In episode 4 of the thrilling Apple miniseries Hijack, titled "No Response," many lingering questions from the previous cliffhanger ending in episode 3 are finally answered. With only three episodes remaining in the series, this latest installment offers much-needed clues regarding the main objective of the hijackers aboard Kingdom Flight 29. Protagonist Sam Nelson (played by Idris Elba) has faced challenges in formulating an effective diplomatic strategy to neutralize the hijackers, which had been his original goal since their premature reveal in episode 1.
In episode 4, Sam's negotiation tactics prove valuable as he manages to establish a one-on-one connection with an injured hijacker. This enables him to assist the individuals on the ground in London, who are trying to assess the level of threat posed by the plane. Earlier, in episode 3, Sam discovered that the terrorists were using blanks instead of real bullets, inspiring him to adopt a more physically active approach. However, his attempts at rebellion are quickly thwarted by the main antagonist, Stuart (played by Neil Maskell), who cold-bloodedly murders an innocent passenger. This act sends a chilling shockwave of severity that had been absent in the hijackers' previous tactics.
Who Stuart Killed in Hijack Episode 4
In the closing scenes of Hijack episode 3, Stuart, armed with a loaded gun, flees from the front of the plane to the business class section. His intention is to take control of the aircraft by swapping out blank bullets for real ones. In the opening of Hijack episode 4, it is revealed that Sam miraculously survived the situation, alongside Terry, the elder hijacker who had held a gun to Sam. However, it becomes apparent that Stuart resorted to an extreme measure, killing an apparently random passenger, in order to convey a message to the other passengers on the plane. This drastic action was born out of frustration after trying unsuccessfully to resolve matters without resorting to violence.
From the information presented in the context of Hijack episode 4, it can be deduced that the female passenger who fell victim to Stuart's act was Sheena (played by Liz Kingsman). Sheena was a friendly and young adult woman who had embarked on a search for Lizzy, a child who had departed from her family on the plane at the conclusion of episode 3. In Hijack episode 4, Lizzy's mother grapples with the immediate shock and sorrow of Sheena's untimely demise. The grief is further compounded by the tension that had existed between them in previous episodes when Lizzy's mother had displayed disrespect and aggression towards Sheena. It appears that Stuart selected Sheena seemingly at random, as she had played a minimal role in the Hijack plot prior to becoming the first casualty on the hijacked plane.
Sam's New Plan With An Injured Lewis
Sam resumes his initial diplomatic plan to befriend the hijackers in order to gain their trust. However, his attempts to win over Stuart and defeat Terry in a physical confrontation end in failure, leading to him being restrained with zip ties at the back of the plane. Fortunately, an opportunity arises when Lewis, one of the injured hijackers, comes to the back of the plane seeking medical help for a stab wound inflicted by a passenger using small medical scissors. Although the wound may appear insignificant, it poses a significant risk to Lewis's health as it causes profuse bleeding. This presents a perfect chance for Sam to portray himself as a compassionate aid to the injured hijacker.
At first, Lewis sees through Sam's strategy, but as his condition deteriorates and he nears death, he becomes less focused on the hijackers' main objective. Realizing this, Sam cleverly convinces Lewis to make a call to one of his loved ones, as he is seemingly on the brink of succumbing to his injuries. This grants Sam a brief window of opportunity to leave a voicemail for his ex-wife Marsha, providing her with personal information about Lewis and a phone number she can relay to her partner, Detective Inspector Daniel. Thanks to Sam's quick thinking, Daniel is able to gather crucial information about Lewis and the other hijackers, ultimately preventing the plane from being targeted by NATO fighter jets.
Romanian Military Jets & NATO Intervention
As Kingdom Flight 29 approaches Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, it finds itself in a dangerous predicament. Captain Robin Allen is still absent from the cockpit, resulting in no response from the aircraft to the Romanian military. This tense situation leads to the possibility of the Romanian military authorizing an attack on Kingdom Flight 29 to bring it down before it reaches Bucharest. Surprisingly, Stuart underestimates the seriousness of the Romanian fighter jets, believing that simply closing the window blinds will deter them from taking action.
Moreover, Stuart mistakenly believes that as the plane continues westward into Europe, their safety increases. However, this assumption is likely false, especially considering that the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister of Great Britain are now aware of Kingdom Flight 29's compromised situation and its direct course towards London. The involvement of the Romanian military is only the beginning, as more drastic intervention measures from the United Kingdom and NATO are anticipated in the final three episodes of Hijack.
The Hijackers Are Linked To An International Crime Organization
More information is provided regarding the identity of the hijackers and their affiliation with a highly influential international criminal organization. This reinforces the earlier hypothesis from previous episodes of Hijack, suggesting that Stuart is not the mastermind behind the operation and that he and the other hijackers were likely recruited for the job. It is revealed that all the hijackers hold British citizenship, which explains why the Romanian military eventually withdraws support for Kingdom 29. During a conversation with Sam, Lewis discloses that the individuals they are working for "have a plan for everything," indicating that Lewis, Stuart, and the rest of the hijackers may have been given specific instructions without being fully aware of the true objective behind the hijacking.
New Clues At The Hijackers' Main Objective
The orchestrators of the hijacking of Kingdom Flight 29 make their appearance towards the end of Hijack episode 4. In a dramatic moment, a mysterious man delivers an intimidating manilla envelope labeled "Demands" to the UK Prime Minister. This marks the involvement of the highest level of British authority and unveils the connection between the hijacking and an elusive terrorist organization. As we move into Hijack episode 5, we anticipate a deeper exploration of the shadow organization's demands and an eventual revelation of their threat. It is likely that their intentions involve targeting a prominent London landmark or building using the plane. All signs point to an epic confrontation between the British military and this enigmatic terrorist group, with the lives of everyone aboard Kingdom Flight 29 hanging in the balance in Hijack.