Broken Hood Release

'93 jeep cherokee, 134k miles

I wanted to check the fluids and the hood release was hard to pull. Thats never been uncommon before so I pulled harder, but this time, it ripped out from under the dash. So the hood is still down and I'm not sure how to get it open.

I've been reading online and it seems like there are 3 options that "might" work, so I wanna throw them up and see if anyone know what would be the easiest. I'm not a mechanic and I dont know much, but i'm not gonna throw money on this old thing if I can do it myself. So.

1. Strip the release. I can see the hood release cord up and to the left of the foot pedels, if I strip off the hard plastic coat and use pliers to pull the cord, that should pop it like normal. Right. Though online post says it takes a LOT of force.

2. Remove the plate under the swindshield wipers. There is no gap between the hood and windshield like some cars, but there is a grill-like plate screwed down. And im told the release cord runs right past there. I believe I can see it, but wouldnt I then have to strip the pastic coat there instead since pulling the black casing does nothing.

3. Remove the front grill. This sounds like the best but I honestly dont know what to do after I get it off. I can likely reach the hook in the middle, but with both front sides "locked" down on the springs, how would the hood be able to open, or how would I get the front corners to release by reaching from the grill area.

Any help would be appreciated. Thx