Marvel’s ‘Hawkeye’ series brought Clint Barton and Kate Bishop into the spotlight with a festive, action-packed adventure. Set in the bustling streets of New York City during Christmas, it mixes gritty street-level stakes with holiday cheer, a refreshing shift from the cosmic chaos of other Marvel projects.

I loved the chemistry between the leads and the grounded vibe, but some moments left me scratching my head. Here, I break down five things in ‘Hawkeye’ that didn’t quite add up and five that worked like a charm.

Five Things That Made Zero Sense in ‘Hawkeye’ (2021)

5. The Tracksuit Mafia’s Cartoonish Threat

The Tracksuit Mafia, led by Maya Lopez, felt like a mismatch. Their goofy demeanor and constant ‘bro’ catchphrase clashed with the serious danger they were supposed to pose.

It’s hard to buy them as a credible threat to an Avenger like Clint Barton when they come off as comedic sidekicks. Their presence diluted the tension, making high-stakes scenes feel oddly light.

4. Kingpin’s Abrupt Comeback

Vincent D’Onofrio’s Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin, returns in the finale, but his role feels tacked on. After being absent for most of the series, he’s suddenly a major player with little buildup.

This rushed reintroduction left me confused about his motives and how he tied into the Tracksuit Mafia, especially since his fate is left ambiguous after a dramatic showdown.

3. The Rolex Watch Obsession

A mysterious Rolex watch from the Avengers compound drives part of the plot, but its importance is vague. It’s hinted to belong to someone significant, possibly Laura Barton, yet the series doesn’t clarify why it’s worth all the fuss.

This loose thread felt like a setup for future projects rather than a meaningful part of ‘Hawkeye’, leaving me frustrated by the lack of resolution.

2. Yelena Belova’s Misguided Mission

Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova hunts Clint, believing he caused Natasha Romanoff’s death in ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019). But her reasoning feels flimsy, as she’s a skilled operative who should’ve dug deeper before targeting him.

Her arc wraps up neatly with an emotional talk, but the initial motivation seems forced, like a plot device to bring her into the story.

1. Kate Bishop’s Unrealistic Skill Jump

Kate Bishop, played by Hailee Steinfeld, is a 22-year-old with impressive archery skills, but her ability to hold her own against seasoned criminals is a stretch. She goes from college student to battling the Tracksuit Mafia with barely any training montage.

While her enthusiasm is infectious, her instant competence feels unearned, making her superhero leap hard to swallow.

Five Things That Made Perfect Sense in ‘Hawkeye’ (2021)

5. The Christmas Setting as a Core Element

The holiday backdrop isn’t just decoration—it shapes the story. Clint’s drive to get home for Christmas grounds his character, while the festive New York vibe adds warmth and charm.

Director Rhys Thomas leaned into this, making the season feel like a character itself, perfectly balancing the gritty action with cozy holiday stakes.

4. Clint’s Emotional Weight as Ronin

Clint’s past as the vigilante Ronin haunts him, and the series nails his struggle with guilt and trauma. Jeremy Renner’s performance captures a weary hero grappling with his dark choices post-‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019).

This emotional depth makes his reluctance to embrace the Hawkeye mantle again feel authentic and relatable.

3. The Grounded, Street-Level Action

Unlike Marvel’s world-ending epics, ‘Hawkeye’ keeps things local with street chases and trick arrows. The focus on smaller-scale fights, like the car chase with Kate and Clint, feels refreshing.

This approach suits Clint’s everyman hero vibe and makes the action sequences thrilling yet believable.

2. Introducing New Characters Like Echo

Alaqua Cox’s Maya Lopez, aka Echo, is a standout addition. Her backstory as a deaf Native American with ties to the Tracksuit Mafia adds depth, and her spin-off series ‘Echo’ (2024) was a natural next step.

The show smartly plants seeds for her future while keeping her role impactful, blending fresh faces with Clint’s legacy.

1. Clint and Kate’s Mentor-Protégé Chemistry

The heart of ‘Hawkeye’ is the dynamic between Clint and Kate. Renner’s grizzled veteran pairs perfectly with Steinfeld’s eager rookie, creating a buddy-cop vibe that’s both funny and heartfelt.

Their banter, like Kate’s obsession with rebranding Hawkeye, carries the series, making their partnership the strongest element.

What’s your take on ‘Hawkeye’—did any plot points confuse you, or was there a moment that totally won you over? Drop your thoughts in the comments!