Abhiroop Das
Created by Andy Parker, Netflix’s military comedy, ‘Boots’, follows a bullied teen named Cameron Cope, who decides to take matters into his hands by joining the Marine Corps boot camp. What follows is an unrelenting regimen that spans thirteen weeks, testing the protagonist’s physical and mental limits. He is joined in this pursuit by his best friend, Ray McAffey, and a contrast between the two is immediately apparent. While Cameron, who is secretly gay, struggles to get by on a day-to-day basis, Ray excels at every turn, proving himself as a promising recruit. However, in the moments he does make mistakes, his path crosses with that of Alice, a fellow recruit with a rich past of her own. The duo’s meetings give more variation to the narrative by introducing and discussing perspectives that would usually get lost in the blend. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Alice and McAffey Form an Unlikely Bond in the Med Bay
Alice becomes our eyes and ears into an entirely different section of the Marine Corps boot camp, where female recruits undergo training. As such, the only points at which she is able to interact with Ray McAffey are their frequent visits to the Med Bay. As the latter deals with his deep-seated insecurities and hidden shortcomings, Alice becomes more than just his companion, but also a mirror, allowing both characters to rapidly improve with each interaction. In their first exchange, McAffey describes how he feels about the float or sink test, and Alice is quick to add a metaphorical dimension to his grievances, revealing that he is letting external factors burden him in life, which comes out in his military performance. Listening to her advice works like a charm for the young recruit, and by the next time they meet, significant progress has been made in both of their respective lives.
While Alice and McAffey’s first encounter is dedicated to him, their second meet-up at the Med Bay shines more light on her personal life. In particular, we learn that she is among the most driven individuals in the camp, and will not let anything come in the way of her success. When McAffey enquires about her motivations, she explains that the sense of commitment she feels as a recruit is unlike any other, and she wishes to carry that sense of power and responsibility along with her forever. This idea leaves a profound impact on McAffey once again, cementing their dynamic as one defined by mutual evolution. By the end of the season, both characters nail their goals and become Marine Corps soldiers, and that joy is amplified in their final exchange. Alice leaves McAffey her number, which hints at a potential romantic development between the two. However, with the difficulties of military life calling upon them both, the idea of a successful relationship remains uncertain.
Actor Troy Leigh-Anne Johnson Steps Into the Character of Alice
Alice’s inclusion in the story not only gives it an extra layer of authenticity but also one of perspective. To that end, she becomes a representative for the entire batch of recruits, channeling the highs and lows through her character arc. Actor Troy Leigh-Anne Johnson essays this role with confidence and a humorous touch, adding an oomph factor to the narrative. Johnson is no stranger to the craft, and her artistic palette includes a wide range of titles, which make her the perfect fit for this role. While the actor’s early career includes movies such as ‘Let’s Scare Julie’ and ‘A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting,’ it is the television show ‘On My Block’ that marked her big break. There, the actor plays ‘Kendra,’ which, along with her role as Harper in ‘Big Sky,’ is among her most memorable performances. Additionally, the actor can also be seen in ‘The Rookie,’ ‘Silver Star,’ and ‘The Killer.’
Although Alice only appears in the first season for a brief amount of time, her chemistry with McAffey makes her a valuable presence. Given the trying circumstances that the character has to endure in military training, it is likely that Troy Leigh-Anne Johnson put great effort into making the best of her portrayal. With the season ending on a romantic cliffhanger, a potential sequel is likely to see her reprising the role once again. In such a future, Alice’s dynamic with McAffey, along with the larger Marine Corps structure, is bound to be magnified on some level, with the number of trials and tribulations she has to go through likely heading up a notch. As such, Johnson’s role in the show might see her scaling new heights and exploring more unique avenues.
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