The eighth episode of Boots commences with the announcement of the Crucible, the final test that spans 54 grueling hours. It's a simulated war scenario, and those who falter will be cut from the ranks. Those who triumph will be granted the honor of becoming Marines, with the top recruit earning the prestigious title of Honor Man. The recruits gear up, as Ray checks on Cameron, who insists he's good to go. Jones, on the other hand, has given up, participating half-heartedly. To toughen him up, Sullivan tasks Jones with being Cameron's responsibility.
Barbara's journey is one of self-discovery and regret. The Marine Moms have blacklisted her, and June keeps a watchful eye on her. Barbara believes Cameron is as good as lost, due to his frailty. In her attempt to make him strong, she employed a tough love approach that turned her into a stern mother. June assures her that it's never too late to be a good mother. Encouraged by this, Barbara attends Cameron's graduation with a gift and finds his birth certificate, revealing he's just 17, a minor. She believes Cameron was trying to make a point and doesn't actually want to be a Marine. She offers to pull him out, but Cameron has finally found his place and wants to stay. Barbara is confused but gives her permission.
The twins' conflict stems from Mr. Bowman's death. They are granted leave to attend his funeral but must redo their Crucible. Cody is on his way out when he sees John still there. Cody is confused and upset when John refuses to mourn their abusive father. Despite everything, Cody looked up to their father. He is caught in a web of conflicting emotions, and Nash pushes Slovacek to comfort him. Cody stays but tries to reason with his brother once more only to have John lash out at him. John believes Mr. Bowman and Cody never cared for him, so he owes them nothing. He goes as far as to disown Cody.
During the final stretch of the Crucible, the recruits discuss brotherhood, which hits Cody hard. He tries to fight John, but Slovacek and the others jump in and stop him. Cody ends up breaking down and crying as he realizes he's all alone in his grief.
How Santos navigates his journey is a testament to resilience. The last 12 hours have been a grueling ordeal for him, as he struggles with a painful knee injury that Ray, in a stealthy manner, constructs a makeshift brace for. However, they are well aware that a visit to the infirmary would mean a permanent exit from the program. As they make their final trek back to base, Santos begins to stumble. To assist him, Nash takes Santos' belongings and distributes them among the other recruits, lightening his load so he can complete the course alongside his peers.
As for Jones, we witness a complex dynamic at play. In his own unique way, Sullivan attempts to hone Cameron's fighting skills by provoking him through Jones. However, Jones resists the boot camp training and urges Cameron to follow his heart. This disillusionment also fuels Jones' desire to leave the corps. Despite Cameron's refusal to listen and his unwavering devotion to Sullivan as his role model, Jones remains determined in his intentions.
While the boys engage in their heated debate, they overhear Fajardo revoking Sullivan's authority for assaulting a civilian. Desperate for a solution, Jones begs Sullivan to sign his medical release as promised but it's too late. The following night, Jones suffers from a sleepwalking episode and falls into a swamp, breaking his leg.
The next morning, Sullivan sets out in search of them, accompanied by Cameron and Ray. Sullivan tries to send Cameron and Ray back but Cameron refuses, declaring that Ray no longer has to worry about him and sends him off to complete the Crucible. However, Cameron stays behind as he feels responsible for Jones. In the end, Jones is forced to leave the program due to his broken leg, which prevents him from finishing the Crucible.
The reason for Sullivan's flight is intricate and deeply personal. The trucker from the previous episode has taken the bold step of suing Sullivan for assault, while Fajardo is fuming with rage. He cannot comprehend why Sullivan would prefer an ignominious discharge rather than face the NCIS's accusations of being gay. Sullivan's surrender is a heartbreaking sight, and Fajardo's frustration boils over at his defeatist attitude, vowing to walk away once his recruits graduate.
As Sullivan searches for Jones, he finds solace in a heart-to-heart conversation with Cameron. He insists he's not a role model, but Cameron sees things differently. When they locate Jones, Sullivan calls for help and administers first aid. Instead of facing the consequences of assault or being arrested for his sexuality, he chooses to run away. He apologizes to Cameron for being too hard on him and believes his work is done, with all his boys now Marines.
Cameron carries Jones to Fajardo, and when asked about Sullivan, he's quiet. But the end of the episode brings its own form of closure. Cameron decides to finish the Crucible and runs back to base where the others are waiting. Except for Jones, all the recruits graduate and become Marines. It's graduation day, and Nash becomes Honor Man. Mr. McAffey is proud of Ray, while McKinnon greets Nash's parents with a mixture of pride and reluctance. Alice, the female recruit, gives her number to Ray. John graduates as well and thanks Cameron for his help during the strength test. Slovacek is impressed by Cameron's bravery in saving Jones and they shake hands.
Cameron apologizes to Ray for losing Honor Man due to the Jones incident, but Ray doesn't care; he'll always choose Cameron. As the episode ends, Cameron and Ray spot the news of the Gulf war and how the USA will be sending their troops. The episode ends with a sense of resolve and determination, as if the characters are ready to face whatever challenges may come their way.
