Viewers of the Apple TV thriller Hijack were left stunned following the dramatic conclusion of Season 2, Episode 7, titled “Contact.” This episode not only unveiled a shocking twist but also drew connections between the seasons, adding depth to the ongoing hijacking storyline.
As the episode commenced, it picked up immediately after the cliffhanger of Episode 6. The audience learned that both Sam (played by Idris Elba) and Jess (Karima McAdams) had suffered gunshot wounds, with Jess in a particularly dire condition. The narrative quickly shifted back to the control center, where Peter Faber (Toby Jones) and Olivia (Clare-Hope Ashitey) struggled to convince officials that Sam was being coerced into participating in the hijacking alongside Jess.
In a parallel development, MI5 operative Robert Lang (Arsher Ali) took matters into his own hands after the hijack plan faltered once more. He informed John Bailey-Brown (Ian Burfield) that cooperating would secure his freedom. Lang then contacted Sam and Jess, proposing a new rendezvous point at a depot, while simultaneously alerting the press to ensure their presence during the handoff. However, his actions spiraled out of control when he killed Linder (Sam Sharma), escalating the stakes even further.
Key Developments and Character Fates
In the midst of this chaos, Marsha (Christine Adams), who had been hiding in the woods, managed to establish contact with Daniel (Max Beesley). She sent him her location while also warning Sam to avoid using her as leverage against him. This moment of connection highlighted Marsha’s desperation amidst the unfolding crisis.
As the situation on the hijacked train escalated, Sam and Jess worked tirelessly to save the hostages. The train lost power due to an explosion, forcing Sam to devise a plan to detach the back half of the train. This risky maneuver allowed a group of hostages to escape, but not without tragic consequences. In a heart-wrenching scene, Jess, suffering from her gunshot wound, was shot fatally by armed agents while trying to signal for help.
Meanwhile, the intelligence team made progress when officer Zoran Beck (Dejan Bućin) apprehended Marko, the individual responsible for securing the bombs, just before his flight from Berlin to Warsaw. As public perception of Sam began to shift, he remained aware of the precarious situation he was in, still considered a puppet in the larger scheme of the hijacking.
Unraveling the Final Twist
The episode culminated with a shocking revelation about the true mastermind behind the hijacking. Throughout the season, there were hints that someone within the intelligence community was orchestrating events from behind the scenes. As Daniel confronted Stuart Atterton (Neil Maskell), who was previously imprisoned following the events of Season 1, the tension escalated.
The final moments of Episode 7 revealed a female prison officer aiding Stuart, allowing him to retrieve a hidden device disguised as a bar of soap. This device suggested that Stuart was indeed still pulling the strings in the ongoing crisis.
Co-creator Jim Field Smith shared insights into the decision to reintroduce Stuart, emphasizing the character’s unresolved issues with both Sam and his own organization. “He’s thrown under the bus in Season 1, essentially. So they both have unfinished business,” Smith noted.
As the anticipation builds for the Season 2 finale, which premieres on March 4, 2024, viewers are left to ponder the future of Sam, Marsha, and the hostages as the threads of intrigue continue to weave tighter. The thrilling developments of Episode 7 serve as a reminder of the show’s ability to deliver unexpected shocks while deepening character narratives.
