Apple TV+ ‘Hijack’ Episode 4 Review - More Politics, More Thrill

In the heart-pounding fourth episode of 'Hijack' titled 'Not Responding,' the aftermath of the misfired bullet sets the stage for a gripping series of events. Emotions run high as Jonty, the injured hijacker, fights for his life, forging unexpected connections and unveiling crucial truths.

Jonty's fragile existence teeters on the edge, intensifying the desperation felt by all onboard. Sam, ever resourceful, offers solace and companionship to Jonty, who opens up about his profound yearning for his mother. In a stroke of brilliance, Sam persuades Jonty, weakened by his wounds, to make a final call to his mother, capturing their poignant conversation.

With strategic precision, Sam discreetly forwards the recording to his own wife, skillfully erasing any trace of the call. This ingenious act propels the investigation forward, as Jonty's mother's contact information becomes a vital clue in unmasking his true identity on the ground.

Within the confines of the aircraft, tensions momentarily subside as a courageous doctor, defying his wife's objections, steps forward to save Jonty's life. This selfless act of heroism becomes a glimmer of hope amidst the prevailing chaos. Concurrently, Jaden, assuaged by newfound composure, facilitates the administration of life-saving insulin to a fellow passenger.

On the ground, the situation grows increasingly precarious as the unresponsive plane hurtles toward Bucharest, Romania, its silence exacerbating concerns. Swift action is required, and two fighter jets are dispatched to intercept and neutralize the threat.

Racing against the clock, British authorities scramble to gather evidence refuting the plane's intended target and averting a disastrous outcome for Romania. Sam's ingenious maneuvering leads to a breakthrough, exposing Jonty's true identity and unmasking the hijackers as British nationals. In a collective sigh of relief, the fighter jets are called off, returning to their bases and sparing Romania from impending catastrophe.

The episode culminates in a chilling moment as a prominent British politician receives an envelope ominously emblazoned with the word 'Demands.' This foreboding gesture serves as a tantalizing prelude, promising the revelation of the hijackers' motivations in the forthcoming episode.

One of the highlights of this episode is the exploration of the political ramifications surrounding the plane's course toward Bucharest, Romania. This intriguing subplot adds an extra layer of complexity to the narrative, offering a glimpse into the larger geopolitical landscape at play.

Additionally, the episode masterfully crafts moments of connection and camaraderie between the hijackers and their unwitting companions. The poignant exchanges between the doctor and Jonty, Sam, and Jonty, and Jaden and the insulin-dependent patient reveal the shared humanity amidst the chaos. These instances of emotional resonance highlight the nuanced character portrayals and contribute to the richness of the storytelling.

However, the pacing of the episode could have been more refined. Some scenes, particularly those aimed at building tension, tend to be unnecessarily prolonged, relying heavily on music and stretched-out sequences. While this technique effectively heightens the suspense in pivotal moments, it can also become repetitive and diminish the overall impact. Additionally, the repetition of Sam consoling Jonty, albeit with different dialogue, feels redundant and could have been streamlined to maintain a tighter narrative.

Furthermore, the episode could have benefited from a more judicious editing approach to maintain a snappier pace. By wrapping up certain scenes earlier, the episode could have maintained its dynamism and sustained viewer engagement throughout.

Nevertheless, 'Hijack' Episode 4 continues to captivate with its nerve-wracking suspense and nuanced character portrayals. As the narrative unfurls and the stakes soar, viewers find themselves fully immersed in the unraveling mystery, eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the hijackers' motives and the true nature of their demands.

Final Score- [6/10]