Episode 1 of "Hostage" unfolds with a tender conversation between a couple, mapping out their aspirations. Abigail, the woman, harbors dreams of entering the political arena by running for office, yet her heart is heavy with concerns about the media spotlight that could encroach upon their daughter's privacy. Her spouse, Alex, stands as her pillar of encouragement, urging her to chase her aspirations fearlessly. Emboldened by his support, Abigail embarks on her journey to contest for the prestigious position of Prime Minister and triumphantly secures her victory. The family is soon welcomed into the hallowed halls of Downing Street, the epitome of their newfound political life.
Eight months later, the tables turn for Abigail as she is grilled in the House amidst accusations of failing to mend the ailing NHS and social care system. The opposition leader relentlessly points out her decision to decimate military funding in favor of the health sector, to no avail. The nation is engulfed in a health crisis, with life-saving medications becoming as rare as hen's teeth. Abigail valiantly defends herself, but the pressing need for a viable solution hangs heavily in the air.
Meanwhile, across the globe in French Guiana, a medical mission led by Alex sets foot to provide much-needed free healthcare services. Unbeknownst to them, lurking eyes capture their every move through the lens of a camera. As the team immerses themselves in their humanitarian work, an unforeseen turn of events unfolds – armed assailants storm the village, fatally shooting their translator and seizing the doctors as hostages.
Back in the UK, Abigail transforms into her official attire, preparing for a pivotal Anglo-summit. The French President's impending visit presents an opportunity for diplomacy, and Abigail harbors hopes of forging a beneficial agreement. Her advisor, Kofi, suggests a controversial strategy: leveraging a ship carrying French refugees as a negotiating tool. Though Abigail hesitates at the morality of such a proposal, desperation drives the times. Kofi further advises an apology for a remarks Abigail made about Vivienne, who is seeking re-election. The words had dealt a blow to Vivienne's campaign, but Abigail stands firm, refusing to backtrack on her statement.A few moments later, Vivienne arrives at Downing Street amidst a flurry of media inquiries. The women swiftly snap photographs, exchange tokens of affection, and dive headfirst into their official duties. Vivienne steadfastly refuses to yield to Abigail's entreaties, making it abundantly clear that she has no intention of aiding the refugees. Instead, she insists that French troops be deployed along the British border to bolster security measures. Naturally, Abigail vehemently opposes the presence of foreign troops on British territory. Kofi steps in, proposing to resume negotiations after their lunch break.
During the interval, Ayesha breaks the news to Abigail that her daughter, Sylvie, has returned home, having deceitfully claimed she was visiting a friend when in reality, she attended a party. Her mother scolds her sternly, reminding her to maintain a discreet profile. Their conversation is momentarily interrupted as Ayesha attends to scheduling the Prime Minister's next engagement. Simultaneously, Kofi receives a call informing him of Alex's kidnapping. He conveys the grave news to Abigail with composed demeanor. She immediately bombards him with questions about the why and how of her husband's abduction, yet she desires to keep the matter confined to a select few. She fears that if the information gets out, it could be exploited against her, further compromising her position. Kofi urges her to inform her ministers, but Abigail commands him to bypass protocol. She insists that only MI6 and a handful of staff members be briefed on the situation.
Subsequently, Abigail prepares to break the heart-wrenching news to Sylvie. Her daughter receives a chilling video from the kidnappers. Abigail swiftly snatches the phone from Sylvie's grasp, endeavoring to soothe her daughter's frayed nerves, while Ayesha dashes off with the phone to MI6 for a thorough analysis.
Outside the French embassy's grand facade, a throng of protesters greeted Vivienne with passionate pleas, urging her to elevate the refugee crisis to a matter of utmost priority. Among the sea of faces, Vivienne's stepson, Matheo, stood prominently, his eyes reflecting a shared sense of urgency.
Meanwhile, Adrienne, Vivienne's ever-vigilant assistant, delivered a grim warning to Kofi: his job might soon be on the line. Her keen observations also noted an unsettling aura surrounding the British staff, hinting at undercurrents unseen to the untrained eye.
Upon MI6's meticulous analysis of the video, Abigail extended an urgent invitation to Vivienne, ushering her into the situation room where the chilling footage awaited. The video depicted Alex, his voice trembling, reading out the kidnappers' cold demands. They insisted on Abigail's resignation within a critical 24-hour window. Vivienne, ever the compassionate leader, swiftly offered her unwavering support to Abigail, pledging to assist in theSafe return of her husband.
With the gravity of the situation still hanging in the air, they pressed on to the next item on their packed agenda – a high-stakes press conference. At the podium, Abigail offered a heartfelt apology to Vivienne for her past remarks, while Vivienne, in a bold move, announced Britain's commitment to aiding the refugees stranded aboard the ship, a gesture meant to bridge divides and restore trust. The sudden announcement left Abigail momentarily taken aback, as reporters buzzed with excitement, clamoring for more details.
Following the conference, Abigail confronted Vivienne, seeking clarity amidst the swirling chaos. Vivienne made her position unmistakably clear: she stood ready to help secure Alex's return, but in return, Abigail must grant permission for French troops to be stationed along the British borders.
Back in the remote expanse of French Guiana, the kidnapper received whispers of an impending rescue operation, stirring a sense of urgency among his ranks.
As evening descended, Abigail reassured Sylvie with a steadfast promise to bring Alex home safely. They paid a visit to Abigail's father in the hospital, engaging in a lighthearted game of scramble before carefully weaving a web of lies to shield him from the truth. With her heart heavy yet resolute, Abigail departed for a state reception, the weight of her responsibilities palpable in every step.
Back in French Guiana, Alex endeavors to reassure his fellow doctors, imbuing them with a sense of confidence that all will turn out well. At the reception area, Abigail and Vivienne find a unexpected connection, their mutual solitude a poignant byproduct of their demanding professions. The bond deepens as Vivienne unexpectedly encounters her stepson, Matheo, accompanied by his new girlfriend, Saskia. It becomes evident that Vivienne harbors disapproval towards both Saskia and Matheo's activist endeavors, urging him to desist from participating in the protests.
Matheo, unyielding, retaliates by accusing Vivienne of having strayed from her political convictions, blaming his father for steering her onto a misguided path.
Meanwhile, Kofi brings Abigail up to speed, informing her that they have pinpointed the doctors' location. Subsequent to her conversation with Matheo, Vivienne hurries to the situation room to oversee the rescue operation. French soldiers assume their positions, while Thomas, another soldier, meticulously tracks the kidnappers from the ground. He alerts that the captors are preparing to transfer the hostages.
At this crucial juncture, Vivienne receives a chilling video message. The anonymous sender threatens to expose her clandestine affair with Matheo should she aid Abigail in rescuing the doctors. With air support mere minutes away, Vivienne hesitates, ultimately withholding the order for her soldiers to advance. She abruptly terminates the mission, causing the helicopter to retreat.
Abigail, senses something amiss and instructs Thomas to maintain surveillance on the kidnappers. She confronts Vivienne, demanding an explanation. Vivienne, in a state of distress, reveals that Abigail must resign if she wishes to safeguard her marriage, and abruptly exits the room.
