Apple TV+ ‘Hijack’ Episode 7 Review - Flight of Redemption Braces for Impact

Wow, just when I thought 'Hijack' couldn't get any more intense, the finale episode 'Brace Brace Brace' hit me like a turbulent storm.

As the episode opens, we find ourselves right in the heart of the chaos. Amanda, the woman who took over the airplane in the last episode, was not the mastermind behind the hijack after all. She's just another innocent soul caught in the twisted web of this diabolical plot. Her family's life hangs in the balance, and the real puppeteer remains unknown to both us and the hijackers.

But fear not, for our hero Sam, the brilliant negotiator, steps up to the plate. He calms the passengers amidst the mayhem, urging them to stay reasonable even in the face of danger. It's a tense situation, and even the hijackers realize they have no choice but to surrender to prevent the plane from crashing.

As Sam works to restrain the hijackers, the authorities on the ground race against time, contemplating their next move. There are discussions about allowing the plane to crash, but thankfully, the brave women in the room shut down such a horrific suggestion.

Meanwhile, Marsha and Daniel, filled with concern for Sam's son, learn of the danger he's in. Daniel rushes to rescue the young boy while up in the air, Sam desperately tries to make contact with Amanda, but to no avail. The plane inches closer to Central London, and the authorities deploy two jets to destroy it before it can cause any more damage. But that decision is also swiftly overturned.

Finally, a breakthrough! Sam discovers the name of Amanda's daughter and cleverly tugs at her heartstrings, convincing her to open the cockpit door. After numerous assurances, even the Home Secretary guarantees Amanda won't be arrested for killing the pilot, considering the circumstances she was forced into.

With Sam's assistance, they manage to contact the airplane crew on the ground to start the plane's landing process. Amanda, a former Navy officer, is on the verge of breaking down when she realizes they've burned all the fuel. But the resolute Alice from the ground crew remains calm and guides Amanda, explaining that she can glide the plane to safety.
Back on the ground, Daniel successfully pulls off his daring deception at Sam's house, rescuing Sam's son just in the nick of time. The tension reaches its peak as Amanda skillfully maneuvers the plane towards safety, with the emergency services ready at the landing strip.

Just when we thought the worst was over, a final twist leaves us on the edge of our seats. Stuart, one of the hijackers, corners Sam with a gun, driven by a determination to drag them both down if he's going down. But Sam's quick thinking and bravery win the day as he manages to distract Stuart, ultimately leading to his arrest.
I absolutely loved everything about this episode, especially the sequence involving Amanda on the verge of a breakdown, finding her morals again, and utilizing her former Navy training to land the passengers safely. The entire sequence, including the crew's urgent commands for passengers to brace and even the little kids showing courage amidst the chaos, paired with the gorgeous score, will bring you to tears.

And then, as we witness the palpable relief felt by Sam at the end, portrayed beautifully by Idris Elba, tears will well up in your eyes again. The direction and editing in the episode were masterful. The shaky shots during the landing, the long panned shots that almost make the camera fall with everything else in the plane as it descends, all create a sensation as if you are right there among the passengers. This is undoubtedly my favorite episode of the show, a perfectly executed finale.

I'm still in a strange haze after finishing this episode; I can't even properly think of criticisms. However, one thing stands out: the plot of the puppeteer pulling all the strings could have been clearer. It felt somewhat secondary in this episode, and I found myself too engrossed in what was happening on the plane to care about it.

I don't know if that was intentional. Still, I had to watch the episode a second time just to understand that the hijacking was not only about the two prisoners seeking an escape but also aimed at causing the share prices of Kingdom Airlines to plummet, allowing them to buy the shares at a low cost and profit from the plane crash. Despite this slight ambiguity, the overall episode was a gripping and intense experience that left me thoroughly satisfied.

With a perfect balance of heart and thrills, 'Hijack' has soared to new heights, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit and the power of compassion. As the credits roll on this unforgettable finale, I can't help but feel grateful for the incredible journey 'Hijack' has taken us on. Bravo to the cast, crew, and creators for giving us a show that will be remembered for years to come. Until the next adventure takes flight, 'Hijack,' you will be sorely missed!

Final Score- [8.5/10]