his followers continue to plot their escape from the authorities while ex-FBI agent Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon) and his team work to stop them.

The episode opens with a flashback to Joe's early days in prison, where he meets and falls in love with a nurse named Julia. Their relationship becomes complicated, setting the stage for Joe's twisted views on love and relationships. In the present day, Joe uses this knowledge to manipulate his followers, including Emma (Valorie Curry), to further his plans.

Meanwhile, Ryan and his team try to track down the location of Joe's cult following, leading to a dangerous mission at a remote farmhouse. As tensions rise and the stakes get higher, viewers are left on the edge of their seats as they wait to see who will come out on top.

Amidst all the action and suspense, Love Hurts also explores the emotional toll that the chase for Joe has taken on Ryan. Throughout the episode, he struggles to reconcile his feelings for Joe's ex-wife Claire (Natalie Zea) while also working to bring Joe to justice. As the pieces of the puzzle start to come together, viewers are left wondering if Ryan will be able to keep his personal and professional lives separate.

Overall, Love Hurts is a rollercoaster ride of emotional and suspenseful moments that set the stage for a thrilling season finale. From Joe's manipulation of his followers to Ryan's internal struggle, this episode has something for everyone. Fans of The Following will not want to miss this action-packed and emotional episode.