Hawkeye

Some franchises become so popular they can be guilty of just targeting their fan base. Marvel’s 2021 “Hawkeye” is the first of its Disney+ shows that feels like its appeal is simple on the diehard MCU crowd. The Archer Avenger has the reputation of being one of the least favorite of the group, only because he’s not as famous as Iron Man, Hulk, or Captain America. It may have something to do with the modesty (by comic book standards) of his abilities. Hawkeye, reprised by Jeremy Renner, is dependent on skill alone, not complex costumes or mutant powers. Now he gets his own show which like the persona has appeal but only to a point.

The series premieres in the perfect seasonal way. It’s Christmas in New York City and Clint Barton aka Hawkeye is enjoying time with his family (Linda Cardellini), who were originally gone during Thanos’s “snap” or “the Blip” in the last two Avengers films (if you don’t know, you don’t know). When we first see Clint, he’s sitting inside a Broadway theatre with the kids (Ben Sakamoto, Ava Russo, and Cade Woodward) watching a hilariously bad musical based on the Avengers’ missions. Clint is not the actual subject of the musical however, but Kate Bishop, played by Hailee Steinfeld, who just happens to be a master archer. She also lives in a rich apartment with a snob for a mom, Eleanor (Ver Farmiga), and her equally snobby boyfriend Jack (Tony Dalton). While sneaking out during a late-night auction involving other leaders gathering to bid on rare items, Kate is caught in an attack involving a mysterious syndicate. She also finds the Ronin costume Hawkeye wore when he became a dangerous vigilante filled with anger after the Blip. Her continuing fight with the attackers catches Clint’s attention on the news and he redirects his holiday plans to get the costume back.

When it comes to the growing roster of MCU shows, “Hawkeye” is similar in style and tone to “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” which also felt like a simple break between the last movies and whatever Marvel is making for its next big budget extravaganza. Indeed, all the MCU shows are really just the usual follow-ups from the films, both other titles like “WandaVision” and “Loki” did go for original, visually inventive work. Alci Rengifo said in his review, ““Hawkeye” actually has much in common with ‘90s superhero shows like “M.A.N.T.I.S.” or “Dark Angel.” It has a gritty look and quick-consumption action plot.” The first two episodes don’t reveal much except that as a child Kate saw Hawkeye in action during the apocalyptic events of the first “The Avengers,” shown in a great comic book movie moment. Rengifo said, “The villains don’t have much appeal as of yet because they’re the kind of scrappy, hooded thugs Spider-Man takes down before dinner.”

You can easily guess that the enemies will take on larger issues by the end of the season. You can be sure Eleanor’s Jack is somehow involved. What the early episodes give is well-done, light entertainment. Rengifo noted, “Clint and Kate develop a mentor-pupil relationship where he shows her the basics of treating her own wounds and properly beating people up. Renner and Steinfeld have friendly chemistry peppered with straight-faced humor (“You haven’t even taught me trick arrows”).” There are some hilarious in-jokes like when Clint enters a LARPing community where he must play along to get the Ronin suit back. A LARPER wearing the suit will gladly hand it over if the great Hawkeye allows himself to act like he is killed in a swordfight. “I fought Thanos” is what Clint tells himself, sighing as he agrees with the deal. Rengifo noted, “There’s a scene-chewing one-eyed dog, Lucky, taken from the original comics, who inspires instant devotion.”

The material makes for an engaging distraction, but “Hawkeye” is the one MCU show that really asks the question, what’s in it for those who are not total MCU fans? Not much aside from watching Jeremy Renner get a whole show where he barely smiles and walks with a sacred stare. If you miss this one, it’s not evident if you will have any difficulty following anything that comes next in the movies. Rengifo said, “Although it must be said this show is still more entertaining than all three hours of “Eternals.”” Some moments come close to making “Hawkeye” a holiday special. He promises the family he will be home for Christmas and has five days to do it, during which we believe he and Kate will stop some evil plan. Looking at all of this, “Hawkeye” is not a bad show, but a show as disposable as its subject. There’s a reason why Hawkeye works best as one of the Avengers who doesn’t have much attention. If you stream it you may have a good time but press the skip button and there won’t be much for second thoughts.

Despite saying all of that, this show made me like Hawkeye more. Like everyone else, I have never been a fan of the guy, but this show really gave me more appreciation for the man. Jeremy Renner really brought it his all in this and I wonder what is next for the guy. If he will appear in another MCU movie, but only time will tell. Check it out if you want because I don’t think it will hurt anyone if they see this.

Tomorrow I will be looking at a musical remake, but I think I will also review the original before reviewing the remake, in “Disney Month 2022.”