HAWKEYE: Charming, Sincere, and Still the Best MCU Series 

With a clear conscience, I can say that Hawkeye it is the best installment of the MCU on the small screen. A simple, energetic holiday production that appears to be the perfect choice for long winter evenings.

Another title from the Marvel Cinematic Universe tells, as the title itself indicates, the further fate of Clint Barton, Hawkeye, after the events of the Avengers: Endgame. At the same time, we also get to know the story of Kate Bishop, a young girl who, as a witness of the Battle of New York, is fascinated by Clint and tries herself to become the best archer in the world. A series of unfortunate events leads, already in the first episode, to the meeting of Clint and Kate.

As I already mentioned, the strength of Marvel’s latest series is its simplicity. Admittedly, the production is firmly rooted in the universe, for example through numerous and very successful easter eggs, returning characters and references to events from, among others, individual installments of Avengers, but also Black Widow. However, at the center of events it places two characters deprived of superhuman powers and focuses on their struggle with a group of moderately competent New York mobsters. 

Hawkeye is a very down-to-earth and street-level series, and for its creators the most important thing are the characters, their relationships, and their experiences. This is a very refreshing approach after the great events and monumental titles to which the media giant has accustomed us. The intimate atmosphere of the production is enhanced by the atmospheric scenery of the upcoming Christmas holidays. In the series we will see a decorated New York, gigantic Christmas trees, Christmas sweaters, and we will hear numerous Christmas songs.

This blends perfectly with the story being told, which on many levels is based on the portrayal of family relationships, those completely successful, but also more difficult, sometimes tragic. In the end it is a simple story about a guy who wants to get home for Christmas, and a girl who tries to help him do that. In this sense Hawkeye resembles true Christmas classics such as Home Alone, Die Hard, or – due to the duo of protagonists – Lethal Weapon. What is surprising, however, is that it is also an excellent farewell to Natasha Romanoff, the character played in Marvel films by Scarlett Johansson.

Of course, despite the emphasis I highlighted on the characters, there was also no shortage here of numerous action scenes, a large dose of humor, comedic supporting characters (Piotr Adamczyk is simply wonderful here!), dynamic plot twists and references to other Marvel productions. The whole thing still remains a typical product of Kevin Feige’s efficient machine, but dressed in an exceptionally pretty and warm Christmas sweater.

That Hawkeye is so delightful to watch is due in large part to the brilliant cast. The duo of Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld simply shines on screen. Renner has given the character he has played for a decade new energy and an interesting sensitivity, while Steinfeld joined the Marvel family in a truly masterful style; her Kate is already one of my favorite characters in the universe. The supporting cast is also excellent, including among others a big surprise for fans of another Marvel comic adaptation, but also such talented actors as Vera Farmiga, Tony Dalton, or Florence Pugh.

In my opinion Hawkeye is the most unpretentious, charming, and sincere Marvel Studios production this year. And at the same time one of the simply best in the entire history of the studio. I have no doubt that I will gladly return to the series, especially during future Christmas holidays. And you, if you have not yet seen the series, set out on your adventure with Clint and Kate. You will finish it just in time for the first star.