If Eddie joins Hen on the medical side of things, that leaves Ravi to stay on the 118’s A-Shift and deepen his bond with Buck. Though Ravi and Buck were on fine terms when Ravi was first introduced (9-1-1 season 4), the former “probie” (probationary fire) took a sabbatical and didn’t have much screen time following the 9-1-1 season 6 finale. Upon Ravi’s sudden return in “Holy Mother of God,” it was obvious that there was nothing substantial remaining between him and Buck. Ravi even admits that Buck’s pranks and miscellaneous hazing during his probationary period left a poor impression.
Although Buck and Eddie’s partnership in 9-1-1 has been an iconic aspect of the first-responder drama since it began in season 2, Buck and Ravi teaming up offers a new dynamic to explore and develop. There’s no animosity between them, but there’s no chemistry or meaningful attachment beyond mere acquaintanceship. Working together in close proximity, however, would force Buck and Ravi to get to know each other better, building their friendship and bringing Ravi more firmly into the fold. Admittedly, it would be a big shake-up for the 118, but it may be exactly what 9-1-1 needs.
Why Ravi Deserves To Stay With The 118 Despite Eddie’s Return. Ravi staying with the main characters is the best move logistically, but it’s also the breath of fresh air 9-1-1 needs ahead of its ninth season. In many ways, Ravi is a blank slate that 9-1-1 can use to refine its formula. Some of 9-1-1’s best episodes have been deep-dives into characters’ backstories, and Ravi would benefit from the exposition just as much as the procedural would benefit from the nostalgic return to form. A “Ravi Begins” episode would help propel the show forward at a pivotal moment where many are still unsure if it can survive without Peter Krause. Whereas Buck’s early years as a firefighter were filled with chaos and cocksure snark, Ravi already stands in compelling juxtaposition due to his doubts.
It’s not as if the promotion would be unfounded. Ravi put his entire life on the line during 9-1-1: Contagion when he went against direct orders from the U.S. military. Later on, Ravi admits he was planning on resigning from the 118, making his unwavering loyalty all the more honorable. Whereas Buck’s early years as a firefighter were filled with chaos and cocksure snark, Ravi already stands in compelling juxtaposition due to his doubts. The procedural could use his insecurity as the springboard for a deeply personal narrative if 9-1-1 would only give Anirudh Pisharody the spotlight he deserves.
Simply put, Ravi has earned a permanent role in 9-1-1. Allowing a fresh face to become a main character isn’t just the natural progression of his character development; it’s the key to 9-1-1 avoiding redundancy and maximizing its longevity. It would be devastating for 9-1-1 to miss out on hitting the 10-season mark because it grew stale and did nothing to liven things up (shock-value character deaths notwithstanding). Elaborating on Ravi’s character could be the first step 9-1-1 takes to usher in a new era, but it would also garner pure interest and excitement— exceedingly rare commodities these days.
