Based on former U.S. Marine Greg Cope White’s memoir, “The Pink Marine,” produced by the late Norman Lear and adapted for television by Andy Parker, Netflix’s military comedy-drama, “Boots,” is an irreverent yet insightful look at friendship, self-determination, courage and acceptance amid the challenges and demands of U.S. Marine boot camp. As hilarious as it is devastating, the series is a unique coming-of-age story centered on an unlikely Marine recruit desperate to find himself.
“Boots” opened in 1990 in a recruiting office in New Orleans. With the chaos of high school and his constant bullying behind him, Cameron Cope (a perfectly cast Miles Heizer) is desperate for a new chapter. Determined to hide his sexuality and exhausted by the whims of his chaotic mother, Barbara (Vera Farmiga), who has moved his family 10 times in the past 12 years, Cameron, in love with Wilson Phillips, decides to join the Marines alongside his best and only friend, Ray McAffey (Liam Oh), to escape the monotony of his life and his mother’s antics.
Unfortunately, he’s not really aware of what he’s getting himself into, and he definitely should have watched “Full Metal Jacket” like Ray suggested instead of “Golden Girls” reruns. When he and Ray arrive at Parris Island, South Carolina, for their 13-week basic training and are kicked off the bus by a tyrannical Senior Drill Sargent (Cedrick Cooper) and his assistants, he quickly realizes that he has made a catastrophic choice. It also doesn’t help that being gay is illegal in all branches of the armed forces.
The series covers the full three months of training camp, including obstacle and confidence courses, rifle shooting and the final 54-hour test, known as the Crucible. Cameron, Ray and the entire platoon are pushed to their emotional and physical limits. Although he is already out of his element, things change even more for Cameron with the arrival of Drill Sgt. Sullivan (Max Parker), a highly decorated and vicious Marine who views him as a target. Additionally, Ray’s determination to become the unit’s leading man – the highest honor for recruits – and Cameron’s struggles to fit in test their friendship.
“Boots” hits all the poignant and heartbreaking beats that Lear’s work is known for, but creator Parker and the writers’ room have put their own stamp on the series. From the 1990s-infused soundtrack, which features songs by George Michael and Sade, to a diverse and robust cast with distinctive and memorable characters, the series is a compelling, funny and sometimes tragic portrait of brotherhood, self-sacrifice and the price of serving one’s country. Although much of “Boots” is composed of heavy and lighter pieces, including Cameron’s inner monologue, which comes across as a sassier, more confident version of himself, standout characters like his manic but humorous comrade Hicks (Angus O’Brien) and the late addition of the proudly Dominican Santos (Rico Paris) make the tale memorable.
While the platoon itself anchors the story, the audience also gets to learn a little more about the inner workings of the Marines and Parris Island. Captain Fajardo (Ana Ayora) is the first woman to lead a male-dominated business on the base, and the series illustrates the resistance to misogyny she receives in her role, not only from her superiors but also from her subordinates. Additionally, Cameron, who previously focused on what he perceived as his own flaws and hid his sexuality, begins to see the injustices his fellow recruits also face, including fatphobia and racism.
“Boots” is a delightful and heartfelt watch. It is about a young man who gains introspection and a sense of maturity in an extraordinarily difficult and repressive environment. On the eve of the Gulf War, audiences are introduced to several young men (and a few women) who are drawn together by circumstance and pushed to the brink as they slowly, and often painfully, learn who they are and what they are made of.
“Boots” is now streaming on Netflix.
