9-1-1 has found a second life on ABC, but even more vivid is the exploration of Buck’s (Oliver Stark) sexuality that the show has teased for years. Buck brings much-needed bisexual representation to television following his budding romance with Tommy (Lou Ferrigno Jr.). A few episodes ago, 9-1-1 brought back Ferrigno Jr., who had appeared in previous seasons, to flesh out that storyline—and kick off a new arc for Stark’s Buck. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ferrigno Jr. talked about getting more intimate with this new side of his character and even shared some surprising insights into what Tim Minear had originally planned.
In the interview, Ferrigno discussed sharing the iconic kiss with Stark, the fan reception of the storyline, and the fact that this storyline is clearly between Tommy and Eddie (Ryan Guzman)—not Buck! Here’s what he had to say when talking about connecting with Stark during prep.
“Oliver and I talked [the day before we shot]. We met briefly when I was shooting three episodes of season two, and I think about 50 to 70 percent of the feelings I have about someone happen in the first five minutes. [I can usually tell] if they’re sincere. I really like Oliver. It probably would have been with Eddie and Tommy, but that didn’t happen with a brave, generous actor.”
Pause! So, could all of this be about Eddie? In retrospect, it all makes sense, since Eddie and Buck’s stories overlap and can be interpreted similarly. While Buck craves hot guys (his words), Eddie has a full-blown meltdown at the thought of being tied down in a heterosexual relationship. In Episode 5, “You Don’t Know Me,” the show explores that aspect, hinting that Eddie has never been the one to make the decision in most of his relationships, including with his late wife. He’s always found himself making impulsive decisions because that’s where the circumstances push him. What if he’s trying to repress a part of himself?
While the Tommy and Eddie romance didn’t materialize, Ferrigno Jr. shared that he enjoyed working with Guzman, and if the story allows, he’d be open to exploring Tommy and Eddie’s friendship as well as Tommy and Buck’s romance—if Buddie fans can stomach it. He shared that Tommy will be introduced at Madney’s wedding, but beyond that, it’s anyone’s guess where the Tommy/Buck story will go.
“I don’t know [about anything beyond Episode 6]. That’s something I don’t want to talk about right now. But if people can put the Buck-Eddie relationship aside for a moment—I mean, they’re great. I love them together. It’s funny because I laughed when I saw Tommy with Eddie. Tommy was really excited. Eddie’s a great guy, and honestly, Ryan’s great. I’m friends with him. In some of the shots, I was like, ‘Oh, this guy!'”
