Episode 5 of "Hostage" kicks off with a poignant flashback to Sylvie's birthday celebration, a joyous occasion marred by shadows of the past. Years ago, when Abigail served as a minister, she was abruptly summoned to extract British soldiers from Belize amidst a Guatemalan military incursion. Faced with an urgent evacuation, the heart-wrenching decision was made to prioritize those already aboard, leaving behind Belizean locals who had bravely aided them.
Now, in the present, Abigail, Matheo, and their family have narrowly escaped to a bunker, where Abigail remains in a state of disbelief, while Matheo internally grapples with the aftermath of the bombing. Meanwhile, Saskia and Shagan prepare to depart, confident that their mission has reached its conclusion—until a call from General Livingstone shatters their assumptions. He informs them of Abigail's survival but confirms the tragic loss of Vivienne. Furious that Shagan orchestrated the Downing Street bombing without his consent, Livingstone reprimands him severely and orders an immediate exile, vowing to rectify the mess. Defiant, Shagan instead instructs Saskia to hunt down Abigail and her family. However, Saskia starts to perceive Shagan straying from their original mission's path.
Following the devastating explosion, Abigail offers comfort to Matheo and reaches out to her staff, ensuring their safety. On television screens across the nation, Dan publicly mourns Vivienne's death and denounces the attack, announcing his role as interim Prime Minister and deploying the military to quell civil unrest. Livingstone, in a bid to control the narrative, evacuates the press from Browning Street and enforces a media blackout.
In a desperate bid to uncover the mastermind behind the coup, Abigail contacts Ayesha, urging her to reach Kofi. She realizes she needs their expertise and sends Alex and Sylvie into hiding at a discreet location suggested by Matheo, ensuring they remain under the radar.
Do they uncover the mastermind behind the scheme? It doesn't take long for Kofi to rejoin Abigail in the bunker, accompanied by her loyal staff. They swiftly piece together the puzzle and realize that Livingstone is the one orchestrating everything. Abigail promptly dials Kathy, who is currently with the ministers at the military base commanded by Livingstone. Already, Kathy harbors concerns about Livingstone's tactics in dealing with the civil unrest. She readily agrees to assist Abigail and her team in gaining access to the base.
Upon arriving at the base, Abigail confronts Livingstone in front of everyone. The man trips over his words and inadvertently incriminates himself, prompting Dan to order his immediate arrest. Later, Dan briefs Abigail, informing her that the vote of confidence has been nullified, allowing her to retain her position.
However, Abigail has no time to revel in her victory, as Saskia and Shagan have located her family and Matheo. Shagan phones Abigail, instructing her to come alone if she wishes to save her loved ones.
Does Shagan carry out his threat to kill Abigail’s family? Shagan harbors a deep grudge against Abigail, blaming her for the fate of his family in Belize. He was once married to a Belizean woman who was six months pregnant when war broke out. She perished when Abigail issued the order to save only those aboard the planes.
Meanwhile, while Saskia holds Matheo and Sylvie captive, Alex engages in a conversation with Shagan, seeking to comprehend his motivations. Alex grapples with the moral dilemma of killing one of Shagan’s men, and they share their struggles with living with guilt.
Matheo persuades Saskia to abandon Shagan’s orders and offers her a chance to flee just as the police arrive. After Saskia departs, Sylvie grabs her gun and attempts to rescue her parents. She stumbles upon her mother pleading with Shagan to spare her family. Noticing Sylvie's gun aimed at him, Shagan deliberately provokes her, confessing to issuing the kill order on Abigail’s father. This pushes Sylvie over the brink; she opens fire, killing him instantly.
The police arrive shortly thereafter and secure the scene, arresting Sylvie for shooting Shagan.
How does Season 1 of "Hostage" conclude? Three months after the tumultuous events, Abigail discusses her family's future with them. They unanimously agree to support her next endeavor. She holds a press conference, quoting Vivienne's renowned words about the people's right to the truth from their leaders. Abigail calls for a general election and pledges transparency with the populace. She also vows to collaborate with them to mend the country. The show concludes with reporters clamoring to ask questions, leaving the audience on a cliffhanger of anticipation.
