Content Warning: This article contains PLOT SPOILERS for the Disney+ show Hawkeye.
If there’s one thing that differentiates Disney+’s Hawkeye from the rest of the MCU series released this year, it’s the show’s brutally honest portrayal of Clint Barton’s experience as a superhero. This approach doesn’t sit well with some fans who have expressed their unpopular opinions about the recently concluded series on Reddit.
From its childish plot to Jeremy Renner’s subpar acting skills, there are some truly controversial thoughts from audiences who were not too impressed by the Marvel series. As fans eagerly wait for announcements about what comes next for the show and its highly-anticipated spinoff, Echo, it’s the perfect time to look back at some unpopular opinions about Hawkeye.
Maya Is A Terrible Character
Comic book fans were thrilled to see Echo on the show, especially because Maya’s backstory is fleshed out in a heartbreaking and thoughtful way. ThatsaNew1One isn’t too happy about her character, though, saying that “Marvel didn’t execute her character well” and that she “completely deflates the scenes she is in.” They go on to add that Maya’s scenes felt “stiff, rigid,” and “lacking emotion.”
Most fans would agree that Hawkeye’s incredible portrayal of the comic book character is a step in the right direction for representation for people with hearing disabilities. The badass character’s scenes are far from being “rigid,” as a lot of the best action sequences in the series involve her. Fans will thankfully see more of her in the upcoming Echo spinoff, which will hopefully highlight even more incredible aspects about her character.
Superheroes Should Have Superpowers
One of the defining aspects of the Hawkeye series has been its refreshing depiction of what it’s like to be a superhero when someone can’t exactly shoot lasers out of their eyes or lift objects with their minds. This core part of the show is disappointing for burritokiller1971, who thinks “superheroes are lame if they don’t have actual superpowers.” They point out how Hawkeye could “die a regular human death” because of his lack of superhuman abilities.
Most viewers would argue that it’s precisely Clint’s jarringly human experiences that make him such an endearing character, and the Hawkeye series emphasizes that in the best way. “A regular human death” can often be even more harrowing than a superhero’s demise, which is best seen in Black Widow’s tear-jerking sacrifice. Clint’s lack of powers doesn’t make him any less of a superhero than any other Avenger – in fact, some might say that it makes him even more admirable.
Hawkeye Should Wear An Iron Suit
The user ridhim2609 is another viewer who doesn’t appreciate the human angle that the series takes, stating how “Tony Stark should have made iron suits” for Clint to make him “bulletproof” and “more powerful and useful.” He justifies this argument by saying Hawkeye is too “vulnerable” in “every fight,” presumably because he can’t use superpowers to defend himself.
One of the reasons the show has been praised for its compelling and arguably best version of Hawkeye is that it shows how Clint manages to survive and recover after each grueling battle. Not only would an iron suit slow him down, but Clint would also probably refuse to wear it because he knows he doesn’t need anything beyond his hard-earned skills and reliable allies to survive.
The Show Is Boring
Each episode of Hawkeye gives fans an increasingly exhilarating story as Clint and Kate work together to uncover the massive conspiracy unfolding around them. It seems this isn’t enough for Ordinary-District191 who finds that “the series has been underwhelming” and thinks that there is “nothing really happening” because of how “slow-paced” it is.
The street-level story of the show may not appeal to fans who have gotten used to the grand multiverse-spanning narratives shown in Marvel movies lately, but it’s a great return to the comic book roots and can be just as gripping as the Avengers’ other epic adventures. From Hawkeye’s cool trick arrows to exhilarating car chases, most fans would say it has been a wild and rousing series from start to finish – its more intimate moments serve to add and not detract from that.
The Plot Is Childish
A deleted Redditor wasn’t shy about stating that “all of the plot is super childish,” going further to say that Hawkeye is “fun only for children under the age of 12.” They also criticize how Kate is “an ordinary girl that took archery lessons” but “is all of a sudden able to fight off 20 muscular Russian mafia mobs twice.”
The hard-hitting and emotional narratives in the series are far from being “childish.” Clint’s struggle with the guilt around Natasha’s death, Maya’s realizations about her father’s demise, and Kate’s distress about her mom’s true character are just a few of the well-written stories that only adults will be able to fully appreciate. As for Kate’s “archery lessons,” she has consistently won competitions and practiced for years before meeting Clint, which is why it’s not surprising that she calls herself “the world’s best archer.”
It’s The Worst Show
Hawkeye is now considered among the best MCU series to come out this year, but a deleted Redditor doesn’t agree. They think that “the Hawkeye show is the worst” because they “tuned in wanting to watch Jeremy Renner” but found that it featured “other characters” too often.
It’s hard to imagine what the series might look like if it only prominently features Clint. Most viewers would say that the development of his relationship with Kate, Kate’s budding friendship with Yelena, and even the LARPers’ contribution to the story have all made the show enjoyable to watch. As for Hawkeye himself, his character development and story arc would not progress without the help of those around him.
Jeremy Renner Is Dull
Most fans would say that Renner is perfectly cast as Hawkeye, as he obviously understands the nuances of the character’s story. The user a_reasonable_responz believes “he’s really a terrible actor” and “is boring,” though, revealing that they haven’t actually seen the show by saying they “would actually watch the Hawkeye series if he wasn’t in it.”
Audiences who have seen the series would know that Renner’s moving portrayal of Hawkeye couldn’t be any better. One scene that underscores how ideal he is for the role happens in his hideout with Kate, after he’s left alone to think about Natasha’s death on Vormir. His grief-stricken expression at this moment is almost too painful to watch, which speaks volumes about the actor’s great performance as the underrated Avenger.
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