Ep 4. Rachel

Escaping Polygamy is a reality show that follows the lives of three sisters who escaped from the Kingston clan, a polygamous Mormon fundamentalist group based in Salt Lake City. The sisters, Andrea, Jessica, and Shanell, have made it their mission to help other women break free from polygamy. In episode 4 of season 1, titled "Rachel," the sisters encounter a young mother who needs their help.

Rachel is a 24-year-old woman who grew up in a strict polygamous community. She was forced to marry a man much older than her when she was just 17 years old. Rachel has four children with her husband, but she is ready to leave the community and start a new life. She reached out to the sisters because she doesn't know how to leave, and she's afraid of the consequences if she's caught trying to escape.

The episode begins with the sisters meeting Rachel in a secret location. Rachel tells them how she was raised in the Kingston clan and how she was brainwashed into believing that polygamy was the only way to heaven. She describes the restrictions she faced growing up and how her life has been controlled by the elders of the community. Rachel tearfully confesses that she's scared to leave because she doesn't know where to go or what to do next.

The sisters take Rachel under their wing and begin formulating a plan to get her out of the community. They tell her to start packing her belongings in secret and to act normal around her husband and neighbors. They also provide Rachel with a burner phone and give her instructions on how to use it. Andrea and Shanell, who are experienced in helping people escape, tell Rachel that they will be her support network and will be with her every step of the way.

As Rachel continues to prepare for her escape, the sisters try to convince her husband's other wives to leave with her. However, the other wives are not interested in leaving and warn Rachel of the consequences of leaving the community. They tell her that she will be excommunicated and shunned by her family and friends if she goes through with her plan. Rachel is visibly shaken by their words but remains determined to leave.

On the day of the escape, the sisters arrive at Rachel's house early in the morning. Rachel's husband is away at work, and the other wives are still asleep. The sisters help Rachel gather her children and belongings and load them into the car. They drive away quickly, hoping to avoid detection. However, their plan hits a snag when they see one of the elders of the community driving towards them. The sisters tell Rachel to lay down in the back seat, and they try to act casual. Luckily, the elder doesn't pay them any attention, and they are able to continue on their way.

Once they are safely out of the community, Rachel breaks down in tears of relief and joy. She thanks the sisters for helping her and tells them that she feels like a weight has been lifted off her shoulders. The sisters comfort her and assure her that they will help her start a new life. They give her money for food and a place to stay, and they promise to keep in touch.

In conclusion, Escaping Polygamy season 1 episode 4, "Rachel," is a moving and emotional account of a young woman's desire to escape from a strict polygamous community. The sisters of the show, Andrea, Jessica, and Shanell, provide a helping hand to Rachel, who is eager to start a new life with her four children. They guide her through the process of leaving the community and provide her with emotional support. The episode highlights the challenges faced by women who try to escape from polygamous communities and the importance of having support networks.