Unsurprisingly, Buck’s love for cooking is directly tied to his relationship with Bobby. Since 9-1-1 began, Bobby was a talented chef who made highly-coveted meals for the 118. When Bobby took Buck under his wing professionally, he also began teaching Buck how to cook. By the end of 9-1-1 season 7, Bobby indicates that Buck’s culinary skills have surpassed his. With Bobby dead, Buck can mature in 9-1-1 season 9 and become the main chef of the 118. Admittedly, firefighters typically rotate cooking duty, and Buck has already been seen preparing meals at the station. Nevertheless, for the sake of 9-1-1, Buck can step up and take on the unofficial role as a way to be Bobby’s successor.
Why Buck Replacing Bobby In The Kitchen Is A Fitting Tribute. Bobby’s Memory Will Be Preserved One Dish At A Time. The new position wouldn’t change the team dynamics or the station’s hierarchy, but Buck becoming the 118’s main chef would keep Bobby’s memory alive. The recipes passed down will remain reminders of Bobby’s love and devotion to his team, ensuring something positive can come from 9-1-1’s tragic death.
The 118 may have lost Bobby, but they still have his precious recipes.
Imagine this — the kitchen at Station 118 is quiet. The sizzling of onions, the warm laughter, and the comfort meals are gone. Bobby, the soul of the firehouse and its beloved chef, isn’t behind the stove anymore. So, who steps up? That’s where Buck comes in. Can Evan “Buck” Buckley take over Bobby’s legendary role as the 118’s in-house chef? It’s a hot topic (pun intended) for 9-1-1 fans and it’s more than just about cooking—it’s about heart, leadership, and legacy.
Bobby Nash – The Kitchen’s Unsung Hero
Why Bobby’s Cooking Meant More Than Food
Bobby’s meals were more than a break from emergencies—they were therapy. They were love on a plate. His cooking brought the 118 together, soothed trauma, and reminded them they were a family.
The Role Food Plays at Station 118
In a firehouse, meals aren’t just about sustenance. They’re rituals. They’re bonding moments. They’re quiet reminders of stability in a world filled with chaos. Bobby’s chef role was symbolic, therapeutic, and vital.
Could Buck Be the Firehouse’s Next Culinary Leader?
Buck’s Evolution—From Impulsive Rookie to Grounded Teammate
Let’s face it, early Buck wouldn’t have been trusted to boil pasta. But the Buck we see now? He’s matured. He’s grown. He’s thoughtful, emotionally intelligent, and deeply invested in his team’s wellbeing. That’s exactly what the kitchen needs.
When Buck Cooked—And People Noticed
Remember those rare episodes where Buck dabbled in the kitchen? The guy’s no stranger to whipping up a decent meal. He may not have Bobby’s decades of experience, but he brings energy, curiosity, and heart—key ingredients to taking over the chef’s hat.
The Emotional Weight of Taking Bobby’s Place
Can Buck Handle the Emotional Legacy?
Taking over Bobby’s role isn’t just about cooking spaghetti. It’s about carrying the emotional weight Bobby brought to every dish. Buck, who’s faced trauma, loss, and identity struggles, might be uniquely equipped to understand and honor that legacy.
Passing the Apron – What It Would Mean for the Team
The team isn’t just hungry for food—they’re hungry for connection. If Buck stepped into the kitchen, it would signal growth and healing for everyone. It’s a passing of the torch. A continuation of care.
Why Fans Are Rooting for Buck
Social Media Reactions Are Boiling Over
Twitter, Reddit, TikTok—fans are dishing out support (and some spicy criticism). Many are excited about the idea of Buck stepping into a deeper role within the team.
“Buck in the kitchen? I’m so here for it. Let him feed the team AND our hearts.” – A fan tweet with over 10K likes.
Character Development Goals
This is more than fan service. Giving Buck the chef’s role is a narrative payoff. It shows personal growth, emotional evolution, and a deeper connection with the team.
Buck’s Unique Flavor in the Kitchen
What Kind of Chef Would Buck Be?
Picture this: Buck, blasting a classic rock playlist, laughing, tossing herbs into a bubbling pot, and experimenting with bold flavors. He wouldn’t mimic Bobby—he’d create his own style.
A Blend of Spontaneity and Soul
Buck’s cooking would be adventurous and heartfelt. Think spontaneous taco nights, midnight pancakes after tough calls, and comfort food on hard days.
Team Dynamics with Buck as Chef
Eddie Would Be His Right-Hand Taste Tester
Let’s be real—Eddie would be the first to tease him, but also the first to grab seconds. Their friendship would bring charm, humor, and warmth into the kitchen dynamic.
Chim’s Approval Matters
Chim, a fellow food lover and former chef himself, could offer support and mentorship. A Buck-Chim kitchen alliance? That’s cooking magic.
What Buck Brings to the Table (Literally)
Compassion and Comfort Through Cooking
Buck’s the kind of guy who notices when someone’s down. Food would be his way of saying, “You’re not alone.” Every dish would be served with intention and care.
Building Morale One Meal at a Time
Morale is mission-critical in a firehouse. Buck, using food as fuel for both the body and spirit, would help the team decompress, connect, and recharge.
Realistic Growth: Learning the Craft
Buck Wouldn’t Be Perfect—And That’s the Point
He’d burn toast. He’d confuse cumin with cinnamon. But he’d learn. And the team would rally around him. Watching him grow would be half the fun.
Cooking Classes or Firehouse Experiments?
He might take a few lessons, but mostly? He’d learn by doing. With YouTube tutorials, late-night practice sessions, and maybe a few disasters turned into inside jokes.
Food As a Bridge to Healing
Buck’s Journey of Healing Could Mirror His Kitchen Journey
Just like how Bobby used cooking to heal, Buck might find comfort and meaning in the same place. The kitchen could become his safe space—his form of therapy.
Food, Grief, and Connection
If Bobby’s departure is tied to loss, Buck cooking could become a tribute. Every meal could be a way of saying, “We’re still here. We remember. We carry on.”
The Fans’ Dream Menu: Buck’s Signature Dishes
Comfort Dishes With a Twist
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Sriracha Mac & Cheese
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Buck’s BBQ Chicken Nachos
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Firefighter Fuel Smoothies
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Late Shift Lasagna
Themed Dinners and Taco Tuesdays
Who wouldn’t love “Margarita Mondays” or “Firehouse Feast Fridays”? Buck would bring fun into the firehouse menu.
Why the 118 Needs Buck in the Kitchen
It’s About More Than Food
The firehouse doesn’t just need calories—they need care. Buck, with his big heart and evolving wisdom, could provide just that.
Carrying Bobby’s Legacy Forward
Buck wouldn’t replace Bobby—no one could. But he could honor him by continuing what Bobby started: cooking with love.
Conclusion – Buck Behind the Stove? It Just Makes Sense
Bobby’s shoes—or in this case, apron—are big ones to fill. But if anyone can step up with heart, humor, and a whole lot of courage, it’s Buck. His growth, empathy, and deep connection to his team make him the perfect next chapter in the 118’s kitchen story.
