Boots ending explained: Cope finally completes his training

Netflix's Boots, an adaptation of Greg Cope White, a former Marine's 2016 memoir, The Pink Marine. It appears that the story may be inspired by Greg Cope White's personal life, as it follows a young closeted boy who joins his best friend in a US Marine boot camp. It seems that the Netflix series was released on October 9, 2025.

The Netflix show, consisting of eight episodes, builds towards Cameron Cope finally completing his training in the Marine boot camp. in the finale. The finale of Boots ends on a cliffhanger, but it is unclear if there will be a second season or not. It seems that the makers want to return to the series, but it seems that it probably relies on the viewership numbers.

"BOOTS is a one-hour comedic drama that delivers an irreverent, offbeat take on the coming-of-age story. Set in the tough, unpredictable world of the 1990s US Marine Corps — when being gay was still not tolerated in the military — the series follows directionless, closeted Cameron Cope (Miles Heizer) and his best friend Ray McAffey (Liam Oh), the son of a decorated Marine, as they join a diverse group of recruits. Together, this ensemble navigates the literal and metaphorical landmines of boot camp, forging unlikely bonds and discovering their true selves in an environment designed to push them to their limits. With sharp wit and plenty of heart, BOOTS, based on Greg Cope White’s memoir, is about friendship, resilience, and finding your place in the world — even when that world seems determined to keep you in line or leave you behind."

Boots ending explained:

The previous seven episodes were building towards a test of sorts referred to as "the Crucible." The test pushes the candidate to their limit to cross a finishing line, finally making them a Marine. Turns out, this test has not only a literal line but also a metaphorical line. In this test, the candidates need to find ways to push and forgive each other and focus on completing important tasks.

However, several revelations are also made here in regard to Sergeant Robert "Bobby" Sullivan's s*xuality and his history with Major Wilkinson. Sullivan manipulates Jones into attacking Cope, but it turns out Cameron finally breaks and dishes out a brutal beating on his attacker. Both Sergeant Howitt and Staff Sergeant McKinnon point out to Sullivan that this wasn't training, and he sees the error a bit late.

Later, Jones is placed under Cope's care, with the latter being responsible for the former's well-being. When Jones goes missing because of his sleepwalking, Sullivan and the candidates find him with a wound in his leg. Sullivan teaches Cope how to take care of Jones' wound and orders the former to carry the latter to safety.

After doing so, Cope returns to the crucible in the Boots finale and completes it successfully. As he does, Cope is initially worried about seeing his mother there, and we learn that she was aware of her son's secret and wants to be supportive. In the closing minutes of the episode, we see the commencement of the Gulf War, hinting that the characters will be deployed there.

What has been the reaction to the Netflix series?

It seems that the series has been appreciated by the critics, with several of them describing it as a must-watch. USA TODAY described it as one of 2025's best shows, while the Los Angeles Times described it as predictable but timely. However, it is the Variety review that was the most glowing. It read:

"“Boots” is a delightful, heartfelt watch. It is about a young man gaining introspection and a sense of maturity in an extraordinarily challenging and repressive environment. On the eve of the Gulf War, the audience is introduced to several young men (and a couple of women) who are pulled together by circumstance and pushed to the brink as they slowly, and often painfully, learn exactly who they are and what they are made of."

Trending

All eight episodes of the series are accessible for viewing through Netflix. Catch it as soon as you can on the streaming platform.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback