The MCU ends the year off with the finale of Hawkeye. In the last five weeks, fans followed the adventures of a skilled and ambitious archer, Kate Bishop, and Avengers veteran, Clint Barton, as they take down the biggest threats in New York. In doing so, the series explored their mentor-mentee relationship as Clint shows the ways of being Hawkeye to Kate.
Much like the previous MCU TV shows, fans journeyed through Hawkeye with theories and predictions and saw how the story changed the course of the universe. While the significant revelations included Wilson Fisk as the uncle and Eleanor Bishop working with the mob, the series ended with even more questions about the characters' future and subsequent plotline.
Is Wilson Fisk Already Dead?
Many Daredevil fans were excited that Vincent D'Onofrio was reprising his role as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin, given his stellar and powerful performance in the canceled Netflix show. The penultimate episode revealed the uncle as Wilson Fisk, which implied the grand scope of things happening in the MCU. Despite the character's potential, Kingpin appeared to be shot and killed by Maya Lopez in the finale.
Shockingly, it happened so soon since he was just introduced and barely appeared in two episodes, with many questions left about Fisk. For instance, viewers do not know if this Wilson Fisk has the same story arc from the Daredevil series or a different variant. However, when Maya confronts Kingpin, the scene moves off-screen when a gunshot is heard, so Kingpin might not be dead, as people suspect, and could show up in future projects. Of course, the choice in the scene execution could also be for rating purposes to keep things PG.
Where Does Maya's Story Go From Here For The Upcoming Show, Echo?
Although Hawkeye showcased Maya's backstory in episode 2, it seems that the character arc was merely a subplot from everything else that was happening. Her story arc was one of the weaker points in the series, and the ending left even more questions about Maya's endeavors.
Furthermore, an Echo series is in development, yet Hawkeye did not present any direction of her future storyline. In the finale, she kills Kazi and supposedly kills Wilson Fisk, but nothing was revealed about her whereabouts after Christmas Eve. The only possible storyline could be tied with Wilson Fisk, if he is still alive.
Where Did Yelena Go?
Yelena eventually confronted Clint Barton about Natasha's death and finally accepted the truth about her sacrifice. She spares Clint Barton and eventually leaves without hints about her next venture.
Like many other characters, it is uncertain where Yelena's story goes from here. Some speculations could be that Yelena might encounter Valentina Allegra de Fontaine regarding her recent assignment, but at this point, her next adventure is ambiguous.
What Is Next For Kate Bishop?
Kate Bishop has proven herself to become the next Hawkeye, but she still has much to learn. It also seems that Kate has been bonding more with Clint Barton as she joins his family for Christmas.
From here forward, Clint could help Kate complete her training and pass the mantle based on their friendly mentor-mentee relationship. Of course, the ending also left little indication of where her story goes from here, such as her future threats and if she could become an Avenger.
Could We See More Banter Between Kate & Yelena In The Future?
One of the best parts of the series was the frenemy-like relationship between Kate and Yelena. Although they have not become friends yet, the final episode indicated that the two could become pals, much like their counterparts.
The final episode further showed their relationship, in which they have an incredible and hilarious fight scene while also exchanging compliments and banter with one another. Their friendship will possibly flourish more in the future, but it is a matter of when viewers will see them together again.
What Was Laura Barton's History As A SHIELD Agent?
The finale finally revealed Laura's mysterious past, which is that she was a former SHIELD agent, and this ending leaves more questions about Laura's backstory. Was she on the field, or did she work in administration?
Of course, since the mystery behind Laura Barton brought curiosities, many fans believe that she might be Mockingbird due to some not-so-subtle clues. Although Mockingbird is an alter ego of Bobbi Morse, who already appeared in Agents of SHIELD, Laura and Clint's story resonates much of the comic book material in which Mockingbird and Hawkeye were a couple after meeting as SHIELD operatives. Although it is only speculation, it makes Laura's enigmatic past intriguing and sets up future plotlines.
Who Owns Avengers Tower Now, If Not Oscorp?
Clint Barton briefly mentions that Avengers Tower was sold but never stated who bought it. Many fans speculated that it was Oscorp, owned by Norman Osborn, one of Spider-Man's foes.
However, the events of No Way Home say otherwise. In the film, Norman revealed that through research that he does not exist in Spider-Man's universe, nor does his son, Harry. Therefore, this debunks fan theories that Avengers Tower is now Oscorp. However, Hawkeye is not the first bit of MCU content to mention this, so there is some significance about the new owners. It is just a matter of who are they?
Why Was There No Friendly, Neighborhood Spider-Man To Help?
This is probably the most intriguing question since Spider-Man: No Way Home was released this past weekend. Both projects take place in New York City, and Marvel confirmed that the series happens after No Way Home, which means that the events of No Way Home had already unfolded.
At this point, Peter Parker accepted the responsibility as the friendly, neighborhood Spider-Man after the film's ending showed that Peter Parker does not exist in people's memories. Therefore, Spider-Man, who also shares Kingpin as a supervillain in the comic books, would have been a crucial superhero to help at the Christmas party. Even the ending of No Way Home showed Peter web-slinging around New York with a background of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller, which is where the party took place. Unfortunately, he did not show up, which leaves more questions about his absence.
Will Kate & Eleanor Develop An Estranged Relationship?
In a turn of shocking events, the penultimate episode revealed that Kate's mother, Eleanor, is the person who killed Armand, hired an assassin to kill Clint, and worked with the mob. Although Eleanor intended to protect her daughter, Kate gave her mother up to the police for murder.
Kate did not have an easy decision, choosing between principles and family. But, she did what she thought was the right thing to do. Of course, Eleanor might take this personally as a betrayal. It is unclear if Eleanor will realize her mistakes and try to make up to Kate after serving prison time, or it will only cause a rift between the mother and daughter.
Could There Be A Hawkeye Season 2?
So far, of all the MCU TV shows that streamed on Disney+, only two received a green light for a second season, which were Loki and What If...?. WandaVision is confirmed to be just a one-season series, while The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will continue its story with a developing movie, Captain America 4.
Currently, there is no word if Hawkeye will receive a second season. However, it does have the potential to expand on the relationship between Clint and Kate. It is only just the beginning of the passing of the torch, and a second season could explore Kate's rise as the Hawkeye, while Clint slowly retires from being the superhero for good.