WARNING: The following includes SPOILERS for Hijack episode 3.
Hijack episode 3, titled "Draw A Blank," delves deeper into the initial enigmas that set the stage for the gripping seven-part Apple miniseries in episodes 1 and 2. In the first two episodes, a group of armed hijackers seize control of a commercial airliner during a seven-hour flight from Dubai to London. Sam Nelson (Idris Elba), a skilled business negotiator, is unveiled and showcases his expertise in Hijack episodes 1 and 2. With caution, Sam strategizes how to deactivate the hijackers and discreetly alert the authorities on the ground about the grave peril the plane faces.
Are The Hijackers’ Guns Fake?
In episodes 1 & 2 of Hijack, Sam outlines his initial approach for dealing with the dangerous hijackers on board flight Kingdom 29. As Hijack episode 3 unfolds, Sam's tactics become increasingly daring as the tension rises with each passing hour. Sam takes a more direct approach in handling the misguided first-class passenger, Hugo (played by Harry Michell), as they collaborate to devise a strategy against the hijackers. The revelation of the true nature of the guns on the flight adds unexpected twists and heightens the suspense in Hijack episode 3, building up to a gripping conclusion with a cliffhanger ending.
In Hijack episode 3, a pressing question arises regarding the authenticity of the guns used by the hijackers during the flight. One of the first-class passengers seated close to Sam and Hugo speculates that the guns may be fake. However, Sam dismisses this notion based on logical reasoning. Sam explains to Hugo that it would be foolish to assume the guns are fake, as it lacks credibility. While Sam's explanation appears plausible, it is important to note that it is merely his estimation.
Who Did Stuart Call In The Cockpit?
Eventually, it is revealed that the hijackers are using empty bullets, thus explaining the pun in the episode title. This fact is further supported by the realization that no one was injured when the dropped gun was accidentally fired in Episode 2. In conclusion, while the guns initially contained loaded blanks, Stuart proves in the final moments of Episode 3 that the hijackers also possess actual, deadly bullets. Stuart replaces the blanks in his gun with live ammunition before the third hour of the Hijack.The third episode of Hijack reveals a significant new revelation: Stuart and the hijackers are evidently working under the command of an unidentified leader. It becomes apparent that Stuart and the other four hijackers aboard Kingdom 29 are essentially executing the mission on behalf of the individual Stuart contacted in the cockpit at the two-hour, thirty-minute mark, which was the designated time for the hijacking to commence. This previously undisclosed information raises the question of whether the hijackers themselves are being held hostage and coerced into carrying out the hijacking, or whether they are merely individuals hired by corrupt organizations or powerful criminals. The true power in Hijack lies with the person Stuart contacted in the cockpit.
Why Are The Hijackers Reluctant To Use Violence?
In Hijack, the hijackers display a noticeable reluctance to use violence against innocent passengers. This somewhat undermines their seriousness. However, one shocking incident stands out - Captain Robin's outrageous assault on his co-pilot with a steel water bottle, which is the most bizarre moment in the series so far. Although the hijackers eventually resort to violence to assert dominance, this occurs mainly in a scuffle with a passenger who tries to retrieve medicine for his sick grandfather from an overhead cabinet.
The climax of episode 3 in Hijack introduces the most violent scene yet in the series. Sam and one of the hijackers escalate the intensity to new heights. It is worth noting that the hijackers only resort to violence in self-defense, as both scuffles were initiated by passengers rebelling against them. Furthermore, one of the hijackers reveals that Stuart had assured them they wouldn't have to use real bullets, suggesting their intention to create a false sense of intimidation without relying on force, unless it became necessary.
Who Is Jonty Collins & Why Did He Help Sam?
Jonty Collins, the sole individual on flight Kingdom 29 with a substantial criminal record, comprising charges of attempted murder and armed robbery, surprisingly lends a hand to Sam during his altercation with one of the hijackers. This raises the query of whether Jonty has some involvement in the hijacking or if he is merely a passenger haunted by a dark past. Initially, it seemed plausible that Jonty might have been part of the hijacker group, assuming the role of an innocent bystander in case their plan unraveled. However, this theory is refuted in Hijack episode 3 when the true hijackers are unmasked as individuals using false identities, whereas Jonty's criminal record is publicly accessible.
What Happened To Sam’s Original Diplomatic Plan?
In a surprising twist in Hijack episode 3, Sam completely abandons his original diplomatic approach to handling the situation. Despite previously advising passengers against jeopardizing their safety, Sam goes from handing over a hijacker's handgun in episode 2 to engaging in a life-or-death struggle with one of them in episode 3. This sudden shift to superhero mode contradicts Sam's previous actions and discouragements. Additionally, in episode 1, there is an expectation that Sam, as a skilled business negotiator, will come up with an exceptionally clever plan or diplomatic strategy, but this anticipation is seemingly disregarded by the end of episode 3.
What Is The Hijackers' Main Objective?
A significant question that remains unanswered in Hijack after its first three episodes is the identity of the hijackers and their motives for taking control of the plane. Given that this is the series' main hook, it is likely that the revelation will occur closer to the final episodes. However, it is expected that some contextual information will be disclosed by the end of Episode 4 of Hijack. So far, the series has purposely kept the objectives of the hijackers well concealed, to the extent that it becomes uncertain if there is a clear motive behind the hijacking. With the plane now under the hijackers' control, as per their original plan, it is hoped that the individual on the other end of Stuart's phone call will shed some light on the purpose of the hijack.
Who Fired The Gun At The End Of Hijack Episode 3?
The ending of Hijack episode 3 leaves us with a nail-biting question regarding the identity of the person who fired the gun just moments before the closing credits. There are two potential culprits: the hijacker who had the gun pointed at Sam following their intense altercation, and Stuart, who descended upon the aircraft armed with a fully loaded pistol containing real bullets. If Sam was indeed shot, it is conceivable that he was hit by a blank bullet, considering that the hijacker he was grappling with had been using similar blank ammunition, reminiscent of the one discovered by the young girl in Hijack episode 1. On the other hand, it is also possible that Stuart discharged his firearm off-screen, a matter that will only be resolved in Hijack episode 4.