After a long wait, the first two episodes of 2021’s last MCU Disney+ series have finally been released. Hawkeye introduces the world to Clint Barton’s protégé Kate Bishop played by Hailee Steinfeld. While we spend quite a bit of time with the Tracksuit Mafia, the second episode ends with the introduction of Alaqua Cox‘s Echo in very familiar red lighting. Yet, as hilarious as they are, the Tracksuit Mafia aren’t big enough bad guys to really be the big threat in this series. Perhaps a single line in the first episode could be our first real hint at a kingpin pulling the strings in the shadows.
I’ve got powerful friends, too. The kind you don’t want to mess with.
This quote, delivered to Eleanor Bishop by the elder Duquesne, would seem innocent enough except throwaway lines aren’t given this much attention normally. We also are teased with an evil side with Eleanor’s future husband, Jack Duquesne, who might also have close ties with these “powerful friends.” The murder that Bishop Ronin got framed for is our first real hint that something sinister happening in NYC’s high society.
There is one iconic figure that has always had a powerful hand in these actions, especially with the first episode featuring a black market deal for dinosaur bones and the Ronin’s costume. Of course, the inclusion of his adoptive daughter, Echo, in the second episode’s ending is enough points to set up the appearance, or rather reappearance, of Wilson Fisk.
If there is anyone that is running the New York City underbelly and has close ties to the rich and famous, it’s very likely Fisk. There are enough rumors pointing to Vincent D’Onofrio‘s return as the iconic character and with Charlie Cox‘s return as Daredevil in Spider-Man: No Way Home. We may only have to be patient for a little bit longer until the true man in the shadows reveals his face.
