What to Watch: Boot Camp & Heavy Rivalry

On the heels of the cancellation of Netflix’s BOOTS, I need to just highlight the two shows we have applauded lately and really proud two networks continue to be strong voices for the LGBTQ community. If you haven’t had a chance to watch Boots, now is the time. A series based on the book The Pink Marine by George Cope White, is a biographical book based on White’s experience in the Marine Corps training in the 90’s. The book was published in 2016 to great acclaim, and created into a tv series by Andy Parker, who is relatively new to Netflix. The show premise and cast is absolutely brilliant. The writers to each of the actors and really gave dialogue that can make them shine. There is so much talent in the show. Miles Heizer (13 Reasons Why & Love, Simon) as White’s named character, British soap star Max Parker (no relation to the producer) and lucky duck to be in a Dr. Who episode. And newcomer Liam Oh. The show also features the amazing Vera Farmiga who has been wowing the horror movie world with the Conjuring movie series as the spirit world legend Lorraine Warren. While game themed, the menagerie of actors is actors is the perfect mix. Sadly the show will not see a second season, which leaves us with hanging for what happens to the characters.

Continuing the Gay theme, HBO’s Heated Rivalry is another hot hit right now. Based on the books by Rachel Reid. It’s all over social media, and we jumped into right after the first episode was released and was hooked. Do we watch hockey, no! While the gay storyline hooked us, the overall premise of the show and how it’s written is brilliant. The overall story layout of the show is well constructed and while there are many graphic sexual scenes each episode, the overall development of connections of characters. Now I know I am pushing gay content on this blog, and this could get me in trouble with the current administration. The fact I am even writing that sentence should rock everyone to their core. Boots had such a strong kick off on social media. The timing of it’s cancelling is extremely suspect.

My worry now is Rivalry could be next on the chopping block at HBO. Watching these stories unfold online shows us that there are still voices out there trying to educate and heal those are lost. You don’t have to watch shows like these but dictating what other can and cannot watch is simply a step towards authoritarianism. While these shows may not be your cup of tea, they both highlight the reality that the LGBTQ has rich history in all facets of the real world, even in times when most people think LGBTQ people didn’t exist, or simply eradicated. Keep watching, it’s the only way to truly save these shows. Broaden your understanding of the LGBTQ community and broaden your empathy.