Hawkeye is back with a brand new episode this week after an entertaining two-episode premiere. Last week saw audiences meet the charismatic Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), as well as meet up with familiar faces such as Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner). It also introduced the ever-so adorable pizza eating dog, Lucky, as well as the “bro” spamming crew known as the Tracksuit Mafia. At the end, it featured its first big “reveal” with the appearance of Echo as well. All in all, the premiere episodes did a fantastic job in setting the grounded story the series is aiming to follow, as well as introducing various interesting plot threads. How does the series follow up its premiere? Does it hit the target or miss completely on its third entry? Let’s find out!
In this episode, titled “Echoes”, Clint and Kate join forces against an expanding criminal conspiracy after escaping a new threat. As the title implies, Echo plays an integral part in the episode. Everything featuring her was fantastic and blended into the central plot really well. It was just one core aspect of an episode that was… pretty superb.
Hawkeye‘s third episode is its shortest yet, but actually works well in the episode’s favor. The pacing is fluid and even when it “halts” it keeps the momentum going in great manner. One aspect that helps it is the surprisingly great action featured in this episode. The directing duo of Bert and Bertie leave their mark in the series with some overall phenomenal directing work. The warehouse escape serves as the central action piece of the episode, which was executed with great attention. Arrows flying left and right, stellar hand to hand combat, and an impressive car chase are just some of the highlights from the sequence.
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Another aspect that has been previously highlighted was the chemistry between the two leads. Without Steinfeld and Renner’s performances, the material wouldn’t hit as strongly as it is currently doing. Their chemistry is off the charts and the third episode showcases this even more. Whether it be through their witty back and forth, dialogue when in chaos, or some more serious moments, their chemistry elevates every single moment they share the screen.
The episode also does an impressive job in adding layers to a character we’ve known for more than a decade. Clint’s hearing loss has is an interesting character development that was really fleshed out here. The phone call scene between Nathaniel and Clint, where Kate has to transcribe what Nathaniel is saying, is a perfect example. Although short, it added to a character many consider to be very bland. It was a perfect touch that also served as a foil to Kate, showing viewers what she’s really made of at the end of the day.
The third episode of Hawkeye encompasses what the MCU is all about. It features love, grief, comedy, and an overall exploration of new and favorite characters throughout another journey in their stories. It’s fun, yet serious when it has to be. It’s satisfying, yet leaves you wanting more. Even in such a short episode you get some potentially ENORMOUS teases of massive things that are to come. Episodes like these serve as a reminder to audiences regarding why they’re so invested in a franchise that has spanned 26+ movies and 5+ TV shows.
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Overall, the third episode of Hawkeye was a more than worthy successor to its two-episode premiere. Although the shortest episode yet, it proved to be a benefit this time around. Great character development for new and old characters alike fuel the story line for this episode, as well as some potential teases of what’s to come. Add to it some impressive action sequences and you have yet another memorable entry into the Marvel Studios Disney Plus pantheon. – Kenneth Colon
Grade – 10/10
Hawkeye Streams New Episodes Every Wednesday on Disney+
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