Unveiling Idris Elba's Hidden Agenda: Decoding the Intricate Motives of Sam in Hijack Episodes 1 & 2

WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for episodes 1 & 2 of Hijack.

Viewers of Apple's gripping new thriller series Hijack are left puzzled by Idris Elba's character, Sam, and his unexpected alliance with the plane's hijackers. However, in a surprising twist at the end of the first episode, it is unveiled that Sam is a highly skilled negotiator renowned for closing major business deals as a third-party consultant. Despite this revelation, the lingering question remains: how will Sam manage to convince four armed hijackers that he is actually on their side in their terrorist mission?

Sam's Plan In Hijack Episodes 1 & 2 Explained

: The suspense and uncertainty of the seven-episode miniseries, Hijack, are intensified by the omission of the reasons behind the hijack in Episodes 1 and 2. Among the extensive cast and characters, there are discernible protagonists and antagonists, but it remains uncertain whether Elba's character, Sam, has the best interests of the entire group in mind. Regardless of his allegiances, Sam's bold actions in Apple's Hijack could have unforeseen consequences in future episodes.

Extensive planning went into the act of terror carried out by the hijackers onboard flight Kingdom 29. However, their well-laid plans took an unexpected turn when a young passenger discovered a stray bullet in a bathroom. In an effort to regain control, the hijackers, led by Stuart, devised a strategy to confiscate everyone's cell phones and falsely claimed that the WiFi was no longer functional. Sam, who knew their claim was untrue, managed to send a text message to his ex-wife Marsha, which eventually triggered an alarm on the ground through Daniel. This revelation was the first sign to Sam that the hijackers were now forced to think on their feet, presenting an opportunity for him to slowly expose the flaws in their objectives.

Sam extensively observes the hijacking scenario and carefully selects his most effective negotiating tactic - an impressive demonstration of allegiance and value, particularly towards Stuart. Once Stuart manages to infiltrate the cockpit, the only aspect of their original plan that remains intact, Sam's suspicions arise. He begins to doubt the hijackers' true intentions of executing the violence they have been using as a threat against the passengers. This realization empowers Sam to intensify his non-violent and diplomatic approach, presenting himself as an individual who is ready to assist the hijackers to ensure everyone's safe return home.

Is Sam Really Helping The Hijackers?

Contrary to appearances, it is highly improbable that Sam is providing the hijackers with any advantageous information. Instead, he is cleverly portraying himself as a helpful individual eager to assist in the hijackers' hurried plot to commandeer the flight. Nevertheless, his true intentions are deceptive, as he cunningly presents his ideas as beneficial and perceptive, while in reality, he is merely convincing them, especially Stuart, that he empathizes with their interests. Despite Sam's counterintuitive methods, which ultimately isolate him from fellow passengers who perceive him as disloyal and unstable, he is earnestly striving to safeguard their well-being.

Why Captain Robin Assaults His Co-Pilot

Captain Robin, seemingly a charming and articulate commercial pilot, deviated from his facade when he viciously assaulted his co-pilot, Anna, in the cockpit. A struggle ensued as Robin endeavored to unlock the cockpit door in order to rescue his clandestine lover, Colette, who worked as a flight attendant. Robin's intense love for Colette seemed to trigger a deep-seated nerve within him, leading him to physically attack Anna, resulting in her face being brutally battered by forceful blows from a steel water bottle. This unsettling incident initially raised suspicions about Robin's involvement with the hijackers' plot, a possibility that still remains given his demonstrated lack of trustworthiness. Despite being married with a family, Robin's unwavering affection for Colette ultimately jeopardized the lives of all those on board Flight Kingdom 29.

Why Sam Hands The Gun Back To Stuart

Sam is presented with a unique opportunity when he stumbles upon a loose gun on the ground. In a surprising turn of events, he takes matters into his own hands and aims it directly at Stuart's head. However, defying expectations, Sam quickly returns the weapon to Stuart without any hesitation. This unexpected choice by Sam may seem illogical to an observer, giving the impression of his grandiosity and even recklessness. Not only does this action shock Stuart and the rest of the people onboard, but it also adds complexity and uncertainty to the previously straightforward "us vs. them" conflict dynamic.

How Sam Changed Kingdom 29’s Flight Path

Sam relinquishes the gun to Stuart, clearly demonstrating his allegiance and willingness to assist the hijackers in achieving their objective. This act fosters an atmosphere of trust between them, enabling Sam to effectively influence Stuart's decisions going forward. Employing violence or threatening Stuart would have hindered Sam's pursuit of peace and undermined the potential for negotiation. By positioning himself as a trustworthy advisor, Sam aims to gain an upper hand over Stuart and, discreetly, take charge of the situation.

Sam manages to convince Stuart that Captain Robin cannot be relied upon in the cockpit. As a result, the pilot is relocated to a first-class seat, strategically positioned next to Sam. This allows them to communicate discreetly. Sam cleverly utilizes an in-game chat feature to discreetly message the pilot. By doing so, they quickly coordinate a plan that would discreetly alert air traffic control centers in England. Sam's strategy proves to be successful, particularly with Daniel's assistance on the ground. Knowing that Marsha would inform Daniel about the text and regard it as a possible act of terrorism, Sam's plan falls smoothly into place.

Through Zahra, Daniel's contact in counterterrorism, the Iraqi military became involved and started questioning the intentions of Kingdom 29. This led Captain Robin to go back to the cockpit and adjust the flight's path by 3 degrees, effectively triggering a silent alarm indicating a security threat. Alice promptly noted that such a precise change in the flight path was a deliberate tactic employed by pilots that could only imply the presence of a security threat on board Kingdom 29. Sam was aware that someone on the ground would receive the signal and was capable of making it occur during the flight.

The Real Meaning Of Sam’s Negotiation Strategy

Sam's negotiation strategy focuses on achieving a peaceful resolution that leaves both sides feeling satisfied. Rather than succumbing to the hijackers' tactics of violence and fear, Sam's seemingly unconventional behavior serves to undermine their illusion of power. Through a combination of logical reasoning and emotional understanding, Sam hopes to connect with Stuart and find common ground. Alongside offering strategic advice to the hijackers, Sam secretly plots against them in order to neutralize the threat completely. While facing the hijackers head-on may seem audacious and perilous, Sam likely possesses additional strategies to employ in the remaining five episodes of Hijack.