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"Emancipation" is the third episode of the first season of Stargate SG-1. This episode was written by Katharyn Powers and directed by Jeff Woolnough.
Spoiler Warning: Plot details and/or information about the ending follow. If you wish to enjoy the work first, stop reading here and return at another time.
Plot
SG-1 visits the planet Simarka and come across a man being chased by dogs. They save his life and he introduces himself as Abu of the Shavadai. Daniel translates this to mean "the people of the steppe". He soon realizes their culture is Mongolian in origin. Abu is shocked that a woman, Samantha Carter is a part of their group.
Abu's father, Moughal, soon arrives and explains that women must be veiled and are prohibited from wearing men's clothing. He is grateful for he help in saving his son's life however. Moughal explains their culture and Carter is appalled at the low status women are granted. The laws were created to protect women from the goa'uld but were never abolished.
Abu kidnaps Carter and takes her to a warlord Turghan where he plans to trade her for the hand of Turghan's daughter, Nya, in marriage. Turghan refuses to give Nya to Abu but pays him 300 weights of gold for Carter. Abu leaves dissatisfied and Nya is unhappy. Her father plans to marry her to another warlord. Abu returns later planning to kidnap Nya and elope.
SG-1 attempts to rescue Carter before Turghan can harm her by offering 500 weights of gold for her safe return. Daniel explains that Carter is important to their tribe, their Chieften. Turghan refuses their offer but when O'Neill fires his side arm at a pot, Turghan is intrigued by the weapon and decides to exchange Carter for it.
Carter creates a distraction to help Nya to escape the camp but she is caught and her father plans to stone her to death for her disobedience. Abu begs SG-1 to rescue her but Mouughal fears war. According to law, a stoning can be challenged and Carter challenges Turghan on Nya's behalf.
Carter and Turghan engage in knife battle and she disarms Turghan. She beats him in hand to hand combat and forces him to promise to release his daughter. The Shavadai celebrate Sam's memory by abolishing old laws regarding the veiling of women and granting them more freedom.
Despite the difficulty, the mission was not a complete waste. SG-1 returned with a plant sample from which a new anesthetic could be derived.
Previous Episode: "The Enemy Within"
Next Episode: "The Broca Divide"
Guest Stars
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