TV Review: Hawkeye Shoots Straight Into Our Holiday Hearts
Ugh! I loved Hawkeye: The Series. Out of all the Marvel Series based on The Big Screen characters that have stolen our hearts, Wanda, Loki, The Falcon, and The Winter Soldier, Hawkeye feels like the lightest take of these tv transfers. Do not get me wrong! Each one was enjoyable, fun, and surprisingly philosophical on it takes of themes such as, grief, race, and time. Yet, Hawkeye embeds itself in the humanity of its lead with its singular purpose not being deep or even world-saving. The show is truly about a war-torn soldier trying to make it home, in time, for Christmas because a “fan,” Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), does not realize “avenging” the earth is actually a sad job.
What, instantly, makes Hawkeye unique is his grounded, shy nature. It is why even Kate Bishop notices his need for a “rebrand” as the Avenger most reserved, quiet, and, well, human. We, literally, first see him watching a musical, with his kids, that is based on the Avengers, and, actually, should become a legit Broadway show. Yet, his ears are ringing, his body aches, and he gets flashes of his life on the battlefield. Rarely, do movies, particularly Disney movies, try to approach PTSD, and the difficulty of going back to civilian life after being a “super-soldier.” Yet, Hawkeye is trying, and Renner makes his efforts something you genuinely pull for.
Renner gives Clint Barton a sweetness that has gone relatively untapped. He adores his kids, wants to be easy-going and fun SO BADLY, and, like most people, is trying to live in the present. Yet, it does not matter what age you are, the past is an anchor most of us just can’t seem to let go. Kate Bishop may be a “kid,” but her past tethers her emotionally, while her mind is bound for a future where she sincerely believes will make her the next Hawkeye. After all, she’s a pretty good shot. Thus, when a series of humorous coincidences and fate have her life being saved by Hawkeye, himself, the show becomes the ultimate nod to those of us who kind of wish our fave superhero was real, would protect us, and, dare I say, train us to replace him.
Steinfeld is SO CHARMING at Kate that you, instantly, want her to win at life/ Hawkeye’s favor. The ying/ yang or rather push/pull dynamic between these two is so perfect because both, to some degree, have forgotten what it is to cool down and smell some roses. Kate is FUNNY AS HELL, but she is too busy trying to find “adventure” and why her mom, Vera Farmiga as Eleanor, is engaged to Armond The VII/ Jack Duquesne (Tony Dalton). Meanwhile, Hawkeye cannot seem to sit still and enjoy a family meal without thinking or being reminded of his past life. In essence, one is trying to find issues while the other is obsessed with avoiding them. The result is a partnership that is not only paternal but really comedic.
I loved watching “Daddy Hawkeye” and Kate’s journey is one that is highly relatable in realizing your trauma does not make you mature. You take two people that have suffered shocking tragedies, and you show them that that does not mean they are grown, which is why I cannot WAIT till Yelena (Florence Pugh) shows up. In fact, it is because they think their wounds aged them that they forgot to grow from them. Add on a Christmas backdrop, and this Holiday series will remind viewers of 90s nostalgic films, where the lead only wanted to get home, in time, to open presents and, in his/ her journey, learned family is the best gift. Hawkeye Premieres November 24 on Disney Plus.
