9-1-1 may have wrapped up its current season, but there’s still a lot ahead for the first responders. And with this interview, fans can expect Buck’s love life to be of importance in future episodes. While we await the hit show’s return, Stark also weighed in on his character’s love life, agreeing with Hinds. He shared:
“I actually agree those two would be the most pivotal, Abby, in the sense that there was so much growth for him through that relationship. If we look at Buck in the pilot compared to Buck at the end of the first season, Abby is the one that has been shepherding him through that journey, and then equally the same Tommy. Obviously, that relationship was hugely instrumental in Buck unlocking a part of himself and freeing that aspect of himself up. So yeah, those are certainly the two relationships that I think helped Buck find the kind of most authentic version of himself.”
When you think of 9-1-1, what comes to mind first? Probably chaos, action, and life-or-death emergencies. But hidden beneath all the sirens and rescues is one of the most powerful character evolutions on TV — Buck’s journey to finding his truest self. Let’s dive into how this firefighter-turned-fan-favorite finally embraced his authentic identity and why his story resonates so deeply with viewers.
Who Is Buck, Really?
Before Buck became everyone’s favorite impulsive yet lovable hero, he was Evan Buckley — a thrill-seeking, emotionally guarded guy trying to find his place in the world. Sound familiar? That’s because Buck’s struggle is all of ours, just dramatized with more car crashes and burning buildings.
The Lost Boy Archetype
Seeking Validation in All the Wrong Places
From Season 1, Buck came in hot — literally and metaphorically. He was the adrenaline junkie looking for approval, attention, and meaning. His early days were filled with hookups, high-stakes rescues, and rash decisions. But deep down, Buck was running — from his past, his pain, and even his potential.
The Big Brother Void
A huge turning point? Discovering he had a secret brother. That family bombshell cracked open a wound Buck didn’t even know he had — abandonment. And that pain drove so many of his early actions.
Defining Moments That Shaped Buck’s Identity
The Firefighter Rebirth
Becoming a firefighter gave Buck a sense of purpose — but also became a mask. He used his job to define himself. But the real question was: Who is Buck without the uniform?
The Near-Death Experience That Changed Everything
Remember when Buck was struck by lightning? Yeah, it was wild. But that moment wasn’t just shocking (pun intended) — it was transformative. Buck had to face his mortality, forcing him to reflect on what truly mattered.
Embracing Vulnerability
Therapy Isn’t Weak — It’s Warrior Work
One of the most underrated parts of Buck’s journey was when he started therapy. That’s when we saw real growth. It wasn’t about fixing himself; it was about understanding himself.
Buck’s relationships with Bobby, Eddie, Hen, and Chimney became his emotional lifeline. These weren’t just coworkers — they became his chosen family. And letting them in was a massive step toward authenticity.
Redefining Masculinity
From Macho to Mindful
Buck started out the stereotypical “man’s man” — fearless, flirtatious, and emotionally unavailable. But over the seasons, we saw a shift. He cried. He struggled. He asked for help. And guess what? That didn’t make him weaker — it made him real.
H3: The Emotional Rescue We Didn’t See Coming
Who knew the guy rescuing others needed rescuing himself? That’s the genius of Buck’s arc — it flips the script. We realize that emotional courage is just as heroic as pulling someone from a burning building.
Identity Beyond the Job
Discovering the “Why” Behind the “What”
For so long, Buck’s identity was tied to being a firefighter. But over time, he began asking deeper questions: What do I stand for? Who do I want to be when no one’s watching?
Facing the Family Ghosts
His complicated relationship with his parents, and the guilt and shame tied to his birth story, haunted him. But confronting them gave Buck clarity and a renewed sense of self-worth.
The Power of Purpose
Not Just a Job — A Calling
What sets Buck apart is his drive. He doesn’t just clock in for the heroics. He genuinely wants to help. But now, it’s coming from a grounded place — not from a need for validation.
Buck and Eddie – A Brotherly (or Maybe More?) Bond
You can’t talk about Buck’s emotional evolution without mentioning Eddie. Whether you ship them romantically or not, their bond is profound. Eddie sees Buck — not the mask, not the job, but him.
The Anchor in the Storm
Their connection is a mirror for Buck. In supporting Eddie and being supported in return, Buck finds stability — and reflection.
The Lightning Strike – Symbolism and Metaphor
A Literal Shock to the System
Buck’s brush with death wasn’t just dramatic TV — it symbolized rebirth. It was a cosmic slap that said, “Wake up. Be who you’re meant to be.”
From Self-Doubt to Self-Love
Learning to Like the Guy in the Mirror
After everything — the trauma, the loss, the identity crises — Buck came out the other side. Not perfect, not fully healed, but authentic. And that’s more inspiring than any rescue mission.
Why Buck’s Journey Resonates With So Many
The Universal Quest for Identity
Buck’s story hits hard because it’s universal. We all want to be seen, to be understood, to feel like we belong. Buck just had to nearly die (twice), lose people, and face his demons to get there.
Lessons We Can Learn From Buck
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Vulnerability isn’t weakness.
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You’re more than your job.
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Healing is messy, but worth it.
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Found family is just as powerful as blood.
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Self-discovery never ends — it evolves.
Conclusion: Buck’s Journey Is All of Us, Just Louder
In a show filled with high-stakes rescues and heart-pounding drama, Buck’s internal transformation might be the most powerful plotline of all. His journey to self-discovery is messy, emotional, and raw — but that’s what makes it real. So, how did Buck find his most authentic self? By stripping away the expectations, embracing the hard truths, and finally learning to love who he is — sirens off, mask down, heart open.
