The new drama-comedy “Boots” features “13 Reasons Why” star Miles Heizer and ranks number three among popular shows on Netflix this month. It tells the story of being a gay Marine at a time when it was illegal to be one.
The Netflix original follows the experience of Cameron Cope (Miles Heizer), a closeted gay teen with an overbearing mother, who joins the Marines, before the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy went active. He enlists to hopefully toughen up and gain some sense of self. Cope joins with his straight best friend, Ray McAffey (Liam Oh), who wants to enlist to make his father proud.
The show is inspired by “The Pink Marine,” a memoir by former US Marine Greg Cope. Although the show isn’t exactly like the book, the liberties the writers and the showrunner took really help the story stand out, emphasizing the meaning without making it seem like a depressing show.
One standout character that really pulls the message into focus is Sergeant Robert Sullivan (Max Parker), a well-regarded Marine whose career is threatened by the possible outing of his sexuality. His character serves as a crucial device in the main character’s development, and his performance effectively highlights the cruelty of not being allowed to be oneself.
“Boots” sneaks up on the viewer, at first seeming like a heartfelt, humorous coming-of-age story, but the more you watch, each episode tugs at your heartstrings.
The show doesn’t overly focus on the main characters but also explores the side characters’ journey joining the USMC, which emphasizes that it was a hard transition for everyone, not just Cameron.
For example, “Boots” included the rivalry between Nash (Dominic Goodman) and Slovacek (Kieron Moore). Their friendly fire showed the brotherhood that is fostered in the USCM and how challenging one another inspires us to be our best.
“Boots” is a show for those who don’t feel like they belong, and it tells a story of transformation and becoming the person, you want to be, a person who knows that they deserve to belong.
“We’ve just scratched the surface of many characters, I think it really needs a season two”, Max Parker said.
Although the show hasn’t officially been renewed for a second season, there are talks of a possible season two with multiple cast members hoping for a new one, including star Miles Heizer.
