Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
Finally the original Avengers all have their own moment to shine, it’s only been over a decade after all! I will admit there is a little bit of disappointment that between Black Widow and the first two episodes of Hawkeye we have yet to find out what really happened in Budapest. I digress though, as those first two episodes of Hawkeye are terrific and pack that holiday punch the season truly needs. ‘Tis the season to shoot arrows and beat up bad guys, fa la la la la.
The Series focuses on Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) as she is in New York for the holidays meeting up with her mother, Elanor (Vera Farmiga) and her mom’s new beau Jack Duquesne (Tony Dalton). However, this is New York, in the MCU over Christmas, and nothing is ever just simple. Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) is also in New York for the holidays with his family, sans better half Laura (Linda Cardellini), as they’re just taking in the Big Apple for the holidays, trying to leave the pain and defeat of the last few years behind them. They even get to see Rogers: The Musical! (wishing this into existence here). However, when things take a turn, and Kate ends up in a backdoor auction for Ronin gear, and other questionable costumes and artifacts Clint wants to assure that the items don’t fall into the wrong hands. The team up of mentor and mentee finally kicks off in the explosive first two episodes of Hawkeye.
Hawkeye succeeds right out of the gate, thanks to the fantastic writing and directing by Tanner Bean and the team of Rhys Thomas and Bertie. The performances and chemistry also is fantastic. Renner who has been part of the MCU now since Thor, manages to keep chemistry strong with his lengthy list of Co-Stars (especially that of the departed Natasha Romanoff) and what we see is a very passionate, caring relationship here too with Steinfeld. As well Steinfeld’s whimsical attitude and persona lends well to Kate as it brings the depth and ‘young Avenger’ aspect of her character to life. Moreover though, Farmiga and Dalton are incredible together, and the latter knows how to play-up the devil in the details and make it appear there is something more than meets than eyes, without giving away too much.
With all of the continuity that happens throughout the MCU, there are definitely some big surprises that are known to the audience at large that are bound to be upcoming, and a few other treats that have been heavily hinted at. Prepare yourself to deck the halls with pizza, as Pizza Dog (the absolute best character!) stands by watching diligently as the action swings into entertainment as the fallout from Endgame continues to path the way for the MCU. Excelsior!
The first two episodes of Marvel Studios’ HAWKEYE arrive November 24, 2021 on Disney+, with new episodes arriving weekly.
We were so lucky to sit-in on the Press Conference for this last week. Read more here.
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