Even as Bobby’s death crumbled the existing structure of 9-1-1, there was reason to believe that a proper feelings realization was coming for Buddie in the Season 8 finale. Prior to Bobby’s death, the second half of the season was building towards Buck and Eddie realizing just how much they mean to each other. Buck was confronted by both Tommy and Maddie about his feelings for Eddie. Meanwhile, moving back to Texas forced Eddie to think about why it was so hard for him to leave Buck, and what was at the root of their fight about him leaving. Even though I didn’t love how the fight about Bobby’s death was handled last week, this, too, was set up. The two were cruel to each other in their grief, but they ultimately came together as a family with Christopher (Gavin McHugh) and Pepa (Terri Hoyos).
The Season 8 finale is set up in a way that it felt like a feelings realization was coming. There is the long, lingering look that Eddie gives Buck when he learns that Buck doesn’t want to be captain and is planning to transfer out of the 118, but then they never talk about it. There is also the moment where Eddie shows up in his turnouts and pulls a heroic move to save Buck, Ravi (Anirudh Pisharody), and a resident of the collapsed building. The way that Buck looks at him then feels so weighted, and it seems like a deliberate choice to have Ravi hug Eddie, but Buck just fistbump him. What they feel for each other then is too heavy for a simple hug, and it seems to be setting up a later conversation that never comes.
Because Buck and Eddie’s connection was the main point of tension when Eddie moved back to El Paso, it made sense that this would ultimately be what brought him back to LA. Instead, though, Eddie moves back after Chimney (Kenneth Choi) tells him to. I am all for Captain Han laying down the law, but this felt like 9-1-1 trying to wrap everything up under the umbrella of Chimney becoming Captain, instead of actually leaning into the Buck and Eddie relationship. Buck’s reaction to Chimney’s declaration clearly has romantic undertones, but again, there is no onscreen conversation between Buck and Eddie after it’s decided that Eddie will be sticking around. After that, we see Buck looking at apartments as Eddie and Christopher move back into the house. 9-1-1 could have taken this moment to allow Buck, Eddie, and Christopher live together, even in a longer temporary period, as a family. Instead, Buck is moving out without an onscreen conversation between him and Eddie, and it’s unclear whether Eddie even knows that he’s planning to leave.
The Season 8 finale of ‘9-1-1’ had all the makings of a showstopper—intense rescues, emotional goodbyes, and jaw-dropping moments. But let’s be real for a sec: it fell painfully short in one crucial area. The elephant in the room? Buddie. Yep, the long-anticipated emotional evolution of Buck and Eddie’s relationship—platonic or romantic—was once again swept under the rug.
Let’s unpack how ‘9-1-1’ dropped the ball and why this missed opportunity stings for the fandom.
What Is Buddie and Why Does It Matter?
Who Are Buck and Eddie?
If you’re new here, Buddie is the fan-coined ship name for Evan “Buck” Buckley and Edmundo “Eddie” Díaz—two Los Angeles first responders with chemistry so electric it could power a city.
The Unspoken Bond
From co-parenting Christopher to rescuing each other from death-defying situations, Buck and Eddie’s relationship has layers. Fans aren’t just shipping them for wishful thinking—they see something real, raw, and frankly, revolutionary on-screen.
The Build-Up That Led to Nowhere
Seasons of Subtext
For eight seasons, we’ve watched these two share intense stares, heartfelt moments, and more emotional depth than some actual couples on the show. The emotional groundwork has been laid—and then some.
Season 8’s Missed Moment
Despite subtle teases and emotional build-up, the finale gave us… silence. No confirmation. No confession. Just a frustrating lack of closure. Fans expected a moment—a shift—but were met with business as usual.
The Frustration of Fans: It’s Not Just About Romance
Representation Matters
Many fans aren’t simply mad because their “ship” didn’t sail. They’re upset because representation matters. Buddie could’ve been groundbreaking—a portrayal of two men navigating love and family in a nuanced, non-tokenized way.
The Outcry Across Social Media
Twitter, Reddit, TikTok—every platform lit up with disappointment after the finale aired. Fans feel strung along, and rightly so. When emotional arcs are teased for years, viewers deserve a payoff.
Missed Payoff: How the Finale Played It Safe
Playing It Too Close to the Vest
Instead of pushing boundaries, ‘9-1-1’ played it safe. The finale leaned on traditional dynamics, wrapping up other arcs while leaving Buddie in narrative limbo.
Silence Isn’t Subtlety
Some may argue that the writers are going for a “slow burn.” But at this point, it feels less like storytelling and more like stalling.
What Could Have Been Done Differently?
A Simple Conversation
Even a heartfelt conversation between Buck and Eddie would have sufficed. Something authentic. Something honest. Instead, we got vague nods and emotional distance.
Let Them Be Vulnerable
Both men have had vulnerable arcs individually. Imagine the impact if they were allowed to be vulnerable together.
The Importance of LGBTQ+ Representation in Primetime TV
A Rare Opportunity
Network TV still lacks well-developed queer relationships, especially ones involving main characters in lead roles. Buddie could’ve been a milestone.
Playing It Safe = Missing the Point
By dodging the subject, the show not only missed a chance to connect—it actively disengaged a huge portion of its loyal fanbase.
Fan Loyalty and Emotional Investment
Emotional ROI (Return on Investment)
Fans have invested years—emotions, theories, fanfics—into Buddie. When a show ignores that, it’s not just disappointing—it’s alienating.
Give Fans Their Due
Shows like ‘9-1-1’ thrive on loyalty. Rewarding viewers doesn’t mean caving—it means respecting their emotional investment.
Breaking the “Just Friends” Barrier
The “No Homo” Problem
Let’s call it out—TV often leans into emotional closeness between men but panics at the idea of queerness. Buddie is the latest victim of this trope.
Fear of Commitment (To the Storyline)
There’s a difference between ambiguity and avoidance. This felt like the latter.
What Needs to Happen Next Season?
A Conversation—Finally
Let them talk. Let them be honest. It doesn’t have to be a declaration of love, but it must be real.
Show, Don’t Tease
We’re beyond breadcrumbs. It’s time for action, not hints.
The Power of Fandom: Why This Matters More Than Ever
Fandoms Move Culture
Never underestimate a passionate fanbase. Buddie shippers aren’t just tweeting—they’re changing the conversation around queer representation in media.
Studios Need to Listen
Ignoring your most vocal, passionate viewers? That’s not just bad PR—it’s a bad business decision.
The Showrunners’ Responsibility
Treading Carefully Isn’t the Same as Being Respectful
You can respect a storyline while still pushing boundaries. Avoidance doesn’t equal nuance—it equals fear.
Disappointment Can Turn to Disengagement
Letting down fans repeatedly risks something worse than outrage: indifference.
Conclusion: A Finale That Should Have Been a Beginning
The Season 8 finale of ‘9-1-1’ could have marked a powerful turning point for Buck and Eddie. Instead, it felt like another stall in a storyline that’s bursting at the seams to be told. Buddie isn’t just a ship. It’s a symbol. A missed opportunity not just to develop two complex characters, but to finally give fans what they’ve been waiting for—truth, vulnerability, and real connection.
