There was never really a question of Buck taking over as the 118 captain in 9-1-1 season 9, and it seems like he also doesn’t want it. Oliver Stark told TV Insider that Buck would have to accept that he’s not the one doing all the intense saves as captain, and that’s not something Buck wants in 9-1-1 season 9 right now.
I think the thing that he would struggle with the most being captain is not being the one that does the cool stuff, right? As captain, you’re not necessarily the one that’s meant to do the rope rescue or running first to the fire, and I think we’ve seen that that is very much Buck’s nature. However, Buck has wanted to show his leadership skills in the past. When Bobby and Athena went on their cruise in 9-1-1 season 6, leading to one of the most intense 9-1-1 disasters, the 118 needed an interim captain.
Buck wanted that position, but in the end, Bobby chose Hen. Bobby shared with Buck that he just wasn’t ready for the responsibility yet, because he needed more life experience and it’s time for Buck to mature in 9-1-1 season 9. It’s only been three years since that conversation, and Buck still hasn’t gained the life experience that he needs. That being said, when he does become captain, he will make a great one, as he has learned from the best in 9-1-1.
If you’re a true 9-1-1 fan, you’ve probably wondered—could Evan “Buck” Buckley ever take over as captain of the 118? It’s a fair question. He’s brave, committed, and undeniably a key member of the team. But Season 6 quietly, cleverly, and emotionally answered that question with a firm “no.” Let’s unpack the scenes, the symbolism, and the character development that told us Buck isn’t Bobby’s heir—and probably never will be.
Buck’s Leadership Journey: Ambition Meets Reality
Buck Has Always Looked Up to Bobby
From the very beginning, Buck admired Bobby Nash. Bobby wasn’t just a captain—he was a father figure, a mentor, and the glue that held the 118 together. Buck aspired to lead like him, but admiration doesn’t always mean you’re the right fit for the same role.
Buck’s Growth Has Been Personal, Not Command-Based
Throughout the series, Buck’s evolution has been emotional. He’s matured in love, family, identity, and vulnerability. But has he evolved into someone who can make life-and-death decisions under fire for others? Season 6 suggests maybe not.
The Lightning Strike Changed Everything
The Shocking Moment That Rewired Buck—Literally
Season 6 delivered one of its most intense storylines when Buck was struck by lightning. That near-death experience wasn’t just dramatic—it was transformative.
A Near-Death Experience Doesn’t Equal Leadership
While Buck’s survival was heroic and his recovery inspiring, it wasn’t a stepping stone to leadership. If anything, it highlighted how vulnerable and unsure he still is about who he is.
Leadership Isn’t About Popularity or Heart Alone
Bobby Has What Buck Still Lacks
Let’s face it: Bobby is strategic, emotionally intelligent, and decisive under pressure. Buck? He’s emotionally driven, sometimes reckless, and still seeking validation.
Buck Leads With Emotion, Not Strategy
Remember the moments Buck acted impulsively, letting his heart lead instead of his head? Those decisions may make him lovable, but they don’t scream “captain material.”
The Father-Son Dynamic Undermines Buck’s Authority
Bobby Sees Buck as Family—Not a Replacement
Buck isn’t just Bobby’s firefighter—he’s like a son. That kind of relationship creates love and loyalty, but it also creates blind spots. Bobby wouldn’t make Buck captain because he knows Buck isn’t ready—and maybe never will be.
Emotional Ties Can Cloud Judgment
If Bobby were ever to step down, he’d want a leader who makes cold, hard calls without emotional bias. Buck, no matter how well-meaning, might let his feelings get in the way.
Buck’s Donor Storyline Symbolized Identity Crisis
Being a Biological Donor Highlighted Buck’s Inner Struggles
In Season 6, Buck became a sperm donor for his friends. It was a generous, life-changing act, but also one that left him grappling with identity and purpose.
He’s Still Figuring Out Who He Is
That journey was profound, but also indicative: a man still trying to find his place in the world can’t lead others through chaos.
The Team Trusts Buck—But Not to Lead
Respect Doesn’t Equal Readiness
The 118 crew loves Buck. They’ve got his back. But trusting him as a teammate doesn’t mean trusting him as their leader.
Chimney, Hen, and Eddie Are More Natural Leaders
Let’s be honest—Hen’s calm, Chimney’s wisdom, and Eddie’s steady hand make them stronger leadership candidates than Buck.
The Writers’ Intent: Season 6 Wasn’t Subtle
Everything Was Written With Purpose
The writers didn’t throw Buck a lightning bolt by accident. The way he handled it, processed it, and returned to work was a statement: he’s a fighter, not a captain.
There Was No Leadership Arc for Buck
If Buck were meant to rise, we’d have seen signs: delegating responsibility, leading missions, guiding rookies. Instead, we saw introspection and self-healing.
Why Fans Keep Rooting for Buck as Captain
He’s Relatable, Emotional, and Passionate
Buck is the heart of the 118. Viewers connect with him because he wears his heart on his sleeve. But in the world of emergency response, heart isn’t always enough.
Fan Love Doesn’t Rewrite Character Arcs
As much as we want to see Buck thrive, the story isn’t building him up to lead—it’s building him up to understand himself.
So, Who Should Replace Bobby Eventually?
Eddie or Hen Could Be the Natural Successor
If Bobby were to step aside, it’s easy to imagine Hen Wilson or Eddie Diaz stepping up. Both have shown composure under pressure and a clear moral compass.
They’ve Earned Respect Without Overreaching
They’ve taken on leadership roles without demanding them. That’s a trait Buck hasn’t quite mastered.
Season 6’s Message Was Clear
Buck Is the Soul—Not the Leader—of the 118
And that’s okay. Every great team needs a heart. Buck doesn’t need to be the next Bobby to matter. He’s carved out a space that’s uniquely his.
Not Every Hero Leads—Some Inspire
Buck inspires his team through courage and honesty, not command. And in many ways, that’s just as powerful.
Final Thoughts: Leadership Isn’t Buck’s Endgame
Buck’s arc isn’t about becoming captain. It’s about becoming whole. And 9-1-1 Season 6 showed us exactly that. He’s not Bobby’s replacement—but he’s still irreplaceable.
