In episode 3 of Hijack, titled "Draw A Blank," it is revealed that the terrorists are using blank bullets instead of real ones. Despite being armed with real guns, the lack of actual bullets exposes a major vulnerability in their hijacking plans. Surprisingly, the terrorists have not resorted to violence thus far, raising questions about their true objectives. This uncertainty reaches its peak in episode 3, as Sam Nelson potentially suffers a gunshot wound in the cliffhanger ending. With the terrorist leader Stuart loading real bullets, Sam's life hangs in the balance with four hours remaining on the hijacked plane.
Hijack Episode 3 Proved The Hijackers Are Using Blank Bullets
How Sam Discovered The Blank Bullets In Hijack
The utilization of blanks by the hijackers in Hijack episode 3 was uncovered. Through a collaborative effort involving Sam, the flight attendants, and a military expert passenger, suspicion transformed into absolute certainty. The major reveal in Hijack episode 3 was somewhat predictable as the hijackers collectively displayed reluctance to resort to violence or take any lives. These terrorists exhibit uncharacteristic passivity and, in some instances, strangely sympathize with the passengers and flight staff, thereby puncturing holes in their already misguided strategy. The revelation that they are confirmed to be using blanks implies that the hijackers may not be as despicable as they initially appeared and could potentially be mere pawns in a more sinister individual's plan.
With the guidance of a first-class passenger named Yussuf (Nasser Memarzia), Sam unraveled the presence of concealed bullets in Hijack. Yussuf, a former member of the Egyptian military with extensive experience in handling hijack situations, proved to be pivotal for Sam. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Sam sought Yussuf's expertise to effectively assess the threat level onboard Kingdom Flight 29. Collaborating with the flight attendants, Sam devised a discreet note-passing system that facilitated the delivery of Yussuf's sketch depicting both a genuine and empty bullet. This drawing was eventually passed on to the young girl who initially discovered the bullet in the bathroom during episode 1.
Sam initially believed that the hijackers possessed real ammunition, and he made efforts to handle the situation on his own. However, upon realizing that this belief was unfounded, he found his negotiation strategies to be less important as the threat appeared to be less severe. In the first two episodes of the hijacking, Sam's primary goal was to ensure safety and prevent the loss of innocent lives. Nevertheless, his entire perspective undergoes a dramatic shift when he discovers that the hijackers only had blanks, leading him to engage in a fight to the death with one of them at the rear of the plane.
Was Sam Shot By A Real Bullet At The End Of Hijack Episode 3?
The third episode of Hijack ends with a cliffhanger that suggests Sam may have been shot by Stuart with a real bullet. This unexpected twist adds to the series' captivating theme of subverting action-thriller clichés and audience expectations. The theme is evident from the moment Sam returns the loaded gun to Stuart in the second episode, effectively defying the typical choices made by the archetypal action-hero character. The ambiguity surrounding the hijackers' plan further reinforces the unique nature of the series, as opposed to the customary clear-cut motivations of antagonists in action movies.
It is highly likely that Stuart shot a live bullet at the older hijacker as part of a typical storyline where one bad guy shoots another to convey a message. This artistic decision aligns with the idea that Sam, being a central character, cannot be killed off in episode 3 of the seven-part series. However, Sam's repeated disruptions of the hijackers' plan make it plausible that Stuart did, in fact, eliminate him. If Stuart truly intended to execute a calculated terrorist attack, shooting Sam would serve as a message to the passengers. Given the numerous deviations from the action-thriller genre in the series, it is uncertain how Sam's fate will ultimately unfold in Hijack.