Who exactly is Sam Nelson in “Hijack?”

Following the premiere of Apple TV's gripping new series 'Hijack', viewers have been left enthralled by the plot's unfolding drama and the intriguing cast of characters. Chief among these is the character of Sam Nelson, portrayed by the formidable Idris Elba. So, who exactly is Sam Nelson, and what does his job entail?

In the opening episode, we are introduced to Sam Nelson as he boards a flight from Dubai to London. His presence onboard the Kingdom Airlines A330 is ostensibly to resolve some personal issues, a fractured relationship with his estranged wife, Marsha, who lives in London with their son and her new partner, Daniel. However, the flight's normalcy is shattered when it is hijacked, a situation that thrusts Sam Nelson into an unexpected and deeply dangerous situation.

Through conversations between Marsha and Daniel back in London, it is revealed that Sam Nelson is not your average passenger. In fact, he is a highly skilled negotiator, who is frequently hired by large corporations to help navigate complex and challenging situations such as takeovers and mergers. This revelation elevates Sam Nelson from mere passenger to potential key player in the hijack crisis.

Nelson's negotiation skills are undoubtedly honed through years of dealing with high-stakes corporate scenarios. He is likely an expert at building rapport, resolving conflicts, and persuading individuals or groups to achieve a desired outcome. Such skills would rely heavily on a deep understanding of human behavior and psychology, making him a potential asset in the volatile environment of a hijacked plane.

What sets Sam Nelson apart in the first episode is his calm demeanor amidst the escalating chaos of the hijacking. His ability to stay cool under pressure is a telltale trait of a seasoned negotiator, someone used to navigating high-stakes environments. It's also telling that Nelson discourages others from challenging the hijackers directly. He understands that escalation could lead to disaster, pointing towards his professional instinct to prioritize dialogue and negotiation over confrontation.

Furthermore, the first episode ends on a cliffhanger with Nelson approaching one of the hijackers, ready to make an offer to help. This raises numerous questions about what his strategy might be. Will he use his professional experience and his understanding of high-pressure situations to try and de-escalate the situation and protect the passengers?

Despite the hints we get in the first episode, there's still a great deal we don't know about Sam Nelson. What experiences has he had in his past that have prepared him for such a situation? What are the personal stakes for him beyond surviving the flight? How does his career intersect with his personal life, especially given his strained relationship with his family?

The first episode of 'Hijack' has done an excellent job of establishing Sam Nelson as a complex and intriguing character. As viewers, we are left eager to learn more about him and his past. His character is a reminder that everyone has their hidden depths and that underestimating anyone can be a grave mistake.

In the episodes to come, it will be fascinating to see how Nelson's professional skills as a negotiator will impact the events on the hijacked flight. His character has already added an extra layer of intrigue and depth to the series. As we continue to watch 'Hijack', we can only hope for more insights into who exactly Sam Nelson is and how his professional and personal life has prepared him for the biggest negotiation of his life.