In the series premiere of Netflix’s BOOTS, viewers are thrust into 1990, where Cameron Cope (Miles Heizer) is asked the question every Marine hopeful dreads: “Why do you want to be a Marine?” The truth? He isn’t sure. But inspired by a Marine Corps commercial and a desire for purpose, Cameron signs up, bringing along his best friend Ray McAffey (Liam Oh) for moral support.
Meet the Family
At home, Cameron’s world is just as chaotic. His mother, Barbara (Vera Farmiga), is distracted and self-involved, barely noticing her son’s enlistment. His brother Benjy isn’t exactly supportive either. Meanwhile, Cameron’s love for Wilson Phillips offers brief respite from his otherwise uncertain life. The series subtly establishes Cameron’s inner world, showing that the Marines might offer him a sense of belonging he doesn’t get at home.
Boot Camp Blues
As Cameron and Ray enter boot camp, the tone immediately shifts to harsh reality. Buzz cuts, aggressive drills, and a cafeteria fraught with intimidation set the stage for a brutally masculine environment. Hazing comes fast and furious, and Cameron witnesses some of the more awkward and humanizing aspects of Marine life, from recruits in compromising situations in the bathroom to the camaraderie that begins to form under duress.
Even amidst chaos, Cameron shows compassion. When a larger recruit struggles to complete pull-ups, Cameron steps in to help, highlighting his loyalty and determination. Meanwhile, a subtle attraction develops when he notices a fellow recruit during a shower scene, hinting at the complex navigation of desire in a space where being gay is illegal.
Friendship and Secrets
Ray’s own struggles are quickly revealed. A strict father and a history of personal setbacks weigh on him, and when he’s physically assaulted by a sergeant for perceived insolence, Cameron is forced to grapple with guilt and the internalized stigma of his sexuality. The series captures this tension with Cameron’s private reflections, showing his effort to “lock up” his homosexuality while trying to survive boot camp.
Drill Instructor Sergeant Sullivan is introduced abruptly, immediately establishing the stakes and authority in boot camp. Sullivan’s presence promises challenges ahead, particularly for Cameron, who must navigate a rigid system while staying true to himself.
First Glimpses of Character Dynamics
The episode balances humor and tension through the supporting recruits and officers. The series already hints at deeper interpersonal dynamics, rivalries, and camaraderie that will unfold over the season. Cameron and Ray’s friendship anchors the narrative, but there’s an undercurrent of personal discovery and unspoken desire that begins to color Cameron’s journey.
BOOTS Episode 1 sets the tone for the series: a comedic yet poignant coming-of-age story in the hypermasculine 1990s Marine Corps. Cameron’s enlistment is more than a career choice, it’s a first step toward understanding himself, forming bonds, and surviving a world that wasn’t made for someone like him.
Catch the next chapter of Cameron’s journey in our Episode 2 recap here.
