Netflix’s bold, gritty military drama is both pure escapism and an important history lesson
From the creator Andy Parker (Tales of the City) and based on Greg Cope Whitethe memories The Pink NavyNetflix’s gay-themed military drama series Boots many things stand in the way of it. A period piece set around the time of the birth of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, when it was completely illegal to be openly gay in the US armed forces, Boots premieres on Netflix in 2025, when times and sensibilities have changed significantly. This wouldn’t have been so surprising if the series had come out too sanitized and restrained, or even potentially a tonal disaster. Fortunately, Boots is a breath of fresh aira surprisingly authentic ensemble piece with a compelling protagonist and an even more compelling assemblage of supporting characters.
What is “Boots” about?
Miles Heizer (13 reasons why, Love, Simon) plays Cope (here, his first name is Cameron), an apathetic, sweet and above all miserable closeted teenager who lives with his well-meaning but totally neurotic and incoherent mother (Oscar nominated Vera Farmiga). Cameron’s best friend, Ray McAffey (Liam Oh), is the son of an esteemed Marine, and all it takes is convincing for Cameron, without direction, to join his buddy in the Corpsalongside a crew of distinct young recruits.
The pressure of Marine Corps training is brutal enough for anyone, but Cameron has the added pressure of hiding his identity from his pack members and those above, including the imposing Sergeant Robert “Bobby” Sullivan (Max Parker of Emmerdale And Doctor Who). Sullivan’s story essentially serves as a B-plot in a not entirely linear narrative. The sergeant arrives as a recruit authority with a lot of baggage and mystery. Over the course of the series, it is revealed that Sullivan is also a closeted homosexual, fleeing an affair with a fellow officer who has since been arrested and charged with crimes including “conduct unbecoming and sodomy.” Some young viewers watch Boots maybe ignore and be shocked by the reality of being gay as recently as the 90s – but it was reality, and Boots either way works well as both an escape and a reminder of history.
“Boots” is a winning comedy-drama that balances serious issues with pure entertainment
What is most impressive Bootsthe main reason for the success of this series is the way the showrunners balanced the gritty elements necessary for this decor with lighter, even campy touches consistently. To be clear, this is Netflix entertainment, and absolutely no one will be mistaken. Boots For Full metal jacket at a glance. A closeted gay man talking about The golden girls in the Marine barracks, even saying “I’m such a Rose” is obviously a very funny event, and that’s not even getting into the numerous pop needle drops and references to divas, or the multiple steamy shower scenes.
There is more to do Boots than that, though, and the series deserves considerable praise for remaining believable and engaging as it sometimes navigates serious thematic territory. Sullivan’s story gets pretty dark, and one particular death in the barracks is truly chilling. The treatment of gay characters is appalling and the fear felt by gay characters is palpable. Over eight quick episodes, all available for review, Boots East consistent grip while maintaining an overall light touch.
“Boots” benefits greatly from a strong supporting cast
Heizer gives a likeable performance that’s certainly strong enough to carry the narrative, but Cope isn’t as interesting as the people around him. All the recruits, from the naive Ochoa (John Nieves) to the fervent, wild-eyed Hicks (Angus O’Brien), leave a distinct impression and are generally a pleasure to be around, while Ana Ajora lends a poise and principled maturity as Sullivan’s superior, Captain Fajardo. It also helps that the writers and actors have a good handle on the differences between the real-life behavior of straight and gay men, as well as how these two groups act in relation to each other. Farmiga’s generosity as a performer is an indispensable element, perhaps the most important, of the Conjuring cinematic franchise, and this same quality is very present here; Barbara is a lively and destabilizing force in Cameron’s life with an interesting arc.
Sullivan is ultimately the most compelling character in BootsAnd this show should absolutely serve as a calling card for Parker’s talents. The English actor’s looks and physicality command attention, but the character’s layers of dark emotions throughout the series are one of the best reasons to stay invested. For a show that is often very amusing, even hilarious, it is commendable that Boots has the courage to clearly present Sullivan as a broken man, still very young, who used injustice and tragedy as a starting point to actively ruin his life, perhaps beyond repair.
All in family producer and entertainment giant Norman Learwho receives an executive producer credit posthumously as the final credits roll Bootsleft behind a legacy of narrative innovation and progressive activism. Netflix’s latest comedy-drama proves to be a fitting tribute to Lear’s impact; it’s edgy, funny and freshbut what really makes it work is a combination of solid craftsmanship and narrative discipline that evokes every TV show that has successfully stood the test of time.
