Orange Is the New Black took audiences by storm when it premiered back in 2013. The prison dramedy, based on a true story, lasted an impressive seven seasons. But more importantly, it showed how to utilize a strong ensemble. Netflix’s new hit series Boots, which follows a young closeted man named Cameron Cope (Miles Heizer) who joins boot camp with his best friend, has the potential to mirror Orange Is the New Black‘s success with fearlessness and freedom to explore. In Boots Season 1, we’ve had episodes centered around some of the extraordinary secondary characters. For a Season 2 to be the best it can be, it needs to follow in Orange Is the New Black‘s storytelling footsteps.
‘Boots’ Needs To Go to ‘Orange Is the New Black’ Boot Camp
Back in 2013, the world was introduced to a brilliant prison dramedy inspired by Piper Kerman‘s memoir Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison. Using her story as a jumping-off point, the Netflix series invited viewers into Piper’s brand-new world as she adjusted to prison life, introducing her fellow inmates, various correctional officers, and family members. Boots, which is also based on a true story, did the same. Inspired by Greg Cope White‘s The Pink Marine, the series immersed the audience inside Cameron’s brand-new world as he adjusted to Marine life, introducing his fellow recruits, superiors, family, and friends.
We learned about how twins John (Blake Burt) and Cody Bownman (Brandon Tyler Moore) came from a strict military lineage and how, despite being physically different, had the same mission in mind. Learning their backstory and seeing them as children was crucial for understanding a pivotal moment in the season finale. Season 1 also gave us an important narrative regarding Ray McAffey (Liam Oh), Cameron’s best friend, and how he, too, was of a military lineage and faced the pressures of living in his father’s shadow.With Cameron’s past largely being a mystery at this point aside from in-time discussions, Boots has so much runway to give him an incredible arc. We know about the strained relationship he has with his mother, Barbara (Vera Farmiga), but how did it get there? She seemed accepting of his homosexuality, so what was that talk like? And how did Barbara become so aloof? Like Orange Is the New Black, Boots gives you just enough information about Cameron to care about him without giving away the entire book.
‘Boots’ Season 2 Should Explore Secondary Characters Through Flashbacks
By exploring flashbacks, it mirrored much of what Orange Is the New Black did successfully. Because of the setting of the show, there was only so much you could do in the confines of prison. This is a similar situation for Boots. Due to the strict rules of the Marines and boot camp, the characters are limited in what they can do or where they can go. The moments of personal reflection the characters have are brilliant opportunities to step back in time next season.
Piper (Taylor Schilling) was our entry into Orange Is the New Black, and Cameron is ours for Boots. However, the secondary characters have proven to be some of the most intriguing. Orange Is the New Black brilliantly explored some supporting characters that turned into prime players. The eccentric Thad Hicks (Angus O’Brien), who is like Boots‘ version of Crazy Eyes (Uzo Aduba), has a brilliant story to tell. Who is he, why did he join the Marines, and where does his crazy confidence come from? Drill Sergeant Howitt (Nicholas Logan) is the epitome of a stereotypical guard, but how did he get there? Should Boots maintain a strong place on Netflix for a long run, the door is then open to continue to introduce new characters, build up the ones we have, and widen the depth of fascinating storytelling.
‘Boots’ Season 2 Should Elevate the Storylines of Its Female Characters
There are two prominent women in the Marines on Boots: Ana Ayora as Captain Denise Fajardo and Troy Leigh-Anne Johnson as Alice. The former has played a pivotal role in the NCIS plotline featuring Sargeant Liam Sullivan (Max Parker), while Alice is becoming Ray’s potential love interest. Telling the stories of women in a male-dominated universe is just as important as telling the story of queer men, which is the basis of Boots. Thanks to the intrigue of both characters, we’ve only dipped our toes into their potential, which can easily be revealed through flashbacks.
By keeping Cameron central to the narrative and bringing others into the fold, Boots can go on for some time. As seen at the conclusion of Season 1, Cameron and Ray witnessed a news broadcast that marked the start of the Gulf War. Through the anguish of war and the potential heartbreak of death, the show can open up the past for all of our characters through flashbacks. With new characters, expanded flashback storylines, and a changing environment, Boots can build upon what was established in Season 1 for a remarkable Season 2.
- Release Date
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2025 – 2025-00-00
- Network
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Netflix
