Why did Sam go back on the plane at the end of “Hijack?”

Table of Contents

In the heart-stopping finale of the Apple TV+ show "Hijack," amidst the chaos, adrenaline, and raw emotion, a brief moment caught the attention of many viewers. Sam, the character portrayed by Idris Elba, made a seemingly dangerous choice to re-enter the plane after the harrowing ordeal just to retrieve a piece of jewelry intended for his wife. This moment, while fleeting, may bear a weight of meaning far greater than the material worth of the jewelry itself. Let’s embark on a journey of discovery to unpack the true significance of this decision.

Evidence from the Episode

After successfully landing the plane, as passengers were disembarking and celebrating their survival, Sam decided to go back inside to retrieve jewelry he had purchased for his wife. In doing so, he inadvertently put himself in grave danger as he found himself locked inside with Stuart, one of the primary antagonists.

The Value Beyond the Material

At first glance, the act of retrieving the jewelry may seem driven by its monetary worth or perhaps its aesthetic appeal. After all, jewelry, especially in contemporary society, is often associated with luxury, wealth, and status. But could there be more to this than meets the eye?

Firstly, let's challenge the assumption of material value. Would someone like Sam, having narrowly escaped death, truly risk his life for a mere object, no matter how expensive? The immediate assumption about the intrinsic worth of the jewelry is suddenly overshadowed by a more pressing question: what emotional or symbolic value does this jewelry hold for Sam?

Symbol of Love and Commitment

The jewelry was intended for his wife. Hence, it’s possible that for Sam, this piece wasn’t just a simple trinket or adornment. It could represent a promise, a commitment, or a symbol of love. Perhaps, in the face of death, it was this love that gave him the strength to act, to lead, and ultimately, to survive. Retrieving the jewelry could be his way of preserving and honoring that sentiment, a testament to his unwavering dedication and love for his wife.

But then, why didn’t he give it to her before? Did the events of the hijacking change its meaning for him?

The Transformation Through Trials

Before the hijacking, the jewelry could have been a simple gift. But post-hijacking, after experiencing a life-altering event, it could have transformed into a symbol of survival, resilience, and hope. The jewelry, touched by the events onboard Flight KA29, might have become a testament to their shared journey of fear, hope, and eventual triumph.

Risking it All – Again

Now, let's delve into the act of retrieving it. Sam had just escaped a life-threatening situation. So, why would he risk it all again? Here, we're challenging the assumption of logical behavior in traumatic situations. Trauma can make people act in unexpected ways, sometimes driven by raw emotion or an overpowering need to reclaim something lost. By retrieving the jewelry, was Sam trying to reclaim a sense of normalcy, to hold onto a pre-hijack memory, or was it an instinctual drive to complete a personal mission that had been interrupted by the hijack?

Sam’s decision to retrieve the jewelry for his wife in the finale of "Hijack" is not just a minor detail. It's a window into the character’s psyche, his values, and the profound impact of the harrowing events he endured. Whether driven by love, commitment, a desire to reclaim the past, or a combination of these, this act stands as a testament to the complexities of human emotion and behavior, especially when faced with life-altering challenges.