You picked a good splitting point between these two episodes, since the first one did really seem to star Ali Baba, and this one was all Morgiana.
As acpracht pointed out, these thieves do not be geniuses, apparently, what with their chalk markings. I guess that's why the captain has the wherewithal and innovation to decide that he is just going to REMEMBER where the damned house is, rather than marking it. Oy. If you were the one marking the house, especially the second guy who marked the house, don't you think you'd at least note its color, shape, proximity to intersections, etc?
And, yes, lisavilisa, I did find the image of Morgiana killing the 37 men haunting. Kind of disturbingly hilarious in a very strange way. I'm not sure that boiling oil is a real reliable way to kill someone. To hurt someone, sure, but not kill. And it would be the last thing that I would choose for a QUIET death. Most likely the first man would scream to holy hell when he got scalded, and even if he died 36 other thieves would be out of their baskets in moments.
Another dumb thief moment--the first time someone walks by you say "Is it time yet?" Kind of defeats the purpose of having a disguise as a barrel of oil if you talk at the slightest provocation.
I found her whole strategy throughout this half of the story disturbing and hilarious. She discovers 37 murderers lurking outside. She doesn't tell anyone, she just kills them all very methodically and nonchalantly. When the survivor returns, she likewise doesn't tell anyone even though the man could very well have killed Alia Baba while she was cooking. She just kills him when she has the chance. And as a reward she gets an arrange marriage. Awesome. On the bright side, I bet he'll be very kind to her. I wouldn't want to mess with that woman.
So... one thing I didn't get--why did the captain ask for no salt? That ended up being what gave him away, and I understand that it's weird for him to ask for no salt in this time and place, but WHY then did he ask for no salt and give himself away? I really don't get it. Is it a cultural or religious cue that I'm missing here?
I do think it's a little bit hilarious that something that would be fairly common now put a person in clear suspicion then.
Guest: "Sorry, I can't have salt. It aggravates my heart condition."
Host: "That's it, I need to do a full body search on you. I'm afraid you have a concealed knife with which you intend to stab me to death."
So.... what happened to the two remaining thieves? I guess the captain didn't let them loose so they starved to death in open cages out in the forest?