‘Boots’ marches in with comedy and combat boots

The first episode of “Boots,” which debuted Oct. 9 on Netflix, doesn’t begin with war drills or solemn flag-raising. Instead, it feels like the first day of summer camp: nervous arrivals, awkward introductions, and plenty of laughs. A classic flashback drops us into “how we got here,” quickly setting the tone. This is not your typical military drama.

Based on Greg Cope White’s memoir “A Pink Marine,” “Boots” is a coming-of-age dramedy about Cameron Cope, played by Miles Heizer (“13 Reasons Why”), a closeted gay teen who impulsively joins the Marines because his life “needs a change.” What follows is part boot camp comedy, part queer love letter to survival and part meditation on identity, belonging and resilience.

Creator and co-showrunner Andy Parker said that from the beginning, he kne