Abhiroop Das
While Andy Parker’s Netflix military comedy, ‘Boots’, is primarily a coming-of-age narrative concerned with the life of Cameron Cope, a gay recruit in the Marine Corps, it also expands its scope to his peers, all of whom have their own ambitions, as well as their own baggage. As the protagonist struggles to make it past every hurdle, both literally and psychologically, his pain and suffering are shared across the board, creating a bond defined by its sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. However, each positive turn has its darker end, and as time passes, the demands placed on these young recruits only keep doubling in size. To that end, the reactions to it become far less uniform. While some choose to adapt to the trying circumstances, others question the impositions pressed upon them. Ochoa, Cameron’s bunkmate, brings a bridge between these two perspectives, redefining the Marine Corps boot camp experience with his take on it. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Ochoa’s Tragic Story Reframes the Narrative Identity of Boots
Ochoa is introduced into the narrative as one of the recruits constituting platoon 2032. As Cameron’s bunkmate, Ochoa gets additional focus over the episodes, which makes his unique character traits stand out all the more. To begin with, he is one of the few recruits to be married, and he frequently mentions his loving relationship with his wife, Gloria, back home. Given that the couple is expecting a baby, Ochoa hopes to clear the Marine Corps exam and earn a name for himself, in turn securing his child’s future. Despite largely being a comic addition to the show, Ochoa’s real potential comes through in the firing range, where it is revealed that he is a natural crack shot, hitting the bullseye every single time. This prodigious talent makes him the star of the platoon, fulfilling his lifelong wish to be acknowledged and respected. Just when his life hits a peak, however, things take a sharp turn for the dark.
In episode 5 of the show, titled ‘Bullseye,’ we learn that Ochoa is struggling with an unnamed illness. However, he chooses to keep this fact secret, largely to ensure that he gets his fair shot at the firing range and aces the test. The young recruit has a very specific aim in mind, as the winner of the test is given a phone call back home. When Ochoa secures the top spot in not just his platoon but his entire batch, his joy knows no bounds. However, when he eagerly rushes in for his phone call, he hears another man along with his wife, hinting that she is having an affair. The revelation not only breaks his heart, but also his spirit, going as far as to wholly trigger his sickness. In the complete psychotic breakdown that follows, Ochoa brings all of the military’s twisted rules into question, ultimately succumbing to the pressure that he has been receiving from all sides. His death shakes the platoon to the very core, darkening the tone of the show from that point onwards.
Actor Johnathan Nieves Brings Life to Ochoa
Ochoa adds a layer of humanity to the show with his ultimate fate, while also criticizing the often strenuous circumstances that forge soldiers. This makes portraying the character a challenge in and of itself, and actor Johnathan Nieves steps into the role with charm and confidence. An accomplished theatre artist, Nieves has a number of popular titles under his belt, which speaks to his range as a performer. His debut in ‘Chicago Fire’ was followed by appearances in acclaimed shows such as ‘Better Call Saul,’ ‘Shameless,’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’ The actor’s big hit came in the form of the movie ‘See You Yesterday,’ where he essays the role of Eduardo. Following this, Nieves portrays Mateo Vega in ‘Penny Dreadful: City of Angels,’ as well as Richie Valdovinos in ‘Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies.’
Johnathan Nieves’ commitment to the craft shines in how he essays Ochoa, a military recruit who perhaps has the most difficult time adjusting to the world of the military. Given the physical and mental strain that the character has to endure, the actor’s ability to bring the finer details to life becomes a key element in bringing the overall narrative to life. Additionally, Ochoa’s relationship with Gloria, of which we only see a single perspective, contributes to the emotional bends of his arc, which makes the eventual twist all the more potent. The climax of Ochoa’s journey comes with a psychotic episode, which brings all of the story’s creative elements into one palette. It also serves as a summation of everything the young recruit has been through, in turn doubling as a mirror for the protagonist, Cameron Cope. Ochoa brings everything he has learnt so far and pours it into the sequence, elevating it to the next level.
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