One of the constants through the various iterations of this series is that everyone accepts without question that Clint and Kate don't have a romantic relationship. Sure, they have their moments of sexual tension, but their relationship is mostly a refutation of the "When Harry Met Sally" premise that men and women can't be friends.
Clint is reminded of the importance of that relationship when he goes to visit Barney on the small island that he bought. (Whether the "he" in that sentence is Barney or Clint is one of the on-going jokes of the issue.) Barn has gained some weight and is enjoying retired life on the island. He tells Clint that it feels good not to be running anymore, and Clint bristles when Barney implies that he's still running. In the end, Barney gives him one last piece of advice. He tells him that Kate has always been his best relationship because he didn't make the mistake of getting romantically involved with her. He tells Clint that she's his anchor, and he encourages him to fix their relationship because he's frankly a mess.
But, Lemire also reminds us that it's important for Kate as well. Kate sends home a nice guy that she met the previous night when he made the mistake of getting her coffee. She calls America to tell her about it, and America tells her that she's starting to sound like the other Hawkeye. Although America isn't Clint's biggest fan, it's clear that she also thinks that Kate is lost. Lemire is implying here that Kate might bring Clint order, but he gives her direction.
These streams inform the future narrative that plays in the background, as Clint and Kate engage in a doomed mission to free the Project: Communion kids from S.H.I.E.L.D. As Kate holds the body of one of the kids (after Maria Hill shot her), she tells Clint that it's his fault, that they should've never left the kids. But, this future fades as Clint approaches Kate in the present, telling her the same thing. It took them awhile to find each other, but it looks like the Hawkeyes are the Hawkeyes again.
*** (three of five stars)
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