Set in 1990, we meet gay teenager Cameron Cope, who is so lonely and bored. He has only one friend Ray who knows about Cameron's sexuality. Together they decide to enroll for the marines. He has no idea what to expect, which is clear by the way he has conversations with himself. When he gets off the bus and meets the drill sergeant, he realizes this is a mistake. It also doesn’t help that being gay is illegal in all branches of the armed forces. The story is about 13 weeks of bootcamp encompassing obstacle and confidence courses, rifle shooting and the final 54-hour test, known as the Crucible. Cameron, Ray and the entire platoon are pushed to their emotional and physical limit. We also meet a few more other central characters - twins John and Cody and they have joined because of family tradition and lifelong abuse. Ochoa deeply loves his girlfriend Gloria and wants to become the man she deserves. We have the usual suspects in an angry muscle man, another guy who always creates mischief and many more. While the show is about all these guys, the central focus is still Cameron. Things get interesting, when a new Drill Sgt. Sullivan, a highly decorated and vicious Marine arrives and makes Cope as a target. Ray’s determination to become the unit’s Honor Man — the highest honor for recruits — and Cameron’s struggles to fit in put their friendship to the test. Sullivan has his own background story and very slowly the layers are peeled and we understand where he is coming from. Using his tough personality, he slowly moulds Cope and other enlisted marines to truly become the protector of the nation. The final was a bit flawed, but I am willing to ignore that.
The show strikes a great balance of drama and lightheartedness so the more darker moments don't put you off. I really was amazed at myself at how much I was enjoying it. Yes, Cameron was the center but the show also focuses on other boys and their stories and it was interesting to see how everyone of them came with their share of burden and something to prove to themselves or their family. Cameron's interactions with his inner self were fun to watch, which presents as a sassier, more confident version of himself. I enjoyed how he equates so many things in marine to being gay like incessant showers, fooling around, calling their short blouses etc. 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. My favorite was the mischievous character. He was a hoot. 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 show does show other forms of discrimination in a subtle way besides homophobia, where the captain is a female and the misogyny-laced pushback she receives. Also slowly Cope begins to see the injustices his fellow recruits are also facing, including fatphobia and racism.
The actors, mostly new, do a great job. Cameron, the extremely hot Sgt Sullivan and Ray are the central characters here and not just them but every single one does a fantastic job. Cameron undergoes a transition that’s physical and represented in his growing confidence as basic training makes him sharper and more assertive, even if there are bumps along the way. It’s a very good performance. 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. 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. Yes, the main character's insecurity, and obstacle, is about his sexuality, but this show is about so much more. It is about a young man gaining introspection and a sense of maturity in an extraordinarily challenging and repressive environment. An absolutely brilliant show. (9/10)
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