Netflix's New Series "Boots" Marches to Its Own Drum

Netflix's latest series, "Boots," takes viewers for a quick march into the lonely world of US Marine Corps basic training - a provision it likens to a bizarre summer camp. The show focuses on 18-year-old recruit Cameron Cope, charmingly portrayed by Miles Heizer of "13 Reasons Why", who regularly enjoys spirited conversations with his secret, yet sassier queer alter ego.

Trying desperately to assimilate into the drab milieu by masking his fear, Cameron's hidden persona provides a comical narrative and acts as his witty cheerleader. Besides the gruelling exercises, constant threat of physical harm, and harsh verbal clashes, the reality hits Cameron - his primary duty is now to blindly obey commands and master the art of combat. His inner voice dryly confirms, "When we said we needed a change, I meant San Francisco, or New York. But this is nice too!"

"Boots" is sparked by "The Pink Marine," an intimate memoir by Greg Cope White about his time in the Marines grappling with his sexuality. The series creatively tweaks White's narrative to spin a story around Cameron, who enlists in 1990 along with his best friend, Ray (Liam Oh) under the Marine's "buddy system". The missions delve into intriguing backgrounds of the gang of recruits, revealing compelling dynamics lending to the dramatic tension.

Fellow trainee Eduardo (Jonathan Nieves) is a Romeo heartbroken without his Juliet, Gloria, while twins John (Blake Burt) and Cody (Brandon Tyler Moore) aim to honor family tradition despite battling abusive pasts. Ray, also a Marine prodigy, and Hicks (Angus O’Brien) - a reincarnation of "Full Metal Jacket’s" Private Leonard Lawrence, add their eccentric flairs to the plot.

Cameron's detached mother Barbara, impeccably played by Vera Farmiga, offers the show a captivating blend of light and dark. Emotionally unavailable to her son, her response to Cameron's decision to join the basic training is as nonchalant as it gets - "Stop for milk. Nonfat. Or 1% if they have it". "Boots" skillfully exposes how such parental neglect prepares fertile groundwork for their children to wind up in environments where their unique traits are crushed to create unquestioning, rough and tough soldiers.

Despite its tender storytelling, "Boots" misses the mark in two significant areas. For a series inspired by a closeted Marine's memoir, Cameron's character falls into the backdrop most often. The series also dabbles in the inherent campiness of military life, yet the humor is sparse and always below scope.

Netflix's "Boots" was the final project of veteran producer Norman Lear before his demise. Though camper Andy Parker, the showrunner had promised a balanced portrayal of the America forces neither glorifying nor vilifying them, the sitcom-like vibe tends to weigh down on the narrative.

The series discloses a somewhat simplified scenario of the military life for queer soldiers, arguing that all drill sergeants are essentially good-natured people following orders, and homophobia in the ranks is non-existent - a conclusion that may not sit well with all audiences. "Boots," however, makes a strong stride in exploring societal issues, and the performances alone make it worth checking out.