The Corps

Boots is a refreshing addition to Netflix's lineup, offering a unique comedic drama set against the backdrop of the 1990s US Marine Corps. The series follows Cameron Cope, a bullied gay teen portrayed by Miles Heizer, who, alongside his best friend Ray McAffey (Liam Oh), joins the Marine Corps. This decision leads them into boot camp, where they not only face the physical challenges of military training but also navigate the tumultuous landscape of their identities during a time when being gay in the military was illegal.

Each episode skillfully balances humor with heartfelt moments, creating an engaging narrative that explores themes of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery. The dynamic between Cameron and Ray is a highlight, showcasing their unwavering support for each other as they confront both external pressures and their inner struggles. The ensemble cast brings a diverse range of characters to life, each adding layers to the story as they bond over shared experiences and challenges.

It also does an excellent job of tackling serious issues while maintaining a lighthearted tone. The sharp wit and irreverent humor make it accessible, even as it addresses the harsh realities of military life and the struggles of being a closeted LGBTQ+ individual. The writing is clever, often using comedy as a vehicle to discuss deeper themes, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Visually, the series captures the gritty yet vibrant atmosphere of the 90s military experience, enhancing the storytelling with nostalgic touches. The pacing is brisk, keeping viewers engaged as the characters evolve through their trials and tribulations.

Overall, it is a great coming-of-age story that resonates with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. It's a bold exploration of identity and belonging, wrapped in humor and camaraderie, making it a must-watch for those seeking a heartfelt and relatable narrative.

This show, while certainly dramatized, captures the emotional intensity and disorientation of arriving at boot camp with remarkable accuracy. From the moment recruits step off the bus, they're immediately thrust into an environment of "hurry up, shut up, get in line, and do as you're told." No amount of preparation can truly ready someone for that first day when individuality is stripped away and you're expected to perform at your absolute best 24/7 for months on end.

The portrayal of the drill instructors is spot-on from the in-your-face approach, constant yelling, running, and belittling. It isn't rooted in genuine disdain. It's a method designed to break down complacency and instill the mindset that there's always room for improvement. While certain elements of the show are exaggerated (for example, letting recruits drink), that creative license keeps the story engaging. Trust me, an accurate depiction would be kind of boring.

My father, who went through boot camp in the late 1980s, loved that they included silly pranks since that sort of thing did happen back then! Him and his buddies snuck out and ordered pizza and got caught when he was at boot camp. Watching it together, he couldn't help but laugh at the nostalgia and ridiculousness of those moments.

I also appreciated the way the show handled the main character's struggle with his sexual identity. It was portrayed with restraint and emotional depth, avoiding the over-sexualization that many shows fall into. I don't much enjoy watching any show, straight or gay characters, with over the top sexuality when it doesn't fit the rest of the show. While a few of the inner monologue scenes leaned a bit cheesy, overall, I found the show authentic, emotionally resonant, and worth recommending.

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....

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.

As a disabled Marine Corps Veteran that discovered that I was gay while in the Corps, this is a refreshing TV show. Granted, my husband and I just finished watching the last 3 episodes my eyes are burning from all of the tears that it shed. Repeatedly there are military shows that "try" but never have I seen a show that covers so well, the struggles of boot camp. The reality shows don't even cover it as well as you have. PLEASE keep the show alive.