Boots - Season 1

Boots is a coming-of-age series based on the memoir 'Pink Marine' by American marine Greg Cope White.Boots takes place in the early nineties and is about a group of young people who have signed up for a so-called 'Bootcamp.' This is essentially a grueling preliminary training program to determine if you are good enough for the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Each member of this group has their reasons for joining. Cope (Miles Heizer), our main character, also decides with his best friend Ray (Liam Oh) to enroll. There is one thing Cope is somewhat apprehensive about: he is gay. Because the story is set in the early nineties, there is a real taboo around sexual orientation in the American military.

Homosexuality is absolutely not tolerated and can even lead to exclusion within the American military. Yet Cope decides to join, albeit with trembling knees. This is because he believes deep down that it might be a place where he could belong. But it will certainly not be an easy task. Not only the strict drill sergeants, but also some teammates will regularly put him to the test during this grueling period.

Cope, against his better judgment, does not want to reveal his homosexuality to make the most of his opportunities in the military.

You don't often see series of this caliber anymore. You can best compare this series to scenarios like Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket. But in this case, it's slightly more modern and with a few different starting points. The theme of sexual orientation in the American military is presented here in a very entertaining way. Cope, against better judgment, does not want to betray his homosexuality to maximize his chances with the military. During his stay at Bootcamp, there are regular scenes where he literally confronts himself and even engages in a dialogue with himself. This way, the story portrays his inner struggle with, on one hand, a Cope who wants to prove himself, and on the other, a Cope who doubts because he realizes what the costs might be.

These recurring scenes work incredibly well and show you the gradual, inner growth of Cope throughout this story. The other group members also have quite good backstories and develop, with all their ups and downs, in their own way through the story. The seemingly tough drill sergeant Sullivan (Max Parker) also carries a secret that could endanger his future in the USMC.

Overall, it's a very strong, entertaining story about friendship, perseverance, and finding your place in the world. At times funny, but also hard-hitting and educational. Just because the central theme is about sexual orientation doesn't mean this is a 'woke' product. Cope has to prove himself at least as much as the others for a place in the corps. The message is not constantly thrown in your face but becomes clear as the story progresses. Each episode is unique and contains enough plot to never bore you for a second. We also see that almost everyone on the team is battling something or someone. Everyone has good and less good qualities, but it's only you who determines how you go through life with them.

This was once again a surprisingly good season of a series I hadn't read much about. From the excellent performances to the captivating story of Cope and his group members, it was a very pleasant and engaging ride that is highly recommended.

I give this a well-deserved 8/10.