Marvel’s ‘Hawkeye’ series landed on Disney+ in 2021, bringing Clint Barton and Kate Bishop into a festive, action-packed adventure in New York City. It aimed to blend gritty street-level stakes with holiday cheer, offering a fresh take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s lesser-known archer.

Looking back in 2025, some parts of the show feel dated, while others still shine brightly. I’ve rewatched it and noticed what holds up and what doesn’t. Below, I explore five ways ‘Hawkeye’ hasn’t aged well and five ways it remains a standout.

Ways ‘Hawkeye’ Aged Poorly

5. Tracksuit Mafia’s Weak Threat

The Tracksuit Mafia, led by Maya Lopez, feels like a misfire as villains in ‘Hawkeye’ (2021). Their goofy ‘bro’ catchphrases and comedic vibe undercut any sense of danger, making it hard to see them as a real challenge for an Avenger like Clint Barton.

This tonal clash dilutes the stakes, turning serious moments into odd humor. Compared to sharper MCU villains like those in ‘Daredevil’ (2015-2018), the Tracksuits feel like a caricature, leaving the tension flat on rewatch.

4. Underused Supporting Characters

Characters like Jack Duquesne and Kazi Kazimierczak get shortchanged in ‘Hawkeye’ (2021). Jack’s potential as a complex figure is reduced to a subplot, and Kazi lacks the depth of his comic counterpart, feeling like a sidekick without impact.

This underuse stings more now, as shows like ‘Andor’ (2022-2025) give supporting players richer roles. I wanted more from these characters, but they feel like setups for future projects rather than vital parts of the story.

3. Kate Bishop’s Unearned Skills

Kate Bishop, played by Hailee Steinfeld, is a 22-year-old college student who somehow fights seasoned criminals with ease in ‘Hawkeye’ (2021). Her archery skills are impressive, but her instant competence against the Tracksuit Mafia feels unrealistic without a clear training arc.

On rewatch, this leap stands out as unconvincing. Modern shows like ‘The Bear’ (2022-2025) ground their characters’ growth better, making Kate’s superhero jump feel rushed and hard to buy.

2. Tonal Inconsistencies

‘Hawkeye’ (2021) struggles to balance its holiday cheer with gritty crime drama. The festive setting clashes with darker elements like Clint’s Ronin past, and moments like the over-the-top ‘Rogers: The Musical’ feel out of place.

This uneven tone makes the series feel disjointed now. Shows like ‘Severance’ (2022-2025) maintain a consistent mood, highlighting how ‘Hawkeye’ wobbles between lighthearted and serious without fully landing either.

1. Kingpin’s Weakened Return

Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin was a thrilling return in ‘Hawkeye’ (2021), but his portrayal feels watered down compared to the brutal force in ‘Daredevil’ (2015-2018). The PG-13 tone softens his menace, making him less intimidating.

This nerfed version doesn’t hold up against the gritty crime lords in newer shows. I hoped for a fiercer Kingpin, but his brief, softened role feels like a missed opportunity on rewatch.

Ways ‘Hawkeye’ Aged Masterfully

5. Grounded Street-Level Action

Unlike the cosmic stakes of ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019), ‘Hawkeye’ (2021) keeps things local with street chases and trick arrows. The car chase scene with Clint and Kate feels thrilling yet believable, suiting Clint’s everyman hero vibe.

This grounded approach still feels refreshing. The action’s focus on practical stunts and archery stands out against the CGI-heavy battles in shows like ‘Moon Knight’ (2022), making it a rewatchable gem.

4. Maya Lopez’s Compelling Introduction

Alaqua Cox’s Maya Lopez, aka Echo, is a standout in ‘Hawkeye’ (2021). Her backstory as a deaf Native American with ties to the Tracksuit Mafia adds depth, and her spin-off ‘Echo’ (2024) builds on her strong debut.

Cox’s authentic casting and fierce performance keep Maya engaging. Her arc feels impactful, rivaling complex characters in ‘ Reservation Dogs’ (2021-2023), and makes me eager to revisit her story.

3. Festive New York Setting

The Christmas backdrop in ‘Hawkeye’ (2021) gives it a unique vibe, with New York City’s snowy streets and holiday lights creating a cozy yet gritty atmosphere. Scenes like the Christmas party at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel pop with charm.

This setting still feels vibrant and distinct. It contrasts with the generic backdrops of some MCU shows, making ‘Hawkeye’ a festive treat that holds up well.

2. Clint Barton’s Emotional Depth

Jeremy Renner’s Clint Barton in ‘Hawkeye’ (2021) gets a chance to shine, revealing a damaged man grappling with his Ronin past and the loss of Natasha Romanoff. His quiet moments, like turning off his hearing aid at ‘Rogers: The Musical’, hit hard.

This depth keeps Clint compelling. Compared to flatter heroes in ‘The Falcon and The Winter Soldier’ (2021), his trauma-driven arc feels timeless and emotionally rich on rewatch.

1. Clint and Kate’s Dynamic

The heart of ‘Hawkeye’ (2021) is the buddy-cop chemistry between Clint and Kate, played by Renner and Steinfeld. Their banter, like Kate’s push to rebrand Hawkeye, is funny and heartfelt, grounding the show’s action.

This partnership still sparkles. It rivals great duos in shows like ‘Stranger Things’ (2016-2025), making their scenes a joy to revisit and the series’ strongest asset.

What’s your take on ‘Hawkeye’—which moments still grab you, or what feels off now? Share your thoughts in the comments!