Cor-ai (episode)

"Cor-ai" is the sixteenth episode of the first season of Stargate SG-1.

Synopsis
SG-1 is captured by the inhabitants of Cartago. They particularly want Teal'c, who was responsible for the death of the father of one of the men while he was still First Prime of Apophis. The inhabitants prepare Teal'c for Cor-ai, their version of a trial. Despite being told by Teal'c not to interfere, Colonel Jack O'Neill does not want to go along with the process. Soon, Jaffa arrive to take some of the inhabitants as hosts.

Plot
SG-1 arrives on a grassy, mountainous planet and ventures forth into what looks like the central building to a village. Shortly after entering they are surrounded by villagers with crossbows. After Colonel Jack O'Neill attempts to communicate with them, one of them notices Teal'c, screaming "Jaffa!" O'Neill tries to explain that Teal'c is a good guy, when the enraged villager claims Teal'c killed his father. Teal'c is willingly taken prisoner, but the rest of SG-1 are allowed to roam free.

While sitting outside Teal'c's cell, Jack, Captain Samantha Carter, and Dr. Daniel Jackson question Teal'c about the incident. Teal'c does not remember the man, but admits he killed many people under the service of Apophis. The villagers have a custom called Cor-ai, which is a kind of court trial where the accuser acts as prosecutor, judge and jury. This comes from the belief that only the victim can deal an appropriate punishment, as only they know their own feelings. It is also apparent that dishonesty does not exist in their culture. During the Cor-ai, the villager who accused Teal'c explains that when he was a boy, the Goa'uld came and Teal'c killed his father. Teal'c remembers and admits his guilt.

Each member of SG-1 then makes a plea for Teal'c, explaining that he is not the Jaffa he once was. Jack tells how Teal'c saved him and his team and the people of Abydos for the cause of freedom. Daniel explains that despite Teal'c being the one that took his wife, Sha're, to become host to a Goa'uld, he is a good friend of Teal'c because he knows that people can change. Hanno is not satisfied, saying that this Jaffa's good acts cannot bring his father back. Teal'c is sentenced to die the next day.

While talking with the rest of SG-1, Teal'c reveals the reason for killing Himilco. The villagers on the planet had no defenses from the Goa'uld, so they always ran to nearby caves to hide from them. No one was left behind, so the whole could only move as fast as the slowest member. Apophis ordered Teal'c to kill one of the villagers, and Teal'c being as compassionate as possible, chose Himilco, who was crippled, because it would allow the group to escape more quickly next time.

Despite this strong testimony, Teal'c's prosecutor is unmoved and sentences him to death. Meanwhile, O'Neill's return to base for a combat unit to forcibly intervene is flatly rejected first by Major General George S. Hammond and then by the President of the United States as an uncalled for interference in that culture's due process for a man for who is not an American citizen (or even a citizen of Earth for that matter), especially considering he has done several war crimes under the service of Apophis

The next day, before the execution, the planet is again attacked by Apophis. Teal'c is recognized by Shak'l, a Jaffa he once trained, but manages to kill him and save several people from the Jaffa, including Hanno. Hanno finally looks at Teal'c and says that he was mistaken: Teal'c is not the Jaffa who killed his father. Teal'c, wanting to give restitution for his crimes, insists that he is the one. "No," Hanno says, "That Jaffa is dead. You have killed him." In the end, SG-1 offers the villagers defenses to protect them from the Goa'uld and returns home safely.

Notable Quotes
Jackson: That's interesting. I wonder if everyone's coming from some religious event.

O'Neill: What does it always have to be a religious thing with you? Maybe they're coming from a swap meet.

Jackson: You know, I wish you wouldn't say "harvest." We're talking about human beings, not brussel sprouts.

Jackson: Wait wait wait, who said anything about killing? I mean all they said was they want to put him through Cor-ai. Now near as I can figure, that is like a simple trial.

O'Neill: Now see, it's that "near as I can figure" part that's got me a little worried. What if their idea of a simple trial is a simple beheading?

Hammond: Colonel, the United States is not in the business of interfering in other people's affairs.

O'Neill: Since when?

Teal'c: No.

O'Neill: Excuse me?

Teal'c: Do not attempt your plan. I will not go.

O'Neill: You know that's a really odd sound. I thought you just said you wouldn't go?

Teal'c: That is correct.

Jackson: You sure you're up to this?

O'Neill: Why? You don't think I am?

Jackson: Well, it's... it's just that I've never actually heard you referred to as a diplomat. I think, um, "antagonist" was the word used.

Death

 * Shak'l

In other languages

 * French: Le Procès (The Trial)
 * Italian: Condanna a Morte (Death Sentence)
 * Spanish: Cor-ai (Cor-ai)
 * Czech: Cor-ai
 * Hungarian: Cor-ai (Cor-ai)