'Hawkeye' Episode 4: Clint Barton reveals why he didn't kill Natasha Romanoff
Contains spoilers for 'Hawkeye' Episode 4 'Partners, Am I Right?'
'Hawkeye' continues to explore the life and times of Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) and one of the latest revelations was his first encounter with Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow. Although he doesn't necessarily get into the specifics, he tells Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) about how he saw Romanoff and the reason behind not taking her out despite his mission instructions. While reliving the mission, he talks about how she (Romanoff) wanted out of the Widows and the mission became more of a recruitment to SHIELD rather than a target.
The episode sheds light on relationships and primarily between the ones that Romanoff and Clint share. In the years that follow, she joins the Avengers as the superspy and plays a key role in saving the earth countless times. Although it is unclear whether this story was the Budapest incident that was first discussed in 'Avengers', the episode does talk about their past. This wasn't the first time the character was name-dropped or referenced on 'Hawkeye'.
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In 'Avengers: Endgame', Black Widow finds Hawkeye/Ronin after he's seen decimating members of the Yakuza. There, she gives him the opportunity and the faith that the Avengers could reverse Thanos' snap. Clint moves on from the Ronin identity. He even recollects how she saved his life again by sacrificing herself on Vormir to acquire the Soul Stone. With her death, the archer shed his old life as Ronin.
The latest Black Widow on the block is Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and though she is yet to make an appearance, there is no doubt that she will play a key role in the series. Yelena will be seeking revenge on Clint after Julia Louis Dreyfus' Val ('The Falcon and The Winter Soldier' told her the Avenger was responsible for Romanoff's death. Will it be a shoot first and ask questions later? Only time will tell.
'Hawkeye' airs Wednesdays on Disney+.
