I had the opportunity to sit down with series star Oliver Stark to break down the latest shocking developments for his character, firefighter Evan “Buck” Buckley.
The Bombshell About Tommy’s Past
Season 8, episode 6 of 9-1-1 saw Buck’s relationship with his boyfriend Tommy (Lou Ferrigno Jr.) hit a major roadblock when Buck learned a startling truth: Tommy used to be engaged to Abby (Connie Britton), Buck’s former great-love from the show’s first season.
Stark explains, “It rocks his world a little bit and sends him in somewhat of a spiral.” “We’ve come to know Buck as a hugely protective person—of strangers every day in his job, but even more so of the people he loves and cares about, Abby being one of those people. Knowing that Tommy has truly hurt her is a difficult situation for Buck to cope with.
Buck Grapples With His Sexuality
This unexpected reveal also forces Buck to confront his own journey of self-discovery. “Buck is new to this lifestyle, new to understanding himself and the queer experience,” Stark notes. Fortunately, a heartfelt conversation with his sister Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and her husband Josh (Bryan Safi) helps provide some much-needed perspective.
“I think a really nice moment between the characters was when Josh was able to guide him a little bit.” That conversation makes Buck realize how lucky and joyful he is.”
The Devastating Breakup
However, Buck’s newfound contentment is short-lived. When he decides to take the next big step and asks Tommy to move in, Tommy instead chooses to end their relationship.
Stark shares that it comes as a surprise. “Tommy is very much trying to protect himself, which I hold no judgment over. Unfortunately, Buck is merely a casualty of this situation.
Tim Minear, the co-creator and showrunner of 9-1-1, explains Tommy’s reasoning as follows: “Tommy likely entered this relationship with the understanding that his heart would eventually break, but the question was, ‘To what extent?'” How much of your heart are you willing to allow someone to capture? How much do you want it to be broken by the end? Buck is in his presence, and it is somewhat delightful, so it is worthwhile for him to endure a broken heart. Tommy understands that his happiness will eventually fade.
Turning To Eddie For Comfort
Devastated, Buck seeks solace from his closest confidant, fellow firefighter Eddie Diaz (Ryan Guzman). Stark notes that their bond speaks volumes about their friendship.
“It really shows the strength of their bond. Eddie’s is very much a moment of joy and release, and Buck’s is obviously quite a downer. However, they can still support each other despite their distinct approaches to handling things.
What’s Next For Buck?
Looking ahead, Stark teases that Buck will pour his heartbreak into “positive hobbies, pretty much to an obsessive degree,” which will provide some lighthearted moments for the cast. However, the cracks in his facade will eventually start to show.
“In typical Buck fashion, he’s going to keep moving forward and find a way to cope with it. The cracks will likely start to appear, but initially, he will maintain a mask and facade of ‘I’m okay’.
With Buck’s love life in turmoil and his closest friend Eddie also navigating personal struggles, the 118 Firehouse is sure to face more drama and upheaval in the episodes to come. Undoubtedly, 9-1-1 fans will remain glued to their screens to witness the ongoing development of these relationships.
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