Abhiroop Das
Created by Andy Parker, Netflix’s ‘Boots’ tells the story of Cameron Cope, whose life as a bullied kid takes a sharp turn following his recruitment into the Marine Corps boot camp. What starts as a seemingly fun adventure with his best friend, Ray McAfee, quickly reveals its true colors, as the world of military training is ruthless and unrelenting. The previous episodes highlight Cameron’s complex dynamic with his drill instructor, Sergeant Sullivan, as well as the trials and tribulations that the rest of the platoon has to go through. McAfee makes big strides in the float or sink challenge, and it appears that the team is gearing up for a positive transformation, despite the initial hiccups. Episodes 5 and 6 of the military comedy drama, titled ‘Bullseye’ and ‘The Things We Carry,’ delve deeper into the lives of the supporting characters, showing that they have internal demons to battle with. SPOILERS AHEAD.
The Platoon Makes at the Shooting Range
The episode opens in media res, with Platoon 2032 desperately calling in a medical emergency as ‘Halloween II’ blares on the television screen. From there, the story dials back to the weeks dedicated to mastering the rifle, an idea that sends ripples of excitement through the recruits. Among them, Ochoa, Cameron’s bunkmate, appears to be the most prepared, as he eagerly writes to his wife. He describes this stage as the one that separates men from boys, finally marking his chance to shine. Back home, we see that Barbara Cope has fully leaned into the idea of her son’s death and has even gone as far as to light a candle next to his framed photo. However, holding a group session at her home backfires when Ray McAffee’s mother joins the crew and quickly busts her secret. In turn, the protagonist’s mother tries to play things off, describing her actions so far as part of an elaborate metaphor.
Back in the boot camp, the crew is introduced to the firing range, as well as the rifle they will be carrying alongside them for the near future. The dimensions of this newfound responsibility are drilled into them, as the ability to shoot comes with the ability to take a life. However, that reality doesn’t quite set in for the recruits, as they are more interested in the ranking system, which involves three categories: Marksmen, Sharpshooter, and Expert. Ochoa locks his eyes on the last category, especially since the reward for the best shooter is an exclusive phone call back home. In the range, Ochoa outshines all of his peers, nailing five out of five shots right in the bullseye. As the idea of him being a prodigy becomes more and more clear, Drill Instructor Howitt directs all of his attention to the young shooter, adding to his standing within the platoon.
A Shocking Fate Befalls Ochoa
While Ochoa delivers a stellar performance on the field, his life inside takes a dark turn, as Cameron finds him struggling with his health. Distressed, Ochoa reveals that he is sick, but needs to bring his A-game to the main shooting competition anyhow, for the sake of landing that phone call to his wife. Elsewhere, a political conspiracy brews when Sergeant Sullivan is summoned to Captain Fajardo’s office. There, he is introduced to Agent Blodgett, who works with the government in targeting potential cases of soldiers being gay. Given that same-sex relationships are not allowed in the military, a number of success stories hang in the balance. In particular, Blodgett interrogates him about Major Wilkinson, who was formerly stationed in Guam alongside Sullivan. When allegations about Wilkinson being gay are raised, Sullivan maintains his distance, claiming not to know anything. However, Blodgett’s final request for him to unbutton his shirt reveals a tattoo saying “Semper fi,” which fuels a major plot thread.
Meanwhile, Ochoa excels at the firing range despite his sickness and bags the top spot with ease. As a reward, he is granted his phone call at last, right when Drill Sergeant McKinnon hears news of his baby’s birth. In celebration of the platoon outperforming every other, a screening of ‘Halloween II’ is set up, with Drill Inspector Howitt taking charge. However, Ochoa’s phone call takes a ghastly turn when he hears a man answering on the other end. His wife abruptly cutting the call implies that she is having an affair, and that realization breaks him. With an excessive build-up of negativity in his mind, Ochoa returns to the group and lashes out at Howitt before voluntarily accepting a strenuous form of punishment. The ensuing physical and mental breakdown ends with the recruit on the floor, unresponsive, and later it is Sullivan who breaks the news to Cameron that Ochoa is dead.
Ochoa’s Demise Leaves the Team in Shambles
The following day begins with an air of grief, horror, and chaos as the recruits struggle to reconcile with the fact that someone close to them has passed away. On the other hand, Captain Fajardo, along with the platoon’s three drill instructors, is summoned by the higher-ups to make sense of how such a scene transpired. Howitt defends his case, and it is supported by the ongoing medical examination, revealing new facts about Ochoa. At the platoon dorm, Santos makes it clear that Ochoa’s bunk is not to be tampered with, out of honor for their fallen comrade. However, Sullivan brings the practical elements back into play, forcing Cameron to return all of his bunkmate’s belongings to the head office. When the protagonist tries to contest that decision, his drill instructor advises him to never carry the ghosts of his past, as that can build up to a disastrous effect.
Sullivan’s words of wisdom do not exist in a vacuum, as the show now begins to show glimpses of his past in Guam, which confirm that he was in a secret relationship with Major Wilkinson. Their relationship starts with, and hardly extends beyond, their sexual escapades, but Wilkinson maintains a constant desire for more. Sullivan shares the same feelings but understands the impositions that have been placed upon him and his lover. As frustrations begin to build up, Wilkinson demands a way to immortalize their love for each other, and Sullivan mockingly brings up tattoos. This thread confirms that the tattoo on the drill sergeant’s chest, which says “Semper Fi,” meaning “forever loyal,” is more than just a Marine motto, but also a shared tattoo between him and Wilkinson, subtly alluding to their romantic feelings.
Cameron and Sullivan Learn to Cope With Their Past
Meanwhile, platoon 2032 begins its charge to a slow but inevitable collapse, in keeping with the general air of irritability that has dominated the space since the tragic event. Conspiracy theories begin to run amok, with several teammates, such as Santos and Nash, contemplating ways to take revenge on Howitt. Hicks, on the other hand, squarely places the blame on their food supplies, believing that it is adulterated with a substance to psychologically affect them. These tensions end up in the kitchen as well, where an argument between Cameron and the local bully, Charlie, leads to a violent to and fro of food items being launched, smeared, and plastered on everything and everyone. Not even Drill Sergeant McKinnon is safe from this onslaught, but instead of punishing the recruits for it, he chooses to be understanding, bringing in a Chaplain and teaching them the importance of accepting a friend’s death and moving on.
While the platoon struggles to reconcile with Ochoa’s death, Sullivan has other ideas and sends a crate full of alcohol to ease their tensions. Santos takes the lead, pouring the initial drops in memory of their lost friend. The next sips go to Cameron, as his bunkmate, giving the protagonist his first ever taste of alcohol. From there, the mood gradually begins to lift, as the entire crew turns to bonding with each other and reappreciating their bonds. As Sullivan watches from a distance, his mind goes back to his own relationship with Wilkinson, which ended prematurely when rumors about the major being gay began to spread. Refusing to put his career in jeopardy, Sullivan distances himself from the relationship, going as far as to leave Guam entirely. In the present, Captain Fajardo pays McKinnon a visit, discussing what the future holds for his fellow Drill Sergeant. However, with the cruel impositions of the government in full force, the options remain slim.
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