"Boots" - thoughts and little details I especially liked (part I)
Ok, so - I watched "Boots" on Netflix 3 times now and while I had to fully concentrate on the plot during my first watch, I could spend more time on the details and characters during second and third watch. There were so many great details which I only realized during rewatching, so I had the urge to take notes and talk about the show here, because it won't leave my mind - it's so damn good!
Obviously: SPOILER WARNING!
Episode 1:
I didn't get the scene with Nash during shaving, where he's swearing and McKinnon gives him another can (shaving powder). Only after researching I found out that obviously black men have different shaving needs than white men - interesting!
Miles Heizer's acting is fantastic in general in this series; in this episode I especially liked the look he gave his inner self during his monologue in the night: "I have to lock it up." - "You mean lock ME up!" - "Never" <-he has such a warm and confident look on his face here <3
Sullivan's monologue during the 96-Scene - LOVE! How he's always adressing the right people (I remember John -> too lazy, Slovacek -> thinks he's invincible and of course Cope, who shouldn't be there at all
Episode 2:
In the beginning, while running, Slovacek is teasing Ray and asks "did he [Cope] suck you?" - and Sullivan, hearing it, immediately shuts him off with a "silence on my track!" - trying to protect?
I love how both McKinnon and Howitt are suspicious about Sullivan and kind of eyeball him - also love how Sullivan ignores Howitt's sexist joke about Fajardo (fun fact: in the german dubbing he says something like "looks like you have a crush on the Captain!" which has a completely different tone to me. The word play with "Fa-hard-on" works way better in this context!)
Man, I LOVE Sullivan's expression when he hears that Cope threw piss on Slovacek :D He looks kind of "Damn! Who would have thought...!" :D Would love to see a GIF of that!
I thought it was such a nice, cute little detail how Ochoa is startled when the platoon once shouts "KILL!". This is so symptomatic for his kind-hearted nature <3
Damn, I looooved when "Blue monday" (New Order) played in the background during the obstacle course!! This song has a great energy - speaking of which: I realized that Cope's fear of Slovacek probably helps him complete the "obstacle course in sufficient time", as Sullivan said :D
Episode 3:
Another thing the german dubbing is hiding: Santos speaking in spanish to Ochoa! Can't believe they skipped that, I only realized this when rewatching in english. Such a cool and important (!) detail for their bond, even if Ochoa doesn't speak spanish!
When Sullivan get's the "watch your six"-Letter from Wilkinson: Did you notice how Sullivan looks at Cope before saying that "New Jersey houswife"-thing? To me, he looks afraid, in panic, like "quick, flee from here!" - what a beautiful detail!
The fact that even Howitt seems to be surprised by Sullivan's sudden outburst of anger and vandalizing the room!
God, the stairway to heaven scene!! One of my absolute favourites. I held my breath the whole time, couldn't believe how careful Sullivan was - and had no idea what he would say to Cope afterwards. Fantastic!
"He gets an oorah for his poorah!" - XD this was sooo damn funny! I really don't like jokes with/about that topic - but they filmed it quite subtle in my opinion, so I could enjoy it (and feel the relief :D
I think Nash's confidence already starts to crumble when McKinnon sends him 20 rounds around the property for leaving his squad behind - it doesn't start with the diary reading, but here. He seems so confused and disappointed that he got this punishment
And I think Sullivan realizes during the gas chamber training that Cope has potential (love the soft "...go.." he says to Cope!) - not only during the dumpster scene in Ep. 4
Episode 4:
I think it's such a great detail that they included Howitt being suspicious and talking to McKinnon about it during swim week - and how McKinnon shuts it off ("we're not a sewing circle") - I really think McKinnon is very fair and I like him very much!
After Ray's panic attack Cope says to Santos (?) "He's not as good at failing as I am" - and immediately Sullivan appears out of howhere. Love how Cope quickly looks away fom Sullivan! It almost seems as if Sullivan wanted to interrupt Cope's thoughts about failing - but maybe that's just my interpretation
How Sullivan and McKinnon IMMEDIATELY come to protect Ray when suddenly that abusive Sergeant Knox appears - love this detail!!
Again - Miles Heizer's acting when Hicks suggests to kill Knox - he's like "what the-?!" and shakes his head, this is SO well played :D
Sullivans smug as fuck expression when McKinnon shouts at the platoon for loosing their toiletpaper! Would love to see a GIF or screenshot, he looks so different here, loved this expression! :) Also: Sullivan's glance at Cope after Nash read that "kinda faggy" - it's again such a emotional expression, like a "see? Told you to better leave...", it contains hurt and worry but also still his sternness.
Once more the german dubbing doesn't show that Fajardo calls her mum in spanish! How cool is that!? What a fantastic detail and how incredibly enraging that they didn't adapt that! I don't get it...
How Sullivan get's a bit teary eyed the moment Fajardo asks "you have family, Sergeant" and he says "no mam, this is it!" :(
That scene where Ochoa and Santos steal the toiletpaper - I LOVE their dialogue! Ochoa is so damn sweet but I finally also sympathized with Santos because of his "I am not judging" (Ochoa's crying) and his knee-situation
and yes, of course that dumpster scene - boy, what a FANTASTIC scene!! I love how their voices transport their emotions so incredibly well - you can hear Copes pain when he quotes Sullivan's words of him not belonging here. Also Sullivans "Matters what you fucking think." It's so pressed and full of build up energy. I love that you can feel that these words are his personal opinion, his honest advice to cope - it's not his DI personality speaking here
how happy and content Sullivan is, after signing his reenlistment papers - he got inspired by Cope and his own words reminded him of what he really lives for - goooood, his arc is so damn heartbreaking! :(
Will make a second post with my thoughts about the second half of the season (edit: It's here )Thank you sooo much, if you really read that far <3 Please let me hear your thoughts and opinions, do you agree/disagree, did you see other details? Please talk to me about it, LOVE talking about this series!! <3
*each Boots character and what kinks or preferences they have, the Dos and Don't of 2032, bedroom edition — all assumed gay but are also applicable to other preferences*
🪖Disclaimer: adult content. Reader discretion is advised. 🪖
Characters: Sullivan, Howitt, Mckinnon, Cope, McAffey, J. Bowman, C. Bowman, Hicks and Slovacek
Notes: Nash, Santos and Jones will be added at a later time.
Note 2: all the characters are depicted with a "gender neutral partner" as much as possible. Some parts may have slipped my hands. But that's unintentional.
Note 3: all characters here are assumed as functioning adults.
"Like, reblog and comment. And most importantly l, enjoy."
Sergeant sullivan:
Assuming Aaron Wilkinson is Sullivan's type and not an odd interest, we can say he has a thing for bulky, buff hairy men. He clearly prefers to be the bigger spoon as well. But going by speculation, i think he is a true switch. I think he definitely brings his military lifestyle to the bedroom but not his rank. I would say that's the one thing he doesn't want in the bedroom, to be someone's superior or subordinate. But he does bring his hard working, disciplined and attention to detail training. He thrives on denial, ruined orgasms and some punishments (to and by him). He excels at being quiet and holding in pleas of release or moans of pleasure. He is comfortable enough with his body in the military or even after sex, but during sex, i think, he is shy and would try to hide a bit. Any compliment or praise about his dick will turn him red head to toe (He has an unrivalled praise kink). Because he always holds himself up to such impossible standards, it's actually good for him to be set up on impossible missions, rigged to fail. He might not show it but he is still struggling with internalized homophobia and a good way to ease him out of that mindset is, to just put him in front of a mirror. Make him see his own face and how 'pretty' he looks. He would like a little bit of pain or discomfort as a good punishment but the best way to ruin him would be to just praise him and pleasure him in front of a mirror. One other thing, try and make him verbal. Demand that he talks about what he is feeling and how good he feels. It would be difficult but then he will make such sweet expressions trying to hide his face. Sullivan isn't naturally so submissive or subdued but he is very reserved and will bottle up even his pleasure. So dragging those parts out of him are the best sights in the world. Intimacy can be difficult for Liam, he can have sex easily but freely and emotionally enjoying it will require practice and slowly exploring boundaries. He needs some time to calm down and adjust after sex. So drawing him a warm bath and then cuddling with no words said is a good start. As i said, he is still struggling so sometimes he might cry afterwards or become really withdrawn but that's not necessarily a bad sign, it just means he felt good and now he can't accept that he allowed himself to feel good. Liam needs patience and soft cuddling. Sometimes just slow, nonverbal, soft sex while cuddling and not looking at each other in the eyes. He isn't proud of it, but he is trying. He might get curious about some new kinks but he might be very slow and shy to bring them up and even then, he might not be up to try them. With Liam, there is a fine line between 'slut praising' and 'slut shaming' and sometimes it's like finding your way through a mine field (note: this could be aimed towards him or his partner.) Because it is one thing to praise him for being open and needy and freely 'whorish'(affectionate) but if the emphasis is on the W word than he might shut down.
Sergeant Mckinnons
While he has a stern exterior, in truth, he is a softy. He is a soft Dom, a service Dom who loves wrangling pleasure out of his subs and he gives praise very generously. He is a lifestyle Dom, i think, so he would be making rules even outside of sex.( breakfast at 7 am sharp, shower, shave etc.) He has a good leather fetish and has the most expensive of leather clothes. I don't know if he smokes but i think he occasionally indulges in smoking big cuban cigars. And his partner would be there, just holding the ashtray, for hours perhaps. He likes to blindfold and gag his partner, as a way to completely erase unnecessary worries from his partners. He likes it if his partner clings to him or scratch up his back. He will participate in some soft impact play with a leather crop. He also likes cockwarming and has an expensive and soft cushion for his partner to kneel on for hours while he does paperwork. He loved his partner's neck and will bite it, hold it, squeeze it softly or adorn it with various materials. Mckinnon has a breeding kink as well, and will so fully indulge in the obvious size difference that he has with his partner. Just pick them up, breed them and feel his own outline on their body. He is a man of discipline and integrity, and as such, i think he sticks to a routine of aftercare like a religious ritual. Messaging his partner with various oils and a warm bath and turns into a lazy make out session that leads nowhere. He isn't a man that absolutely needs to have sex all the time, sometimes just controlling his partner's schedule is pleasurable enough and it works well for the times he is stuck on base in a stuffy duty hut away from home. He loves giving praise and rewards and his complete domination comes from a place of needing to take care and provide for his beloved rather than control. So that even when he is stuck in a duty hut, away from his home he can still feel involved with his partner and take care of them.
Sergeant Howitt
Rope bunny. This man loves to be tied up and restrained. I also know for a fact this man has a competency kink. Just see how he went googoo for a recon man. He is a bottom. Even if he is the top, he is still the bottom. Service top at best. He is a sweet kind and emotional man. Who might just cry after sex. If he and his partner finish at the same time? He cries, because it's romantic. He is not shy at all and will practically put himself on display. I wouldn't say he has a degradation kink because that assumes you can degrade him but he is shameless. So unabashedly freely happy to be horney and needy and eager. Call him a slut? His response: Hell yeah. Just tie him down and use him as you want. Take pictures or videos of him. Send those videos to him with mail while he is at work and have him turn red and excited. He has a uniform kink as well and absolutely has had sex in his dress blues. In fact, he has worn his dress blues during an annual marines gala with rope underneath. Play on his competency kink, just tell him he's useless and that his partner needs to do everything right themselves. And watch how he pants shamelessly. Howitt loves a bit of pain. Actually, he likes a good chunk of pain, ropeburns digging into his skin, a good red welt on his back. He loves to show off how well he can take it all. He is horny. Always. He is never not down to get raunchy. Make outs with him are always sloppy and wet and filled with bites. With all of that being said, i did say he was romantic and he is. He will be sprawled on the bed naked with rose petals and candles around. He will have a rose in his mouth and wiggle his brows as he shows off to his partner how he tied himself up with ribbons like an explicit gift. He will say 'i love you' and 'you're beautiful' at the most kinkiest and most explicit moments. He can also be a bit goofy as well. Peppering his partner's face with little chaste kisses while in the most unholy of positions. The best part is? He can absolutely tear those ropes up release himself from any bindings. He just genuinely enjoys being restrained and held at mercy. Sex with Howitt can be very kinky and exciting but it is always emotionally and mentally easy. He never makes things seem too serious or deeper than they need to. He is the easiest person to explore newfound kinks with not because he is down to try anything, he has some limits, but because he makes it all seem so easy and uncomplicated. That being said he will propose to his partner during sex.
Cameron Cope
The impression that Cope gave me is that he definitely sees sex as an intimate thing and not just something to get quick release out of. He also has a thing for handsome, suave, charming men. He likes chiseled chests and strong thick arms. He does like to feel safe in a strong embrace. Once he feels confident and safe enough, his inner cam becomes his default personality in the bedroom and will absolutely top from the bottom. He is a switch and is definitely a bottom but he is bossy and sassy and loves pushing buttons. Pool sex is a favored option. Don't even try to praise him or shame him, sexy Cam is too assured in himself to care.what his partner can do is just compliment the shit out of Cam. 'God, you're beautiful.' Would be responded with:' i know babe. I know.' This Cam, is a marine and a gay man, the sass and confidence is unrivaled. Once he get's his freak going Cam will put his partner on a leash and boss them around mercilessly. Cam will be a tease. An absolute monstrous tease. Although never at work (base), Cam will freely partake in some risky outdoor sex or hand jobs. He also will grow a fondness with wearing lipstick and leaving it's messy mark on his partner. Still, for Cam, sex isn't just fun and games and he has an immense self control. He will not have sex or do anything sexual if it isn't meaningful and with someone he feels a connection with. Because he needs to feel that spark, that love and that safety to freely be that zesty, sassy version of himself that's usually in his head. But once he feels that spark? All bets are off. Because the Cameron that emerges, will try anything once, then twice and then trice just to make sure. He likes giving hand jobs and blow jobs. It is both an act of service to his partner but also an act of taking control of his partner's pleasure. He wants his partner to cum, it's just that it has to be him that decides when and how. Not to mention, that he knows how he looks with wet eyes and puffy lips and he will abuse that power. He might get into cross dressing. (Inspire by that one particular photo we have all seen.) Getting into, not quite drag, but close enough. Wearing lingerie and corsets and tights with heels, confusing everyone who meets him and giving everyone a healthy dose of gay panic. His favoure position would be on his back or against a wall, seemingly submissive but with his marine corps training he can flip the table if the need arises. Because of his experience in the corps and because he is still an active duty member, Cam toes a line of truly experimenting with his sexuality and freely being himself and being hyper vigilant of those who might seek to abuse him or take advantage of him. He likes to play the role of the teasing babe who doesn't care about who sees him or who he turns on out in the club, but he also has used every bit of his marine corps training to make sure there is no one there that could recognize him, cause him trouble or even think about crossing boundaries with him. Cam made a promise that he wouldn't erase who he is, he just hones his skills to be able to protect that side if himself. He may be out and about, teasing soldiers, truckers, other men with his tiny waist and heels and shorts and crop, but he won't let them touch him because that side of him only comes out if he 100% feels safe and loved. And if anyone think they can bully him for his wig, or his heels or his collection of red lipstick? They are going to meet the business end of a Marine's fist.
Ray McAffey
Still as much of a lead ball as he was during float lessons. He wants to be romantic, and suave and cool but he will fumble it and turn into a sputtering mess. Definitely a blushing, sputtering mess. Will finish too fast if teased. He is a top leaning switch because he cannot relax for the life of him to be a bottom. He is a sweet caring man, anything you need or want he will provide. An extra pillow to support your back? Done. Lights on or off? Done. But don't expect this nervous led ball to be adventurous. He will combust. He can try his best, as i will get into his perfectionism, he will try his best to get through whatever escapade you want him to. As for his perfectionism? Yup. Still there. As prevalent as ever. Give him a task and he will commit to it like he is cleaning his rifle. Like his life depends on it. He is meticulous, rigorous, unyielding and methodical in the way he commits himself to anything that pleases his partner. The partner may give a small implication to something and the next day (or night) Ray is there with a map, a step by step plan and the conviction of a warrior ready to defend a stronghold to his dying breath. He is also a very romantic and soft person. He is openly affectionate and sweet. Not necessarily explicit in the way some others are but he is pute of heart (and dumb of ass).
John Bowman
Surprisingly Vanilla as far as kinks go. But he is a big strong man and he knows how to use his strength. He will pick up his partner every chance he gets. Against the wall, against the counter, against the railing, everywhere. He would have some concerns over crushing his partners underneath so that's not a position he entertains much. But while he doesn't have a lot of kinks, he will try almost any position thunkable to man, especially if it means using his strength to his advantage. Big fan of sweeping their partner off their feet into big passionate kisses that last very very long. A man of unrivaled domestic fluff. Also post workout sex, i feel that would end up being part of his daily domestic routine.
Cody Bowman
He is kinkier than his brother but definitely not as bold. He has a lingerie kink, his partner will have all the lace and fishnets and silks as well as feathers. He will tear underwear with his teeth. Very good at giving head of any kind (Surprisingly). Cody is a reserved man, he isn't someone who is too loud with his emotions or kinks. The few that he has he will be a bit shy about them at first but once he is assured that his kinks are welcomed and reciprocated, he will indulge freely if strictly privately. He is also a private man and will not entertain any public implications, romantic or sexual. He is very professional also so don't even think about desecrating the sanctity of his dress blues, he will die. But that is not to say he will not reassure his partner of his affections. Just don't really expect anything much more than chaste kisses, side hugs and reassuring squeezes on the shoulder or leg. However, once they are both in the privacy of his home he will fully and completely unleash his depravity. And by depravity i mean his love and adoration for his wonderful partner. He has grabby hands, and will paw at his partner any chance he gets. Will try to wrap his partner in his arms every chance he gets. He is also a tigh man and loves a good tones and well athletic body for his partner. Master of peppering long trail of soft kisses.
Thaddius Hicks
Costumes. Sexy librarian, sexy principal, sexy priest anything. Loves risky sex. Balcony, church, office, car anywhere and anytime. He is the tongue master. Is definitely an ass man. He might also have a knife fetish. I don't mean he wants to cut people up while having sex, I mean just hold one naked and he is ready to go or to threaten to stab him out of annoyance. (Please threaten him) he is as weird in sex as he is in everything else. The bedroom look he gives his partner is more like a slasher in movies. The opening lines to flirting are always something unhinged and unimaginable. He will give his partner whiplash with all of his strange talk over and over again. His partner needs to master either the art of "is it a threat or is hi flirting?" Or the subtle are of "this is a threat and i am turned on." He will talk about strange things mid sex. Including but not limited to: mortars and artillery, alligators, chemical components, bombs and other wonderfully un-sexy things that turn him on. He is the master of surprises. Never a dull moment with this man. Even i am not creative and weird enough to imagine anything he would do. Sex while free jumping out of a plane? Kisses while rock climbing? Some suggestive gropping while hunting? Sure why not. He will find a way. His partner mist absolutely be a "yes and..." person other wise they would die of aneurism. Also, sex in the ocean while surrounded by sharks. Absolutely. He will never say no to anything. Ever. It is impossible to find a situation where this man's sense of self preservation would ever kick in and say: no, thank you.
Nikolas Slovacek
Very vocal during sex. He is very vocal and prefers a vocal partner. Talk to him, walk him through it. Talk about fantasies, order him around moan, whimper or scream his name. The more their partner is vocal, the more vocal he gets himself. Orgasm control because he is a little shit even in bed. Will bite. Definitely a chest man (pecks or boobs) and absolutely goes mad over big perky niples he can bite. Definitely a dominant top, but still he is self aware enough to make things more lighthearted by cracking a joke or two. Car sex all the way. Car sex while driving. Pet names, if his partner calls him by pet names he is done for. And will almost exclusively refer to their partner by a cheesy sweet pet name. He is yet another man who loves to have sex in uniform. His jungle camos or his dress blues. and if his partner has uniforms? Wear them. He loves a good role playing. Be the doctor/nurse who patches up this lonely injured shoulder. Or the principal who wants to talk to him in their office. Loves to see his partner in his own uniform, it drives him wild. Mind you, sexual Nikolas is not the sam as romantic Nikolas. Because those are two different side of the same coin. Romantic Nik comes out if it's their first time having sex with that partner, or their partner's first time period. Then, he is flustered, and tries (so hard but also maybe fails a little) to be gentle and soft and sweet and romantic. Will exclusively use the pet name 'Baby'. Romantic Nik get's flustered if he is kissed on the nose, but sexual Nik will pour dip on his partners body so he can sexualize his KFC experience. Nikolas is one of those guys who is open to PDA, he will take his partner by the waist and will pull them down to a deep kiss in front of his entire base. He is so proud of himself for doing that. But doesn't actually go around saying actually personal things to them but he will proudly show off any hickies he might have gotten or worse he might have given his partner. He might be interested in a bit of a free use action in his home. Just between himself and his partner. The though that he could just, do it anywhere anytime makes him dizzy. But mostly, he would like to have kitchen sex. Maybe put a bit of cream on his partner and lick it all up. For the most part he isn't very kinky, as much as he is somewhat hypersexual. He can't keep his paws off his partner. What he is though, is one of the most possessive of the men. He will not stop hilding his partner in his arms to ward off unwanted asshole.( literally anyone) if his partner leave the bed while he is sleeping? He is awake in five seconds and angrily looking for his partner to drag them back to bed. He is so openly aggressively possessive that might sabotage his relationship. But he will eventually grow a system, to both express his possessive ness and not cross lines with his partner. Either through the affirmation hickies, or through his partner wearing his clothes or some good old fashioned cum play. (Imagine that as you like)
Just finished my 8th rewatch and I still have so many thoughts about this show, like...
How Fajardo and Cope both get to hear Sullivan saying "I'm sorry to let you down" 💔😭
How Barbara Cope looks at Captain Fajardo helplessly when Cameron asks her to sign the paper for him. She turns around to Fajardo as if she expects support from her. And how she then has to pluck Cameron's hand from his back to raise it to her cheek...
How empathic Fajardo is with Cam in that situation. She doesn't speak much, but her looks tell so much!
The choice of music after Fajardo told Sullivan in the swamp that he will be arrested after finishing the Crucible. The moment she turns away, Sullivan takes off his cap and remembers all his moments - and the music isn't nearly as sad as I expected it to be. It's actually even a bit uplifting, as if he's relieved that it's over...
How Santos blames Howitt to be racist, but calls Ray "chino" (spanish for chinese), even after Ray made it clear that he doesn't like being called that way....
How in that last nightly speech after finishing the Crucible, during the "sweat dries, blood clots...", McKinnon and Howitt stand next to each other as usual - but there's still space in the frame where Sullivan used to stand... but now he's missing.... 😭💔
Captain Fajardo (BOOTS) - "Strong woman", done right
Here's a spotlight post about Captain Fajardo - because I think she's a great example how a female character in a male dominated environment can be portrayed as strong AND empathic without being over the top or stereotypic (and because I love her and there are not enough posts about her :)
I think the writers of the show managed to give her this great duality of being a hardass who's not fucking around, while also still being empathic/soft and fair. She doesn't need the stereotypical screaming /shouting /physical appearance to be perceived as strong. Sometimes we even see both of these sides of her in one single scene:
The inspection (ep 4)
We see her inspecting the platoon, recruit by recruit. We know that she has an eye on the progress of the platoon, she watched the pugil stick excercise and the swim training. With Ray, she seems to be quite strict (raising her eyebrows when she scrapes up some dirt on his weapon, putting the finger in his "swim week wound", asking "how's swim week?"). This may be because she knows he's already pretty good and expects more of him.
To Cam she says "I remember you, you had a rough start in pugil sticks" - but then gives him the chance to shine by asking him about the red stripe on the pants. Cam gives the correct answer in the correct manner and she responds with the great sentence "Doesn't matter where you start recruit, but where you end up." - which I love because this is such a great motivation for Cam, acknowledging that his past doesn't count, but what he's achieving.
And then, when Ochoa fucks up the correct way of presenting the rifle, she's not shouting or getting angry, no, she says "That's one way of doing it, recruit!", while Ochoa is aware that it was wrong. I like she's saying it that way, because it's pointing out it was wrong without beating him for it. When Ochoa messes up his reply to the rifle-question, she just asks if he's excited to fire the weapon - probably catching how nervous he is. Then the snake appears - and instead of getting angry, shout or scream, she just crushes it - and orders Ochoa to clean his weapon with an icy tone, giving McKinnon a deadly stare.
It's totally clear she's in charge and that she can be menacing, everybody shows great respect - without her having to shout once in the entire season. And still, she's so human and heartfelt.
after the NCIS interogation (ep 5)
(GIFs by @vilcade )
This might be the best example how she shows both her care and authority. She reassures Sullivan she has his back, she will support him. Then, in the second GIF it seems as if she remembers to slip into her Captain shoes again, changes her expression and body language and gives Sullivan an order - to care for himself. This is such a great scene, because it shows she's a good leader, caring for her subordinates and knowing what they're going through (again, empathy!).
Concerning this topic, I also like how she defends Howitt and her decisions on fron of the General after Ochoa died.
I know that she also fights for herself and her job here and that she'll probably lose her position because of what happened. But she defends Howitt by underlining that he's been a "model Marine", here and in his previous position. She's not leaving his side and that shows good leadership. (Also: Love this picture and the physical differences between her and the men, all being built like tanks. And: Poor Howitt looking devastated here :/
Fajardo and Sullivan in the office (ep 4(?)
(GIFs by @paperclipsentimental )
This is one of my favourite scenes with her. Again, she feels very human here, showing a range of emotions without losing her composure or feeling soft, she's always a Captain here - but very human.
Sullivan tells her he decided not to reenlist. She's clearly surprised, asks "Family needs you back on the farm?" (1st GIF). Sullivan answers "nothing like that ma'am". She gets a little impatient, demanding an answer with "then what?!" (2nd GIF), assuming "you have a family, Sergeant" (3rd GIF). When Sullivan answers he doesn't see a future in the Marines, she's clearly flabbergasted "you don't see a future here? YOU? Silver star, recon commendations at your ass, no future?! This place was built for you Sergeant. If I had your opportunities I'd be the goddamn Commandant!" -> I especially love her voice at "this place was built for you, Sergeant". It sounds somehow so soft and understanding, intimate and motivating. She's clearly seeing Sullivan's potential, wanting him to take his chance and not throw it away. She believes in him. And then asks provocatively, showing her strict, superior side: "or was I wrong about you?" - just like McKinnon later tries so motivate Nash to stay.
Also her "If I had your opportunities" could be read as a hint to her struggles being a female and a latina in the Marines. Like "be aware of your white male privileges, Sullivan!" (sure, their ranks are not comparable - but still). With this "opportunity"-sentence, she shows a tiny bit vulnerability in my opinion, highlighting where her opportunities end and Sullivan's begin.
Fajardo and Sullivan in the woods (ep 8)
(shitty quality screenshot, sorry!)
Here we also see her duality, although it's more mixed with anger. She's quite emotional in this scene, can't believe how Sullivan is self-sabotaging and throwing away his opportunities, his career: "your whole career, gone over some pissant?!", adding "I told you I had you back at this Guam-thing", once again expressing her support for him. Sullivan just answers "there's nothing you could do, ma'am." That's when she gets really angry: "Fuck them! And fuck you for letting them win!" (I really like that last sentence, because it shows how she'd seen the whole thing as a fight 'we against them', like she's used to fight for achiving goals and she's so disappointed that Sullivan gives up. She really, really wanted to help. I think she really saw her limits when Sullivan called her that night in the bar - but I really can't blame her. Who would have thought Sullivan would react that way?!).
She then goes full authority, "I'd pull your ass offf this field right now, but I don't have the manpower to cover you.", ordering him to finish this mission, bringing back every recruit as a Marine - "and then you're done". She doesn't bow. Her compassion ends here, her patience as well. And that's so realistic. It's a great choice to make her believable. Sullivan had her support, but she can only do so much. as he said "There's nothing you could do, ma'am." And I hate him for that.
And then there are a few other scenes which made her feel warm and real: (picture by @sheletlune )
when she visits McKinnon at hime after the birth of his child. I think we never know if she calls him by his first name in this context, but given the fact that she calls his wife "Portia", I assume she does. To see them meeting in private is a really nice touch. Her conversation with McKinnon is so well written because it shows how they both (black man and a female latina) had to struggle harder than anyone else to get to their position. Oh, and I just realize - I appreciate they didn't show a scene where she's paying close attention to the baby, the stereotypical thing women do when seeing a newborn. She might have greeted the baby at first sight, but it's not shown, which is so refreshing! Not all women are crazy for babies. This and the fact how she speaks about her sister on the phone (something like "I'd rather not spend the money or time because my sister can't live without love!") strengthen my idea about her being single and having no children and being happy about it.
when Barbara told Cam the truth about his age. Fajardo is there in the background, stating the facts, but otherwise stays clear of the drama and lets Barbara and Cam figure things out without intervening. I also love how she remains silent, even when Barbara looks at her helplessly when Cam asks her to sign the waiver. Look at Fajardo's face here, saying "that's totally up to you! I'm out!"
When Barbara has left, she smiles warmly at Cam, plucks away a lose hair on his uniform (which I think is a caring gesture - think of Cam doing the same to Nash!) and orders him to join his platoon.
I really love this character so, so much and she's acted so well! Also, she's played by Ana Ayora - what a beautiful name is that!? <3
Finished my 4th rewatch of Boots... And guess who I found in the background (Episode 8, after finishing the Crucible, when Mckinnon tells Cope there's his mom waiting at Fajardo's office):
It's Greg Cope White himself, the author of "The pink Marine" (the man with glasses)!!
What a cool little easter egg 😁 See, there's always something new with this show ❤️ But watching episode 8 never gets easier... 💔
I was thinking. I really like the idea that after finishing boot camp, Cameron Cope got an unusual growth spurt and became tall and wide and build like a brick shit house. I like that i dea mostly because of the reunion scenario implication: Sullivan meets Cam after many years ( minimum of 4) and he can't believe his eyes. Cameron Cope, maybe a Corporal or maybe a sergeant then, is now taller than Sullivan, broader than Sullivan. I really like that idea. A giant Cope that is still a softie on the inside, who is still a bit awkward and is mostly kind and casual. A well adjusted guy who just now can pick up Sullivan with one arm and sweep him off his feet. Yes he is a badass, a Gunnery Sergeant who seems to be to young and has done too much. A hero. But someone who smiles and loves openly.
But also, i have another possibility. Cam never get much taller or any more muscular than we see. BUT, he becomes a thousand time deadlier. Just like his other verion he is in Force Recon but now, he is a menace. His eyes are dead and cold, he has too many confirmed kills and he hasn't smiled in years. He has turned into the embodiment of a marine. He has no personal items, hasn't been the same Cam ever since his first deployment. Even Ray or any of his boot camp brothers can't recognize him. Doesn't matter if the military is now more open, this Cope doesn't have a heart. Ans this time, when he sees Sullivan, it's with dead indifference and covered in blood and gore. Cam doesn't even think about that Sullivan is a familiar last name, he doesn't care than Ray is worried about him. This Cope looks almost exactly the same as he did in boot camp, but all that made him Cameron Cope is all but memory. And it makes Sullivan mourn the death of those big, bright eyes that were full of life. This Cameron has killed many with his bare hands and haven't had love or affection for many many years.
Which one would you think is something that would happen?
