While investigating the disappearance of two agents, Ethan Burke finds himself in the town of Wayward Pines after being in a car accident. When Ethan wakes in the mostly empty hospital, he meets Pamela Pilcher, a nurse, one of the town's most interesting residents. She tells him the driver of his vehicle didn't survive and that the Sheriff has his phone. Back in Seattle, Ethan's boss Adam Hassler, informs Ethan's wife Theresa that there's been a car accident. Though the body of the agent driving was identified, they find no sign of Ethan's remains. Ethan and Theresa have a son Ben, who may be too clever for his own good.