Boots

I loved this. The premise is that a young, gay man enlists in the Marines with his best friend (in the 90s when being gay in the military was a crime). We watch as they and a group of other men go through the rigors of bootcamp. They are hounded, screamed at, and watched over by three drill instructors. The senior drill instructor is also gay (and devastatingly handsome!).

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It explores masculinity, queerness, friendship, and the choices we make that define who we are.

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I’m fairly sure the whole ordeal of bootcamp wasn’t shown on screen but what they did show - the breaking of will, the intense training, the learning of mottos, ways of speech, history, and expected responses, the way each man is expected to support each other while also competing with them, and so much more - is eye-opening.

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It’s easy to see how, when a person goes through that experience, they are different afterwards: self-contained, precise, proud.

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One of the many great things about this series is that the two starring characters who are gay are played by men who are gay in real life. It adds a level of authenticity that may not be overtly perceived but can be felt.

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This was produced by Norman Lear’s production company, Act III Productions, and was his final project. After he died (as the filming of the first season was concluding) the series was cancelled. It was getting good ratings but Netflix is reluctant to extend series’ that they don’t produce themselves.

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As such, there are several storylines that weren’t sewn up. The final scene shows the two friends pausing from their graduation party to look up at the TV. President Bush is saying America will be sending troops to the Gulf. And we don't know what happened to the senior drill instructor.

Even if you're a pacifist, as I am, this great series is worth watching.