As “9-1-1” gears up for its eighth season, significant changes are anticipated in the dynamic between characters Eddie Diaz and Evan Buckley. Showrunner Tim Minear has provided insights into how their evolving personal lives will impact their relationship.
Eddie Diaz, portrayed by Ryan Guzman, and Evan Buckley, played by Oliver Stark, have undergone considerable transformations since the conclusion of the previous season.
Eddie is now living independently, while Buck has publicly come out as bisexual and is involved in a relationship with Tommy Kinard, portrayed by Lou Ferrigno Jr. These developments are expected to influence their interactions in the forthcoming episodes.
Impact of Buck’s New Relationship
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Minear discussed the shift in Buck and Eddie’s relationship dynamics. According to Minear, Buck and Tommy are solidifying their bond, with the couple becoming more comfortable in their relationship. This change will inevitably affect Buck’s availability and his interactions with Eddie.
“While Buck and Tommy are definitely a couple now, their relationship demands more of Buck’s time,” Minear explained. “This means that Buck won’t be as readily available to Eddie as he was before. It’s not so much that Eddie will be left out, but rather that Buck’s priorities are shifting”, as quoted in a report by Screenrant.
Potential Reversal of Roles
Minear’s comments suggest a reversal of the roles that Eddie and Buck have previously occupied. Eddie, who had a supportive role in Buck’s life, now finds himself in a position where he might feel isolated. This shift follows a tumultuous end to season 7, where Eddie’s son, Christopher (Gavin McHugh), moved in with his grandparents after discovering Eddie’s deception regarding a woman who resembled Christopher’s late mother.
Eddie’s new status as a bachelor and his solitary living situation may exacerbate his feelings of loneliness and neglect. This development could pave the way for a deeper exploration of Eddie and Buck’s relationship, which has been a subject of fan speculation and support since Eddie’s introduction in season 2.
Fan Reactions and Future Possibilities
The fanbase for Eddie and Buck, who have been vocal about their desire to see the characters develop a deeper connection, might find this new dynamic both intriguing and challenging.
Buck’s jealousy over Eddie’s friendship with Tommy was evident in earlier episodes of season 7, with speculation about unresolved feelings between the two friends. Although this thread has not been prominently revisited, the upcoming season may address these concerns.
Minear hints that the show might revisit the popular pairing of Eddie and Buck, though he refrains from revealing too much ahead of the season’s premiere. The potential for exploring this angle, particularly with Eddie feeling neglected, could provide new narrative depth and satisfy longstanding viewer interest.
