Every few years, another film chases the iconic heights of “Die hard“, but most fail. I hear you shouting out your favorites. I’ll add a few here: “Con Air” “Speed” “Air Force One.” Some of you might even say “The White House is broken.” Since 1988, there have been dozens of imitators with varying degrees of success, but “Die Hard” is a complex combination of thrills, counterterrorism and heroism. Perhaps we’ve been looking in the wrong place in pursuing this cinematic peak. We were going to the movies — and we should continue — but our new version of Bruce Willis’ John McClane could lead a streaming series on Apple TV’s “Hijack.”
“It’s a game of poker. You don’t have to have the best hand to win, you just need to have the best bluff.”
“Hijack” is back, and Sam Nelson (Idris Elbe) is caught in another high-stakes hostage situation, fraught with pitfalls, setbacks and no one to trust. Many characters who survived season 1 are back: Marsha (Christine Adams), Daniel (Max Beesley), and Zahra (Archie Panjabi), among others. Clare-Hope Ashitey joins the cast as Olivia, alongside Christian Näthe, Toby Jones, Lisa Vicari and Christiane Paul in prominent roles.
Season two doesn’t roam the same old skies. We ditched commercial flights and opted for a commuter train to Berlin. Most importantly, we’ve lost our trust in Sam. His allegiances and motivations are unclear at first, and, as we learn who wants what and why, “Hijack” grows in scope and intensity.
As in the first season, each episode ends with a cliffhanger. In terms of storytelling, even though both seasons unfold almost in real time, The Berlin Incident feels tighter in key moments, with a relentless pace. Somehow connecting us to this new hostage series on a deeper level. Both seasons have their strong points, and as the second unfolds, it’s clear that “Hijack” has a house style, employing similar beats and twists in new ways. At least, mainly new methods. There are connections to the first season that will galvanize fans as this train heads towards its denouement. And while you might be impatient for the final secrets to be revealed, it’s an ending worth watching.
What stands out is that each of us could be a hero or a villain if our weaknesses are exploited. This is key as the series continues to develop Sam’s character, showing different sides of him under duress. It is the protagonist of a thoughtful person, who constantly seeks solutions, stays one step ahead of the bad guys and is willing to sacrifice himself to save one or more lives. But there is always the risk that he will become a noble fool. Christine Adams’ Marsha also has her own test of survival. And whether the next season takes place on a boat – I vote for a cruise – or in a commandeered building like its inspiration, we have to hope that Sam and Marsha compete together next time.
“Hijack” is an intensely watchable series that keeps your attention and anxiety level. It may not be as iconic as “Die Hard,” but it understands the thrill of the chase and has enough momentum to punch our ticket to Season 3.
The entire season was screened for review. Starts today, January 14th.
