Ryan Shoots First: Hawkeye (S1 Ep3) “Echoes”
Welcome back to the “other Avengers show”…hey still more than Ruffalo Hulk has gotten. This was a really fun episode, I am really digging the vibe and tone of the show and it seems to be taking some chances that the series format allows it.
The highlight of this episode and maybe the whole series was a car chase that features a wide variety of arrow types being used, some awesome camera work and a killer soundtrack. Frankly I can see that being my favorite scene of the whole series if they can top that we will be in really good shape. Beyond the set piece action scenes the chemistry between Clint and Kate is really great. The reluctant pupil and the acceptance that she has skill coupled with the skill of the actors to play sarcasm well and it is the heart of the show. The tone manages to swing from light and playful to serious well. Jeremy Renner’s ability to play straight man to serious helps the transition as he continues to deal with not only the ramifications of his actions as Ronin but his actions over the last 20 years of his career as a spy/superhero. There is a scene in a dinner with Kate where he explains he is no hero or role model, still struggling with everything he has done in his past.
It’s unclear who the proper big bad will be in the series but we did meet Maya who is a deaf bad-ass fighter who is running the tracksuit gang at this time. I have to imagine there is a bigger bad behind the scenes coming and it will all tie into Kate’s new step dad and I won’t spoil it for you but if you don’t want to be surprised about a certain character coming from the movies to the show don’t look at the IMDB cast list. But I am very much looking forward to said character’s arrival. Still the show continues to play the right notes and with the release over the christmas season with the setting and tone it is perfect. If you set the show at any other time and release it in the summer while all the blockbusters are on the screen I don’t think it finds its voice like it is here. I am really growing to like this show more than I thought I would. I thought hey it will be something to watch and it can be content but after this episode if they keep up this pace it will be one of my favorites they have done.
Observations
- Man wasn’t expecting the ASL trend that’s woven into the show.
- Ronin really went Scorched earth when dealing with the loss of his family.
- They were actually so close to working all this out.
- I never saw a KB Toys that big but it’s a nice shoutout.
- Show has some really fun shots like the car chase shot you don’t feel would be used in a movie.
- The banter between Clint and Kate is really good.
- I wouldn’t mind seeing a face turn for the tracksuit gang they are kind of a lovable bunch.
- The timing of this series over the Christmas holiday with its release is just perfect.
