9-1-1’s Anirudh Pisharody opens up about Ravi’s scene with Buck in season 8, episode 11. Although he’s a familiar face to fans of the first-responder drama series, affectionately referred to as “probie,” it’s in 9-1-1 season 8 that Ravi Panikkar really comes into focus. He rejoins the 118 for the latter part of the season after Eddie (Ryan Guzman) briefly moves to Texas, and Buck (Oliver Stark) is not so quick to accept the change.
In an interview with ScreenRant’s Rachel Foertsch, Pisharody was asked about his favorite scene to film with Oliver Stark. The actor refers to the scene in 9-1-1 season 8, episode 11, “Holy Mother of God”, which sees Ravi attempting to escape Buck’s endless conversation about Eddie by bringing in Tommy (Lou Ferrigno Jr.) and realizing that Buck might not be as cool as he first thought:
Anirudh Pisharody: I really liked the quarter scene where I kind of pawn him off on Tommy, where I’m like, “Oh my God.” That was really cathartic. It was that situation where Ravi’s wanted this thing so badly. He’s like, “Oh my God, finally,” and then he finally gets it, and he’s like, “Turns out, I never wanted it to begin with.” I’m like, “He’s kind of weird. He just wants to talk about Eddie the whole time. I’m just going to leave.” It was really fun to film because that morning we spent like two hours just playing quarters, which neither of us had ever played before, but we’re just hitting the table with these quarters into these shot glasses. It was fun. It was a cute moment.
Pisharody was then asked if Buck and Ravi could potentially have a robust friendship, outside of Buck being focused on Eddie. In the quote below, the actor allows for the possibility and notes that the scene in 9-1-1’s “Holy Mother of God” may just be an awkward first attempt at building a stronger bond: Anirudh Pisharody: Maybe if they frolfed. If we played a little bit of frisbee-golf. I think so. I definitely think so. It’s one of those things where you spend so much time with someone that—I think for Ravi and Buck, the moment you step outside of that realm, they’re both just kind of like, “Oh, this is weird. We’ve never seen each other like this before.” So maybe it is just the training wheels need to come off. That was the first run through. It was rough, and we’ve just got to do it again.
If you’re a die-hard 9-1-1 fan, then you already know—Season 8, Episode 11 gave us that moment. The line “He just wants to talk about Eddie” wasn’t just dialogue. It was a cultural reset. A subtle earthquake that shook the Buck and Eddie (or “Buddie”) fandom to its core. Let’s break it down, from the scene’s context to the implications, and why fans (and cast members) are still talking about it.
The Scene That Started It All
Setting the Stage – What Happened in Episode 11
Ravi and Buck are chilling post-call. It’s a typical debrief… until Ravi, ever the straight shooter, drops this bomb:
“He just wants to talk about Eddie.”
It’s direct. It’s loaded. And it cracked open the emotional undercurrents that fans have been analyzing for seasons.
Why That Line Hit Hard
Fan Service or Foreshadowing?
Ravi’s observation felt too real. Was it just casual banter, or a hint from the writers? Many fans believe this was intentional fan service—a nod to the ongoing emotional complexity between Buck and Eddie.
A Mirror for Buck’s Emotional State
Buck, the emotionally repressed heart of the team, has rarely had his own feelings addressed so directly. Ravi saying the quiet part out loud gave voice to something Buck has dodged for years.
What Oliver Stark (Buck) Thinks About That Scene
The Actor Breaks It Down
In interviews following the episode, Oliver Stark, who plays Buck, acknowledged the moment’s emotional weight. He noted how Buck’s connection with Eddie has always gone deeper than surface-level friendship.
“Ravi Sees What Buck Doesn’t Say”
Stark mentioned that Ravi’s line was strategic. It wasn’t just filler—it was designed to highlight Buck’s emotional blind spot and how others perceive his bond with Eddie.
Let’s Talk About Buddie (Yes, Really)
The Fandom That Refuses to Die
The Buddie ship—Buck + Eddie—has been the beating heart of the fandom for years. This one line reignited the fire, confirming that maybe, just maybe, the writers are listening.
Is This The Writers’ Soft Launch?
Some fans call this a “soft launch” of canon Buddie. Ravi’s line works as a breadcrumb, hinting that we could be heading into new territory for both characters.
Buck’s Growth Over the Seasons
From Reckless to Reflective
Remember Season 1 Buck? He was all chaos and hookups. Season 8 Buck is more grounded, introspective—and increasingly aware of what Eddie means to him.
The Therapy Arc Wasn’t Just About Self-Help
Buck’s emotional work through therapy has helped viewers (and Buck himself) see how central Eddie has been to his personal development.
Eddie’s Role in Buck’s Life
Protector, Partner… Something More?
Eddie isn’t just Buck’s friend. He’s Christopher’s co-parent figure, Buck’s crisis companion, and his emotional anchor. The writers didn’t give us this layered relationship by accident.
Emotional Safety = Eddie Diaz
Whenever Buck’s world collapses, Eddie’s name is usually on his lips. That’s not just friendship—it’s emotional safety, and in TV language, that’s love adjacent.
Ravi as the Unexpected Catalyst
The Side Character Who Saw Everything
Ravi may not get a ton of screen time, but this moment proved he’s more emotionally perceptive than anyone gave him credit for.
The Line That Made Him a Fan Favorite
In just one sentence, Ravi became a legend. Fans now view him as the unsung hero—the guy who finally called Buck out on his Eddie obsession.
The Writers Know Exactly What They’re Doing
Intentional Dialogue with Subtext
This wasn’t random. The line had weight, and it was placed just so in the episode. That’s intentional writing—where subtext becomes almost louder than the main plot.
Long-Game Storytelling
Fans suspect that Season 8 is laying the groundwork for a major shift in Buck and Eddie’s relationship—whether platonic or otherwise.
What This Scene Means for Season 9
Buck’s Journey Isn’t Over
If Ravi’s callout is any indication, Buck’s emotional arc is about to evolve. And it might finally involve talking to Eddie about things he’s kept bottled up.
Will We Finally Get a Real Conversation?
It’s what fans want—and deserve. A sit-down, heart-to-heart between Buck and Eddie that leaves no emotional stone unturned.
LGBTQ+ Representation and Speculation
Reading Between the Lines
Fans who ship Buddie often point to the queer subtext. While nothing’s been confirmed, this scene further deepens that ambiguity in a way that’s respectful yet tantalizing.
Representation That Feels Earned
Whether Buck and Eddie end up together or not, the slow-burn emotional intimacy they share has created a storyline that resonates deeply with LGBTQ+ audiences.
Fan Reactions Say It All
Social Media Blew Up
Twitter, Reddit, TikTok—you name it, everyone was talking about it. The quote became meme-worthy, stitched into reaction videos, and analyzed in fan threads.
When One Line Becomes a Movement
Some lines become iconic not because of what they say, but what they imply. “He just wants to talk about Eddie” became the line that fans hung their emotional hats on.
What’s Next for Buck & Eddie?
Is a Buddie Confession Coming?
It’s possible. The buildup is real. Whether it’s romantic or not, a big emotional scene between the two feels inevitable.
Will the Writers Deliver?
That’s the million-dollar question. All eyes are on the writing room now—and the next season could make or break years of anticipation.
Conclusion: One Line, Big Impact
“He just wants to talk about Eddie.” That’s it. That’s the line. But behind those eight words lies seasons of emotional buildup, a passionate fandom, and an unresolved bond that demands closure. Whether you’re here for Buddie, the character growth, or the drama, one thing’s for sure—9-1-1 hasn’t finished telling this story. Not by a long shot.
