Beware of spoilers below!
“Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping) returns to SG-1 to join the team on a mission to free a distant planet from the Ori’s control.
“Still shaken by the effects of their last encounter, the team is distressed to learn that the Ori have set up a force field on a planet inhabited by free Jaffa. Concerned about a complete takeover of the planet and all too familiar with the Ori’s dangerous power, General Landry (Beau Bridges) springs into action. He calls upon Lt. Colonel Carter (Amanda Tapping), who has developed a potent weapon that Landry is convinced can wipe out the Ori’s forces if negotiation fails. With mixed emotions, Carter returns to the SG-1 team to assist in the mission.
“After several attempts at peaceful negotiation prove futile, Carter launches her weapon, the Mark IX. Unfortunately, instead of destroying the force field, detonation of the Mark IX only results in enlarging it, allowing it to nearly envelop the planet. To make matters worse, an unrelenting Gerak (Louis Gossett, Jr.) steps in and threatens to resort to violence if SG-1 is unable to save the planet from complete destruction.
“Unable to convince Gerak of the dangers of his plan and unsure of his next move, the team squabbles over a course of action. In the midst of the chaos, a level-headed Vala (Claudia Black) hatches an uncharacteristically selfless plan that will destroy the field without the use of weapons — but she may have to sacrifice her own life in order to carry it out.”
While Vala’s final fate in the episode is, of course, unknown, the show’s writers have hinted that it’s possible she may return down the road.
“Beach Head” will air next month on The SCI FI Channel! Visit GateWorld’s Season Nine episode guide for all the details on the upcoming season.