The first reactions to Marvel’s Hawkeye, the next series to hit the Disney+ streaming service, and they’re overwhelmingly–though not universally–positive. Hawkeye is in a weird place in the MCU’s history. Dropping the show just in time for Thanksgiving makes sense thanks to its Christmas trappings, but this street-level Marvel show is releasing right between our formal introduction to Cosmic Marvel–The Eternals–and our first adventure into the multiverse with Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Positive responses praise the chemistry between Hailee Steinfeld’s new archer, Kate Bishop, and Jeremy Renner’s seasoned Clint Barton, as well as the comparatively relatable stakes of the series and the exciting opening sequence of the show:
I’ve seen the first two episodes of #Hawkeye and really dug them. It gives you some interesting new insight into Clint’s POV and Kate is instantly incredibly endearing. Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld make for a really fun duo. Also, Lucky the Pizza Dog is a very good boy.
— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) November 11, 2021
I really enjoyed the first two episodes of #Hawkeye.
It’s light and breezy in a very Shane Black way but the depths to which it simultaneously explores Clint’s trauma and Kate’s privilege really surprised me. Not 100% sold on the story yet but the characters are excellent. pic.twitter.com/wR6kg2Gou4
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) November 11, 2021
If you’re a fan of street-level stakes in the MCU like I am, then #Hawkeye is right in your wheelhouse. Hailee Steinfeld and Tony “Tell Me Again” Dalton truly steal the show, and I’m already looking forward to the day when Kate Bishop meets Yelena Belova. pic.twitter.com/A3W7uIl1on
— Brian Davids (@PickYourBrian) November 11, 2021
More critical reactions, however, called the first two episodes of the show ‘lukewarm’ and ‘cobbled together,’ including our own Mason Downey:
Man, I did not like the first two episodes of Hawkeye. It wants so desperately to have the vibe of the Fraction/Aja books but instead is just a charmless, wooden mess with stilted jokes and lukewarm performances. Maybe it’ll have a strong finish or something but man, rough start.
— Unfortunately, Mason (@rustypolished) November 11, 2021
Maybe it’s because I’m not in the Christmas spirit yet, but the early episodes of #Hawkeye don’t really do it for me.
It feels cobbled together and undercooked, as if Marvel said to themselves, “Well, the audience has enjoyed XYZ before, so let’s give that to them again!” 🏹 pic.twitter.com/l8C6i38Ymg
— Eric Italiano (@ericitaIiano) November 11, 2021
Hawkeye debuts with its first two episodes on Disney+ on November 24, 2021. Hailee Steinfeld joins the MCU as Kate Bishop,
