REVIEW: ‘Hawkeye’ Episode 5 – “Ronin”

Hawkeye Episode 5 has just introduced a new Marvel character that is sure to have the internet abuzz, and I’m dying to talk more about it! This is a no-spoiler review though, so it’ll have to wait until next week. However, this is your warning to watch the episode before it gets spoiled for you because there are so many implications for what comes next.

The series is directed by Rhys Thomas, Bert, and Bertie, stars Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton, Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop, Vera Farmiga as Eleanor Bishop,  Tony Dalton as Jack Duquesne, and Alaqua Cox as Maya “Echo” Lopez.

In the previous episode, “Partners, Am I Right?” Kate and Clint had an explosive run with Echo and a mystery character revealed to be none other than Yelena Belova’s Black Widow, played by Florence Pugh.

With someone placing a hit on Clint by sending a Widow after him, he realizes the situation has progressed into extremely dangerous territory and he has to send Kate away.  Usually, this would be the end of the situation, but Yelena has other plans and has a tet-a-tet with the young archer.

Meanwhile, Clint decides to confront Echo to send her a message and give her some information that sets up her character arc for her spin-off series. Finally that massive ending, and I mean WOW. I say it all the time, but damn, this series is tackling so much and is laying the groundwork for spin-offs, second seasons, and potential plot points for future films.

The episode started out with such a chilling bang, as we tag along with Yelena post Black Widow as she attempts to free the other Widows from their mind control. What was most shocking was Yelena experiencing the blip from her perspective. It was so unexpected, and it captured that same spine-chilling reaction that I had while watching WandaVision Episode 4, when Monica Rambeau wakes up post-snap.

The episode continued to shine from here on out as Kate and Yelena sit down to talk in Kate’s apartment. Pugh has such an enigmatic presence on screen and she so effortlessly portrays a deadly assassin, while being so enjoyably fun and disarming to the people around her. The dialogue very cleverly has Yelena flip these aspects of her personality on a dime, highlighting that you do not want to mess around with this woman.

The conversation had so much weight as the two characters discuss at length the morality of Clint Barton, both as Hawkeye and Ronin. It was a fascinating scene as the series continues to explore the murderous past of Clint during the blip rather than shy away from it.

From one dangerous woman to the next, we also learn there’s more to Echo’s past and Clint confronts her one-on-one. The revelation that there was more about that night Ronin killed her father sets Echo down a path that is sure to be explored in her own series. Cox has been such a welcomed addition to the MCU. The actress is able to convey so much emotion into her ASL and her facial reactions, and her fight choreography is phenomenal to watch.

Additionally, one quick mention that we need more Grills. He was a hit in the comics that inspired the show, and now Clayton English’s interpretation is getting much of the same love. Marvel, please give us a second season with more Grills.

Hawkeye Episode 5 “Ronin” was the best one to date. While previous expectations for the series may have been low when compared with other Marvel shows, it’s currently performing as one of the best. With the street-level seasonal comedy landing so well and incredibly entertaining characters, it’s no wonder why. That ending, however, is packed with such potential for the MCU, just wow.

Hawkeye Episode 5 “Ronin” is available now exclusively on Disney+.