Summary
“3 Degrees” expands the show’s narrative, introducing new characters in the process. Tension is built via Sam’s clever scheming on the plane while those on the ground follow his clues, investigating this possible hijacking further.
We recap the Apple TV+ series Hijack Season 1 Episode 2, “3 Degrees,” which contains spoilers.
Negotiator Sam Nelson (Idris Elba) tells the terrorists that he wants to help them out, but in secret, he is actually working against them. In “3 Degrees,” Sam puts his first major plan into place, working with the Captain’s assistance to inform the British air traffic control that they are in danger.
Hijack Season 1 Episode 2 Recap
After declaring his intentions, Sam speaks with the terrorist’s leader Stuart in private. Stuart is adamant that they don’t need any extra help, but Sam has noticed how their plan has gone wrong within the first hour alone.
Stuart takes Sam’s passport and shouts at the negotiator, but Sam’s mind games are already starting to work on him.
The terrorists are suspicious of Sam. They take him back to his seat and order him to unlock his phone. Thankfully, Sam has already deleted his SOS message to Marsha; they are none the wiser.
The two passengers who wanted to ambush the terrorists grow impatient. They put their plan into action, disarming one of the hijackers. The terrorist’s gun falls to the floor, and Sam swipes at it. He passes it straight to Stuart, though, proving his allegiance.
Who is Zahra?
Meanwhile, in London, Daniel contacts counter-terrorism employee Zahra. He’s investigating the possible hijacking and asks Zahra to look into the flight incident for him. The UK air traffic control is then questioned about the incident. Dubai air traffic control confirms that it was just a false alarm. Zahra passes this information straight back to Daniel.
The two ‘hero’ passengers are tied up and beaten for their insolence. The cabin crew reiterates the terrorist’s terms over the speaker, adding that this is their final warning.
Any further resistance will only end in fatalities. Sam continues his mind games, though, passing Stuart a note that says the pilot cannot be trusted.
Sam explains that the Captain isn’t actually needed in the cockpit anymore; he could, in secret, fly the plane to a different destination. Stuart speaks with the Captain. He confirms that the flight is already on autopilot; he’s technically not needed for a couple of hours now. They move the Captain into first class.
What does Abdullah discover in the CCTV footage?
Back in Dubai, air traffic controller Abdullah’s shift ends, but he continues to investigate the proposed security incident anyway. He asks to check the airport security footage. One of the airport’s security personnel, called Neela, appears to leave her post early. Abdullah thinks this is highly suspicious behavior.
Now that the pilot is in first class, Sam initiates the next phase of his plan. He communicates with the Captain via an in-flight game, using the chat setting specifically.
The Captain states that Iraqi air traffic control will inform their military if there is no response from the pilot.
As they enter Iraqi air space, the call comes through. Sam tells Stuart that they need to let the Captain communicate with the Iraqi air traffic control, or they’ll shoot us down. Stuart panics and sends in the first officer, unable to trust the Captain anymore. But Iraq only wants to speak with the Captain.
The Captain refuses to cooperate, so they drag him into the cockpit. He speaks with Iraq, confirming that they are safe. He lies to shield them from any further questioning.
The Iraqi air traffic control seems to buy the Captain’s lies.
What is Sam’s plan?
As the Captain is leaving the cockpit, he turns a dial ever so slightly; this changes the plane’s trajectory. Back on their in-flight game, Sam and the Captain are relieved that their plan has worked. Sam got the Captain into the cockpit without raising any suspicion, and the pilot changed the plane’s course.
Meanwhile, Alice arrives late for work at the British air traffic control center. She’s updated about the security incident on the Dubai flight and is told that counter-terrorism was involved, but it was just a false alarm.
Alice is extremely suspicious of the details, though, and speaks with her boss Simon immediately.
Hijack Season 1 Episode 2 Ending Explained
Next, they speak with the Iraqi air traffic control and observe their live readings. It would appear that the KA29 flight has deviated and is now off course. The flight is exactly 3 degrees off course, which they believe is a silent distress call. Sam’s plan has worked a treat.
The episode concludes back in Dubai. Abdullah follows up on his investigation. He heads to Neela’s home as she refuses to answer his calls. Inside her home, Abdullah is met by two dodgy cleaners. They tell him that Neela is upstairs.
What happens to Abdullah?
Abdullah heads upstairs and finds Neela murdered in her own shower. Her corpse is squished next to another body, presumably her husband’s. Abdullah turns round to find the cleaner pointing a gun at him too. He is shot and killed in Neela’s bathroom. This conspiracy goes far deeper than expected.
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