Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has introduced a new style of storytelling for the franchise. The MCU has had TV shows before, but the new Disney+ series weave their plots within the greater arc of the movies. While many of the shows center on previously established characters, some introduce all-new figures that can often be more popular.
The newest addition to the MCU’s lineup of series, Hawkeye is the best example of this situation. While the show is supposed to focus on Clint Barton, his character is overshadowed. Clint is by no means a forgettable presence but there are other characters who are more likable than he is. Some, on the other hand, draw the dislike of the audience through their deceit and cruelty.
10 The Kingpin Manipulates Everything From The Shadows
In Hawkeye, Clint Barton has to go against the Tracksuit Mafia, who is after him due to his actions as the Ronin. While the main architect of his issues is their current leader, Maya Lopez, the show teases the existence of a larger threat. Episode five reveals the true villain—the Kingpin.
Originally appearing as an antagonist in Daredevil, Wilson Fisk manipulates his way into Maya’s confidence. He is even referred to as ‘uncle’. But unbeknownst to her, he is the one who engineers the death of her father at Ronin’s hands. Cruel, sadistic, and power-hungry, Fisk finally gets his comeuppance in the Hawkeye finale, when he is defeated by Kate Bishop and seemingly killed by Maya.
9 Kazi Kazimierczak Betrays His Friend And Gets Her Father Killed
The Kingpin isn’t the only one who betrays Maya’s confidence. For most of the show, Kazi Kazimierczak acts as a voice of reason for Maya and seems determined to protect her. He is her closest companion, childhood friend, personal sign interpreter, and the only one who can approach her to question her decisions.
But he is also aware of the Kingpin’s plan to get rid of William Lopez, making sure to avoid the meeting of the Tracksuits the night of Ronin’s attack. He seems to care deeply about Maya, but in the end, goes against her, perhaps out of fear for his own life. Maya is eventually forced to kill him herself.
8 Jack Duquesne Is Set Up As The Supposed Culprit Behind The Criminal Conspiracy
The fiance of Kate Bishop’s mother, Eleanor, Jack Duquesne is a peculiar character. For most of the series, he seems to be the culprit behind the criminal conspiracy Kate is investigating. She even believes him to be his own uncle’s murderer, and the writing makes him look a little too good to be true when it comes to his romantic relationship with Eleanor. After Clint discovers he may be involved with the Tracksuit Mafia, he is even arrested, but eventually released.
As it turns out, Jack is unjustly accused, and the culprit is Eleanor the whole time. He’s a surprisingly genuine and energetic person. Unfortunately, the show ends before viewers can process the actual character, instead of their original impression of him, leaving him as a bit of a muddled figure.
7 Eleanor Bishop’s Love For Her Daughter Drives Her To A Life Of Crime
For most of the series, Eleanor appears to be the perfect concerned parent for the young Kate. Left a widow after the events of the first Avengers movie, she has to raise her reckless and ambitious daughter on her own. Even so, she provides Kate with support in accomplishing her dreams, at the same time chastising her for her mistakes. When Kate begins to take too many chances, she asks Clint to protect her.
But Eleanor is hiding a lot of secrets behind her motherly facade. Her husband’s death leaves her in heavy debt—something hinted at from the first episode. To protect her daughter and ensure her well-being, she becomes involved with the Kingpin. She even kills Armand Duquesne III when he becomes a threat and hires Yelena Belova to take out Clint. Despite her criminal actions, her love for Kate redeems the character, as some viewers may even empathize with her.
6 Clint Barton Tries To Overcome His Past As The Ronin
Hawkeye’s arc in the series is both complicated and insufficient. He wants nothing more than to leave his past as the Ronin behind, but his actions come back to haunt him. He is also plagued by the guilt and grief he feels over Natasha Romanov’s death. When Kate Bishop’s involvement leads to the resurrection of Ronin’s conflict with the Tracksuit Mafia, he eventually confronts his own demons. He even reveals the truth about his identity to Maya, as well as telling her what really happened to her father.
His hearing problems add a realistic element to the character, and it’s endearing to see him with his family. His trick arrows reveal him to be an even more versatile fighter than previously displayed. But the show doesn’t quite manage to provide him with a proper redemption arc for his bloody past as the Ronin. That takes away a lot of his likability, even if he is the protagonist.
5 Laura Barton Accepts And Supports Her Husband In Every Way
Clint’s wife, Laura, hasn’t played a huge role in the MCU so far, but her appearance in Hawkeye makes a difference. Her support gives Clint an anchor even in the direst of times and stands as the only healthy relationship in the MCU. A former SHIELD agent herself, Laura is even able to track down valuable information for Clint. And as seen in both Avengers: Age of Ultron and Hawkeye, Laura is always ready to welcome any strays Clint may bring home. The bond between the couple, as well as her unexpected past and skillset, make Laura more likable than her husband.
4 Kate Bishop Matures Into A True Partner For Hawkeye
The newest heroine of the MCU, Kate follows Clint’s example to become the franchise’s next archer. After witnessing him fight against the Chitauri, she considers him her hero. His strength inspires her to train in martial arts and archery, as her father’s loss leaves quite a mark on her.
If Kate has any flaws, it’s the fact that she is immature. Her recklessness often contributes to a level of over-confidence and a lack of awareness of lethal dangers. She can also come off as rather arrogant, and Eleanor argues this may be because she did have a privileged, wealthy upbringing. Fortunately, by the time the series ends, she begins to grow into her own. Her resourcefulness, skill, and wit may make her one of the best MCU heroines in the future.
3 Maya Lopez Wants Revenge For Her Father’s Death
While she is, for the most part, an antagonist, Maya Lopez earns the hearts of fans through her strength and determination. Also known as Echo, she clearly shows that disability doesn’t mean weakness. Despite missing a limb and being deaf, she is more than a match for Clint and easily takes down opponents larger than her.
Her quest to track down her father’s killer is a wish anyone would empathize with. Throughout her journey, she has to confront the betrayal and lies in her past, and is even forced to kill a close friend. The MCU will be dedicating a series solely to her, and she more than deserves it.
2 Yelena Belova Is A Skilled Black Widow But Also A Sister In Mourning
Black Widow’s Yelena Belova makes her return in Hawkeye and leaves quite an impression. While she doesn’t have a lot of screen time, her skill as a fighter and the depth of her emotions immediately elevate her as one of the best characters in the show.
The moments when she is shown dying in the Snap are incredibly well-done, and her grief over her sister’s loss is practically palpable. But she can also be very funny, as shown by the dinner she shares with Kate. Fans definitely look forward to seeing more of Yelena.
1 Lucky The Dog Is An Excellent Judge Of Character
When it comes to likability, it’s hard to compete with a puppy. Even with all the interesting characters in Hawkeye, Lucky the dog is still the one fans will like the most. Lucky doesn’t have a big role per se, though he proves himself to be an excellent judge of character.
He identifies the Tracksuit Mafia member as untrustworthy but accepts Kate and Clint, and is quickly affectionate with them. His lost eye is perhaps a reference to Hawkeye’s own disability, and when he travels to the farm with Clint and Kate, his new chance references a brighter future for Hawkeye.