Boots

I truly believe he's the finest actor television has to offer today.

And I sincerely hope we'll get to see him in many more masterpieces (and films) in the future.

Boots is one of those rare series that manage to reach the deepest part of the human experience where fear meets transformation and turn it into a story of true growth.

It's not just about the Marine Corps, it's about believing in the process of becoming, about being reborn through weakness, and discovering that strength isn't the absence of fear, but the decision to keep going despite it.

The show balances raw realism with tender humanity. The dynamic between Sullivan and Cameron unfolds in layers of emotion, power, shame, compassion, and a mutual understanding between two people fighting the same silent battle.. the desire to be genuine in a world that demands you hide..

I had friends who went into the Marines, and a lot of the brutality, harsh training, and name-calling you see in this show is accurate-at least back in the '90s. From what I understand, the storyline draws from the book The Pink Marine, which took place a decade earlier.

That said, Boots is absolutely binge-worthy. If you're overly sensitive or homophobic, this probably isn't the show for you-so don't watch it and then leave a bad review. These are real situations that gay men endured in the military for years. Personally, I see nothing wrong with anyone who wants to fight and even die for our country, no matter who they are.

First of all, if you're old-school, stuck in a patriarchal mindset, you're probably not going to like the female lead character or the staff sergeant. Both are minorities, and the story also centers on three gay male characters. That diversity is exactly what gives the show its depth and power, forcing viewers to confront realities that were ignored or silenced for too long.

One of my favorite lines in the series comes from the staff sergeant:

> "One of my men had to be on double duty because the higher-ups had to investigate who's putting what in who. The man won a Silver Star for god's sake-who cares?" That's pure poetry.

The character buildup is excellent, showing how people can bond in the most difficult, testosterone-charged, macho environments. There's also a lot of humor woven in. Yes, some parts are fictionalized for dramatic effect, but it's still a powerful story that makes you care about the characters while taking you through laughter, tension, and raw emotion.

And in case you're wondering-yes, the lead actor looked familiar. He played Alex in 13 Reasons Why.

While this is based on a book by a gay man who joined the marines in 1990 when homosexuality was a crime in the military, this ultimately is not about being gay. It's about the brotherhood and overcoming your demons and ultimately growth. The whole boot camp process also feels authentic unlike the testosterone driven movies Hollywood makes. It still manages to create personalities that allow anyone to find someone relatable, and the whole series moves at an even pace without the typical long boring speeches about childhood. We get all the backstories in small bits and pieces while the series remains focus on boot camp and showing us who the characters are and their personalities through the process. The casting is brilliant including Mike Heizer, who doesn't try to play either end of the spectrum of being gay, Liam Oh, Max Parker, and Ana Ayora. This is how casting should be done and it's refreshing with so much lazy casting.

From the trailer, i thought it was going to take the campy and syrupy route, but so glad it didn't. Boots starts off with a closeted gay guy joining the marines with his straight best friend ... and thats all you need to know. The show doesn't just focus on how the lead actor struggles in the marine because of his sexuality, it also shows racism, and any kind of discrimination that fits the model of being a 'Man'... From a young age, your peers tell you how a 'Man' should act, be straight, brave, strong, etc. Life is short, live how you want and feel... Even the most confident guy, will have something they find that is not man enuff about themselves. Thats why the show is truly relatable for all guys. The show strikes a great balance of drama and lightheartedness so the more darker moments don't put you off. The cast is made up of relatively unknown actors, apart from Vera Farmiga (truly supporting in spirit), but they are all likeable and can act. In essence it's an LGBTQ themed show without having to rely too much on the sexual aspect of things, which many shows do nowadays. It is also a show for people who have felt like an outsider and felt the only way to fit in ... is to change ... but is that true? One of Netflix's better shows of late....

"Boots" surprised me in the best possible way. I went in expecting a lighthearted, campy gay series full of clichés and sass, but it turned out to be deeply moving and beautifully crafted. Each recruit's story was layered and heartfelt, giving real emotional weight to their struggles and triumphs. The writing strikes an elegant balance between humor and heartbreak, with moments of courage that linger long after the credits roll. The performances were exceptional, the character arcs felt earned, and the direction was sharp without ever losing its humanity. It's rare for a show to subvert expectations this completely, I wouldn't be surprised if it racks up a shelf full of award nominations.