From the moment I started watching Hijack, a single thought consumed me—air travel is terrifying. And unfortunately, I had no choice but to experience it firsthand this morning. (Yes, really—I can prove it with my untouched Biscoff cookie, though I probably won’t be sharing my flight details anytime soon.)
Flying has always made me uneasy, but Hijack managed to amplify those fears tenfold. Before the plane even took off, I scanned the cabin, analyzing my fellow passengers with newfound suspicion. That guy snapping too many photos of the New York City skyline?
Hijack’s finale arrives, but the fear of flying lingers (Photo: The Hijack/Play Network Studios)Highly questionable. To keep interactions to a minimum, I even mimicked Idris Elba’s signature scowl. By the time we landed, that same photo-happy seatmate bolted upright, waiting for me to move before he did.
It’s safe to say that bingeing Hijack may have affected me a little too much—I’m now fully convinced Idris Elba has prepared me to throw hands in confined spaces. Consider that your warning.
That said, today marks the final episode of Hijack, and I sincerely hope you’re celebrating in a way that doesn’t involve stepping onto an aircraft. Since you were patient enough to indulge my paranoia, let’s break down the finale.
Idris Lands This Plane… Sort Of
Leading into the last episode, I was hoping—no, praying—for an absurdly intense ending to Hijack. A scenario where some random passenger miraculously possesses the piloting skills of Harrison Ford would have been far too easy.
Thankfully, the show delivered exactly what I wanted—Sam negotiating the safe landing of a massive commercial aircraft without ever taking the controls himself.
Convincing Amanda to let him into the cockpit wasn’t a shock, but what followed certainly was. Instead of trying to land the plane himself, Sam taps into every ounce of Idris Elba’s energy to persuade Amanda that she can do it.
From the start, Sam has inserted himself into situations where he had no business being involved, so it’s only fitting that he ends up in the cockpit, bracing against turbulence while talking down a blackmailed pilot.
The season finale gives us chaos, tension, and a ridiculous yet thrilling resolution—just the way Hijack should conclude. Without a doubt, this was the most gripping show of the summer.
Stuart’s Downfall
One thing that was never in doubt—at some point, most of the passengers would make it off the plane, leaving only Sam and Stuart in an inevitable confrontation.
If Top Gun had a version where Maverick flew budget airlines, this would be it. Once Amanda successfully lands Flight KA29, authorities swiftly take control, rounding up the hijackers—except Stuart.
Then comes the kind of last-minute plot twist that only a thriller could pull off. Just as Sam is about to leave, the plane door slams shut, trapping him inside with Stuart.
After already talking an entire flight to safety, Sam now finds himself forced into a final showdown. Though there’s some physical struggle and Stuart attempts his best Bond-villain monologue, Sam finally outsmarts him.
Using his phone as a distraction, he asks his ex-wife to call him at the exact right moment—just enough to catch Stuart off guard. Moments later, Stuart is in cuffs, and Sam is hailed as a hero. But this can’t be the end of his story, right?
Does Hijack Have a Deeper Message?
That’s debatable. Hijack thrives on its edge-of-your-seat unpredictability, making it feel like a throwback to an era of TV filled with shocking turns and relentless tension. There’s no need to dissect every moment—it’s just fun watching Idris Elba go full action hero to save an entire flight.
Watching Hijack might just make you rethink your next flight (Photo: The Hijack/Play Network Studios)If you really wanted to search for a deeper message, though, Hijack might be making a statement about governmental dysfunction.
Throughout the show, the British government comes across as unorganized and ineffective, filled with conflicting decisions while a criminal network operates freely beneath them.
Whether this chaotic portrayal was simply a story device or meant to reflect real-world flaws is up for debate. But honestly? Sometimes, it’s enough to just enjoy the moment when Sam tricks Stuart.
What’s Next?
Despite Apple TV+ branding Hijack as a limited series, it’s hard to believe this is truly the end. With the way the story played in its later episodes, there’s too much left unresolved—especially with the introduction of a secret terrorist network and Stuart still being alive. It doesn’t feel like Hijack is done with Sam just yet.
Of course, any official news will likely be delayed due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, but it wouldn’t be surprising if we end up boarding another Kingdom Airlines flight in the future. Until then, I’ll be joining the endless speculation about where Hijack could go next.
