After the surprising cliffhanger of last week’s episode, Hawkeye returns for it’s second half run. This fourth episode has a lot to live up to, in terms of continuing the intriguing setup of the first three episodes. With that being said, this weeks Hawkeye manages to provide more intrigue while also giving characters room to breathe.
Kate and Clint’s relationship continues to evolve as well. So far, it has given us one of the more interesting dynamics in the MCU. Kate and Clint offer two different perspectives on what audiences have seen from the MCU. In something that is sort of a meta commentary on the longevity of characters, the writers of Hawkeye take advantage of the rich history of these characters. Clint, weighed down and weary by his past, contrasts Kate’s enthusiasm and confidence. The two’s interactions this episode are some of the best of the whole series.
The most introspective of the series so far, Hawkeye has Clint and Kate doing Christmas celebrations. The celebrations allow time for Clint and Kate to recognize aspects about each other. The emotional beats hit just right, and the Christmas setting really ties the emotional arcs together well. Clint’s inability to move on from the past is sure to be essential to future appearance by a surprise character in the episode.
Kate, on the other hand, continues to show her irresistible charm. She continually tries to show a Clint a side of himself he refuses to see. This culminates in an all out rooftop brawl absolutely loaded with emotional stakes. The striking imagery and choreography makes the fight emotionally intense for Clint, and physically challenging for Kate. The surprise return of a recent fan favorite raises the stakes, with Kate and Clint’s disagreement on their partnership coming to a head.
With the first half of the episode introspective and the second half action packed, Hawkeye strikes a great tonal balance. The humanity and vulnerability Clint puts on display allows Renner to really shine as an actor. Steinfeld is also clearly comfortable as Kate as well. Everyone in this episode is on their A game. Also what was thought of as a comedic bit in the LARPers as a throwaway, actually make their return. It adds another layer of humanity to the show.
Overall, the emotional stakes haven’t been higher in Hawkeye. Clint begins to feel the weight of his past actions more than ever. Moreover, the surprise return of an MCU character has the makings of intense emotional catharsis for fans of Endgame and Natasha’s tragic ending as well. The unexpected parallels between Kate and Nat are the most welcome addition of the episode as well. The much need emotional layers of Hawkeye finally come through in this amazing episode.
However, the things slowly boiling with the Bishop family continue to provide little to no intrigue or interest. Hopefully the remaining two episodes solve some of those more uninteresting family dynamics. Until then, episode 4 of Hawkeye is one of the most emotional and character driven of the series yet. It will be interesting to see how the remainder of the series plays out. – Ernesto Valenzuela
Grade – 9/10
Hawkeye airs new episodes on Disney+ Every Wednesday
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