Let’s be real—there’s just something irresistible about a good will-they-won’t-they. You know, that slow-burning tension, those stolen glances, the unresolved emotions that drive us nuts. Buck and Tommy? They’ve turned that trope into an art form. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the drama, there’s no denying these two have chemistry that sizzles. But what’s really going on between them?The Buck and Tommy relationship has been a rollercoaster of great moments but unsatisfying screen time. They broke up quickly, only six episodes into 9-1-1 Season 8, and then began a will-they-won’t-they get back together in the back half of the season. They’re left on a hopeful but open-ended note in 9-1-1 Season 8 Episode 15.
9-1-1 Season 9 has the potential to dive even deeper into the Buck and Tommy relationship. This will be the third season in which Buck might have the same love interest, longer than any of his other significant others. Doubling down on this relationship would be something truly different when it comes to Buck’s character. Putting him in an established long-term relationship in 9-1-1 Season 9 would open up new opportunities we’ve yet to see him encounter, such as what it’s like to date another first responder, or what it looks like to work through communication issues that often lead to his breakups. Paging Tommy Kinard. Tommy has repeatedly proved that he’s just a phone call away any time the 118 needs help, even if that means stealing a helicopter, twice. And while these big moments are exhilarating, there’s a lot to Tommy that would be interesting to explore in 9-1-1 Season 9.
Bobby’s death established Tommy as an integrated part of the history of the 118. He was a pallbearer at Bobby’s funeral, and flashbacks hint at the two’s potentially deeper connection. Plus, Tommy is an original member of the 118 and has a history with Hen and Chimney. While his relationship with Buck has been lovely to see unfold on screen, Tommy is relevant in other aspects of the show. Showcasing his relationships with the other characters in 9-1-1 Season 9 would offer a deeper understanding of his character and open up new story opportunities with the other characters.
Exploring new dynamics. The death of Bobby shakes up the cast, offering new dynamics not often seen in the show. For the first time, Chimney (Kenneth Choi) and Athena have a significant storyline together, and Eddie (Ryan Guzman) interacts with Hen and Karen at their house. Karen and Athena also have a great moment together, allowing Karen some more screen time, which is always welcome and required.
9-1-1 likes to stick to its well-tested formula, which is good. But exploring new dynamics in 9-1-1 Season 9 would bring the show much-needed freshness. It wasn’t just Bobby’s death that ushered in a new era of dynamic duos. Eddie’s departure for Texas in 9-1-1 Season 8 Episode 10 left Buck without his best friend, but also opened up an opportunity to bring in Ravi. Since then, Buck and Ravi (Anirudh Pisharody) have been partners who put out fires together and get drunk together, even if Ravi pawned Buck off to Tommy that one time. Their partnership has been a welcome new feature recently, and we’d love to see it continue in 9-1-1 Season 9.
Invest in Ravi Panikkar. Speaking of Ravi, it’s high time 9-1-1 doubles down on this character. His presence in the show since 9-1-1 Season 4 is always a good time, but he’s usually just around to be an occasional 118 A shift member when someone’s unavailable. But 9-1-1 Season 9 could change that. There’s so much to explore with Ravi; the first opportunity would be giving him a “Begins” episode. He’s previously mentioned as surviving childhood cancer and being a landlord. During the contagion episodes, he spoke to Hen about knowing when to call his loved ones in dire situations, meaning he has people to call. Let’s meet them!
At this point, it’s not just about romance—it’s about resolution. Buck and Tommy’s dynamic has kept us on the edge of our seats, but we’re reaching the boiling point. Whether it ends in love, heartbreak, or something in between, we just want something. Writers, please—we’re begging here.
