The new series on Marvel’s least favorite Avenger, HAWKEYE, is a surprising delight. The set-up is simple. Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) wants to return home in time to spend it with his family. The challenge – he’s stuck in New York helping Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld). From there, an action-buddy comedy forms.
MAD MEN and BRIDGERTON producer/writer Jonathan Igla wisely focuses the first two episodes on Kate. Her obsession with Hawkeye makes for a sentimental and hilarious intro. The idea that a character within a TV show idolizes her hero and wants to become him is solid footing for their relationship.
As for Jeremy Renner, he continues his gruff superhero portrayal to near perfection. Watching him play a Mel Gibson-like LETHAL WEAPON character is excellent entertainment. I’m looking forward to seeing where this series goes over its limited six-episode run.
My only complaint was Eleanor Bishop’s (Vera Farmiga) character. How many times have we seen the trope of a mom not listening to their kid? Since Eleanor’s part of the story is minimal, I won’t ding the premiere episodes that much. However, I hope the creators move away from this trope or turn it into a twist.
HAWKEYE is available on Disney+.
