Annlyel James 
Hawkeye episode 5 “Ronin” is an emotional rollercoaster of an episode that had me either wide-eyed or crying!
In the wise words of Hope van Dyne: “It’s about damn time.” That’s how I feel when I think about this series and how it has given Clint Barton the solo story he deserves.
For years Hawkeye was one of my favorite Avengers (I mean, he has a bow!) but he was never given a chance to shine. He was just always there, in the background, but at least the writers tried to give him a bit of a story by introducing his family. Endgame was finally the movie that gave Hawkeye a little more to chew on and it has deeply affected this show in the absolute best way.
RONIN
The latest episode titled “Ronin” does exactly that by forcing Clint to embrace his dark past again. What ensues is an emotional rollercoaster of an episode that had me either wide-eyed or crying for much of the duration of the show. I think what I found most profoundly interesting about this episode is how it asks the question, “Is Clint Barton a good guy?”
His actions as Ronin made him a scary dude to run into for five years straight. And even though he was punishing criminals in his wake he was still destroying families in the process. Long story short, it wasn’t good what he was doing. Nor was it heroic. But instead of Marvel Studios leaving that legacy of darkness behind they’re embracing it fully. Forcing Clint to confront the mistakes of that life he chose to have after his family was snapped out of existence.
INNER TURMOIL
There’s nothing more interesting than a complex protagonist. And even though we know Clint Barton is an Avenger through and through, I love seeing that he still has a dark side as well. And it all stems from his love for his family. Cue the tears.
Will next week’s finale provide the resolution this series deserves? Only time will tell.
Hawkeye is streaming exclusively on Disney Plus now.
Annlyel James is a Senior Correspondent of The Future of the Force. She is passionate about Star Wars and Marvel but loves a wide variety of movie genres. Aside from her role with Future of the Force she also writes for her blog: annlyelonline. Follow her on Twitter where she channels the Force frequently!
