9-1-1 star Oliver Stark teases a pivotal scene between his character Buck and Ryan Guzman’s Eddie as the ABC show returns from hiatus. The main plot of 9-1-1’s Halloween season 8 episode, titled “Masks,” focuses on Hen (Aisha Hinds) and Karen (Tracie Thoms) and their family. Hen decides to work a shift during the spooky holiday, which causes friction between her and Karen. But the decision to work ends up saving the life of their son Denny (Declan Pratt) after an incredible accident. But in the subplot, Buck also gets into a less serious accident.
In an interview with TV Insider, Stark teased what’s in store for Buck in upcoming episodes. While 9-1-1 season 8 will be taking a short break, the show will return on ABC on November 7 at 8 p.m. ET with a new episode titled “Confessions.” In the quote below, Stark mentions that Buck will share a scene with Eddie that “says a lot.” Read the quote below: I think that feels like it’s progressing a little bit in episode 6. Eddie has a really beautiful story in episode 6, and I think there’s a really beautiful scene between the two of us, me and Ryan, at the end of episode 6 that says a lot about their relationship and how even though they don’t have to say a lot to each other, they still know how to be there for each other.
Stark’s comments promise to continue the threads that have been teased in the Halloween episodes, with Eddie and Buck finally sharing some meaningful moments together and separately after the three-part premiere largely focused on Athena (Angela Bassett) and Bobby (Peter Krause) dealing with a crisis involving a plane. “Masks” expands the focus, bringing in Chimney (Kenneth Choi), Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt), in addition to Hen.
In Buck’s case, this means that his fear is essentially being cursed by a corpse. On the surface, this leads to some funny moments between Buck and Tommy (Lou Ferrigno Jr.). But it also loops back to highlight Buck’s immense empathy and desire to help others, even if that other person is long buried. Tommy doesn’t fully understand this, since he’s just starting out in his relationship with Buck, but he keeps going.
Eddie also enjoyed Buck’s obsession with the curse. But the ending of “Masks” harshly reminded Eddie that he still misses his son Christopher (Gavin McHugh) and doesn’t know how to bridge the gap created at the end of 9-1-1 season 7. Stark mentioned that the episode in question won’t just be about Chris’ absence, which raises questions about what might happen to fan-favorite couple Eddie and Buck. “Masks” sets the tone with something lighthearted, but the sequel could delve deeper.
The brief pause may only fuel more speculation about the show’s return, given the popularity of Eddie and Buck and the hint that the episode will be important. Stark’s character will also share scenes with his sister Maddie and Bobby, and wade into new waters with Tommy, which should make it a busy time for the crew ahead of a possible ninth season renewal of 9-1-1.
