HIJACK: Season One

HIJACK is a limited series on Apple TV+ about a corporate negotiator who must employ his skills when his flight to London is hijacked by criminals who terrorize the passengers. Led by Idris Elba as the negotiator, HIJACK unfolds as a gripping, well-crafted real-time drama, spanning an intense seven-hour journey, that delivers a blend of suspense, cleverness and authenticity, while crafting an engaging narrative with themes of sacrifice, courage and teamwork, but the seven episodes in HIJACK each contain a smattering of strong foul language and intense violence, so extreme caution is advised.

The limited series follows the story of Sam Nelson, a corporate negotiator, who finds himself at the center of a global crisis when a group of criminals commandeers his flight. As the criminals seize control of the plane, it falls on Sam to use his negotiation skills to defuse the situation and secure the safety of his fellow passengers. HIJACK unfolds as a gripping real-time drama, spanning an intense seven-hour journey led by Idris Elba. This well-crafted series delivers a blend of suspense, cleverness, and authenticity, crafting an engaging narrative with themes of sacrifice, courage, and teamwork.

The first episode opens with Sam boarding flight KA29 from Dubai to London. Following the plane’s departure, a teenage passenger stumbles upon a bullet in the aircraft’s restroom. Unaware of the implications, she confides in a fellow passenger about her discovery, oblivious that this individual is secretly involved with the hijacking group. This revelation prompts the criminal group to expedite their hijacking plan, resulting in the complete takeover of both the aircraft and passengers. Yet, just before the hijackers can disable the plane’s Wi-Fi, Sam manages to send a

text to his estranged wife detailing the unfolding situation. Alarmed, she confides in her boyfriend, who works for the metropolitan police.

On the ground, air traffic control raises concerns about the aircraft as they detect a slight deviation from the flight plan, a red flag often associated with post-9/11 distress signals. During the unfolding chaos in the skies, Sam initiates negotiation. Driven by his desire to reunite with his family, Sam aims to reason with the hijackers and secure their safe surrender.

In the midst of escalating tension, fellow passengers rally to resist the hijackers, but a woman is fatally shot. Her death serves as a chilling warning issued by the hijackers’ leader to reassert control. During the passenger pushback against the hijackers, one of the hijackers sustains a stab wound and requires urgent medical aid. Seizing an opportunity, Sam steps in to administer first aid to the injured hijacker, aiming to establish a bridge of understanding with the hijackers.

Meanwhile, the hijackers unveil their demands to secure the release of a crime syndicate’s two leaders currently serving time in prison. The British government reluctantly concedes to the hijacker’s demands to guarantee the passengers’ safety. However, when the police follow the two released syndicate leaders, the hijackers are instructed to kill another passenger as a stark reminder to law enforcement to cease their pursuit. Upon learning of this development, Sam steps in again and manages to convince the hijackers not to carry out the execution of another passenger.

As the tension among the passengers intensifies, Sam and his fellow passengers prepare a counterattack against the hijackers, hoping to regain control of the aircraft.

HIJACK stands as a gripping real-time drama that champions teamwork, standing up for good in the face of evil, self-sacrifice, courage, and family. The series is brimming with exhilarating drama, featuring exciting plot twists and heart-pounding suspense. Idris Elba delivers a captivating performance, complemented by exceptional writing and direction that collectively contribute to the show’s allure.

Sam Nelson’s journey portrays a character who relies on his intellect rather than brute force. With a few exceptions, he navigates the challenges by deciphering individuals’ desires and finding ways to satisfy them without resorting to violence. This nuanced approach becomes a central theme in the program, showcasing the power of understanding and negotiation in high-stakes situations.

Yet, HIJACK encounters difficulties when it shifts its focus from the in-flight events to the ground-based plots. This transition can pose a challenge for viewers, who might struggle to manage the surplus of unnecessary subplots being introduced. It can detract from the program’s overall story.

Despite these challenges, HIJACK successfully delivers a well-crafted, action-packed first season. Idris Elba’s charismatic performance as Sam showcases his versatility and skill. Notably, the series abstains from relying solely on explicit language and gory violence to captivate the audience. Instead, it draws viewers in through its themes of unity, bravery, selflessness, and the lengths one is prepared to go to protect their loved ones. However, the foul language in HIJACK is strong enough and frequent enough to advise extreme caution.