A Comprehensive Analysis of the 'Hawkeye' TV Show

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The Original Review

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I actually really liked the show and thought that it was the best series the MCU made for Phase Four. Here’s why:

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Character Development and Focus on Hawkeye

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I felt that Hawkeye was a good protagonist and that the show gave him the attention he deserved, which he had lacked in previous movies. The series expanded on and improved on his portrayal significantly, especially by delving into his family connections introduced in Age of Ultron. The plot of the series is unique and amusing, as it follows a man who wants to retire from being an assassin and gets mixed up in a mess involving a 20-year-old fan. The supporting cast, particularly Kate Bishop, was well-received for her performance and the comic-accurate costumes.

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Rewatch Review: Updated Impressions

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I can’t believe the show has been out for almost a year now. On rewatching it, my opinion has shifted a bit. Here’s what I think now:

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Character Focus and Plot

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The rewatch made clear to me that this series is not about Clint Barton as it was in the comic run by Matt Fraction. The show is more focused on Kate Bishop, who takes over the Hawkeye mantle in the future. Despite her important role in the story, the series fails to capture Clint’s character depth and struggles effectively. The show ends up being a watered-down version of the comic book run, lacking the nuance and style seen in the original.
r The action sequences, which were praised in the first review, are now heavily criticized for their shakiness, editing, and lack of interest. The story, while not entirely engaging, doesn't live up to the high standards set by Loki and WandaVision.

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Comparison to Original Comic

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The Matt Fraction run is celebrated for its deep analysis of Clint Barton’s character, especially in issues like Lucky the Pizza Dog. These issues, which don’t rely on dialogue, showcase the power of comic books to tell complex stories through visuals alone. This depth and nuance are missing in the show, which often feels bland and inoffensive, even though it manages to perform well in a few areas.

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Character Performances

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The standout performances in the show are Florence Pugh as Yelena and Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop. Jeremy Renner’s portrayal of Hawkeye is seen as less engaging, mirroring the performance’s shortcomings. Despite these positives, the show’s overall quality is still seen as mediocre and forgettable.

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Concluding Thoughts

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If you enjoyed the show, that's fantastic. But for someone who values comic book depth and quality storytelling, this series falls short. My rating for this show is 5 out of 10.

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Let me know what you thought of the series in the comments, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

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