Ep 1. Hawkeye: S1 E1 - Pilot (Part 1)

Hawkeye: S1 E1 - Pilot (Part 1) follows the story of Clint Barton, better known as Hawkeye, as he navigates post-Endgame life in New York City. The episode opens with a brief flashback to the Battle of New York, highlighting Barton's role as a lethal archer in the Avengers team. Fast forward to the present day, where we see Barton sporting a hearing aid and struggling to adjust to a quieter life outside of superhero action.

The episode centers around Barton's attempt to have a quiet Christmas with his family, including his children Cooper and Lila and his wife Laura. However, his plans are quickly derailed when he discovers that the tracksuit mafia, a group of Russian criminals, have stolen a valuable watch from the auction house where Barton is trying to retrieve a bell for his son's Christmas gift. In his effort to retrieve the watch, Barton accidentally becomes involved with the mafia, leading to a series of chaotic chase scenes and artistic fight sequences that feel akin to the "one-shot" style of the Daredevil tv show.

Alongside the action-packed plotline, the pilot episode adeptly explores the emotional complexity of Barton's character. We see flashbacks of his time with his family during the blip, highlighting the trauma he experienced losing them during that time period. At one point, Barton breaks down in a bathroom, overwhelmed by his PTSD and desire to protect his family. We also get glimpses of his bittersweet relationship with Kate Bishop, a young woman who idolizes him and aspires to be a hero like him.

Though the episode navigates a lot of emotional baggage, it also has its fair share of humor. Barton's reluctance to let go of his "Ronin" identity from Endgame leads to a running joke about whether or not he should wear his old ninja suit. In one of the episode's standout scenes, Barton and Bishop have a hilarious exchange in the lobby of the auction house where they are both pretending to be working as part of the catering staff.

Overall, Hawkeye: S1 E1 - Pilot (Part 1) sets up an intriguing plotline for the rest of the season while also delivering on character development and action-packed sequences. Fans of the Marvel franchise will appreciate the show's references to previous films and storylines, while newcomers should still be able to enjoy the show's humor and fast-paced plot. The episode leaves off on an exciting cliffhanger that sets the stage for the continuation of the story.