Damages – Season 1
Most of the season follows two different timelines. The primary timeline begins with Ellen Parsons' recruitment by Patty Hewes to "Hewes & Associates" and follows proceedings of a class action lawsuit against Arthur Frobisher by his former employees, whom Patty represents. The initial episodes follow Patty's attempts to capture potential witness Gregory Malina through Katie Connor. The arc further details Malina's involvement with Frobisher's lawyer Ray Fiske and the pressure Patty brings to bear on Fiske on Malina's subsequent death. The narrative includes multiple flashforwards of the alternative timeline, set approximately six months after Ellen's appointment, until both timelines converge in the penultimate episode of the season. The alternative timeline details the attack on Ellen, her arrest for the murder of her fiancé David Connor, and the subsequent murder investigation.
Episodes
Get Me a Lawyer
Attorney Patty Hewes hires a new associate, Ellen Parsons, to help her as she tries to ruin Arthur Frobisher. Hewes represents a group of employees that are suing Frobisher after he sold his company, leaving the employees devastated. Ellen is unaware that her best friend, Katie Connor, is working for Frobisher.
Jesus, Mary and Joe Cocker
Ellen convinces Katie to testify against Arthur Frobisher, which has him considering drastic measures. Patty begins to question if Katie is giving honest and accurate testimony.
And My Paralyzing Fear of Death
Patty receives a mysterious threat at her office that could destroy her case against Arthur Frobisher. Ellen continues to struggle with the demands of her new job at Hewes and Associates.
Tastes Like a Ho-Ho
Katie is getting ready for her upcoming deposition in the Frobisher case while Gregory withholds information that could be even more important that Katie's.
A Regular Earl Anthony
Tom Shayes considers his options as Patty continues to strain to keep her clients happy. Arthur tells Ray that he needs to put more pressure on Patty to make the case go away.
She Spat at Me
Patty tries to find out what Gregory knows about the case. Arthur Frobisher tries a new strategy to save his family and his money. David and Ellen have strains on their relationship as Lila tries to reenter David's life.
We Are Not Animals
Tom and Ellen think that Patty is trying to control them so they decide to make an alliance and keep information from her. Patty must keep Gregory Malina secure until his deposition because her case will fall apart without it.
Blame the Victim
Ellen gets some bad news from her parents. Arthur Frobisher and his team do everything they can to keep things going their way while a witness remains missing.
Do You Regret What We Did?
Patty Hewes and Arthur Frobisher continue to struggle for dominance as the deposition nears.
Sort of Like a Family
Ellen tries to get herself back into the mix as Patty and Frobisher fight it out at the deposition.
I Hate These People
Patty offers Ellen her job back, however, Ellen declines but volunteers to keep helping Patty with the Frobisher case. Lila is back, and bringing more havoc into David and Ellen's lives. Patty uses the newly acquired evidence to blackmail Ray, and offers him an ultimatum.
There's No 'We' Anymore
Patty finally posts bail for Ellen as Frobisher learns about a tape made by Gregory Malina that could ruin him.
Because I Know Patty
The first season ends with Ellen talking Patty into defending her in exchange for the Gregory Malina videotape.