So, there was a lot riding on the House of Ideas' latest television project.
Thankfully, it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to Kate, played by a magnetic and hilariousHailee Steinfeld.
Beyond Steinfeld’s turn as Kate, I was impressed by how low-key and unassuming the show is.
Chuck Zlotnick/Marvel Studios
In many ways,Hawkeyedoes Marvel-Netflix better than Marvel-Netflix did in these opening installments.
In fact, that’s something that occurred to me in the first scene.
Hawkeyebegins with a flashback to the Bishop home circa 2012.
Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton and Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop in ‘Hawkeye’.Mary Cybulski/Marvel Studios
Young Kate is eavesdropping on an argument between her parents about money.
Furthermore, this is the kind of thing we all wished theDaredevilandJessica Jonescould’ve done.
This scene is actually an important part of Kate’s backstory.
Unfortunately for Kate, her dad dies in the invasion.
From there, the episode flashforwards to the present, where we meet 22-year-old Kate at college.
Alas, the Tracksuit Mafia attacks the auction looking for a mysterious watch tied to Avengers Tower.
(How does the Ronin suit fit her so well?
Let’s not ask these questions.)
Kate manages to escape the fight with her life and a new friend, Lucky the Pizza Dog.
(In the confusion, Jack absconds with the Ronin’s sword.)
Still suspicious about Armand, Kate throws the Ronin suit on and breaks into his massive home to investigate.
Thankfully, Clint shows up to lend her hand and help her escape as the episode ends.
Perhaps, it’s the comedic contrast between Kate’s youthful enthusiasm and Clint’s exhaustion.
I especially loved the duo’s back and forth about Hawkeye’s terrible branding.
What does this mean for Kate?
Meanwhile, Kate decides to act on her suspicions of Jack and interrogates him during dinner with her mom.
Kate tries to call Clint, but he can’t be reached since the Tracksuit Mafia currently has him.
That leads to both Clint and Kate being tied up together, which wasn’t the plan.
I definitely didn’t anticipate the reveal that she would be the leader of the gang.
Overall, I thoughtHawkeye’s first two episodes were pretty solid.
Again, I like how the writers haven’t mistaken “grounded” for boring.
