For years, many of us have watched 9-1-1 and wondered why everyone wasn’t seeing what we were seeing between Buck (Oliver Stark) and Eddie (Ryan Guzman). Their connection runs deeper than mere co-workers or best friends; not only is Buck basically a second father to Eddie’s son, but the way they interact — from their passive-aggressive fights to their undeniable chemistry — has always been pretty coupley.
Still, the concept of #Buddie has felt like something that existed only within the fandom, rather than something the characters were consciously aware of on screen. Sure, that Christmas elf mistook them as Christopher’s two dads back in Season 2, but no main characters have ever genuinely vocalized the possibility of a Buck-Eddie pairing. That is, until now.
The March 20 episode found two characters in Buck’s orbit — his sister Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and ex-boyfriend Tommy (Lou Ferrigno Jr.) — openly questioning Buck’s feelings for his out-of-town bestie. Maddie was a little more gentle, asking if it “would really be so crazy,” while Tommy took a more heavy handed approach, referring to Eddie as his “competition” for Buck. Either way, Stark says he never expected this to be discussed so openly.
“I was a little surprised by how head-on we wanted to face it,” Stark tells TVLine. “Mostly surprised in the sense of wanting to tread carefully. You don’t want to upset anyone, and you don’t want to lead anyone on in the wrong direction. I’ve really learned to just trust in the writing of this show. Tim [Minear] is a master of what he does, and I place my fate — or Buck’s fate — in his hands.
If he thinks it’s best to confront it head-on, then I do too.” Buck was adamant, both to Maddie and Tommy, that he’s not in love with Eddie, despite “everyone” wanting him to be hopelessly pining for his straight best friend. So here’s my question: was “everyone” referring to the people in Buck’s life, or was it a nod to “everyone” watching at home? “I couldn’t possibly comment,” Stark says with a laugh. “Maybe there was a nod to the audience in that. … It’s not like we’ve heard it from other characters on the show [before Maddie and Tommy].”
In the world of television, few friendships have captured the audience’s imagination quite like that of Evan “Buck” Buckley and Edmundo “Eddie” Diaz from ABC’s 9-1-1. Their bond, affectionately dubbed “#Buddie” by fans, has been a focal point of the series, with viewers eagerly speculating about the depth and nature of their relationship. In recent developments, the show has taken significant steps to address these fan theories, leading to a wave of reactions from both the audience and the actors involved.
The Turning Point: Season 8’s ‘Confessions’ Episode
The pivotal moment came in Season 8, Episode 6, titled “Confessions.” In this episode, a poignant scene unfolds where Buck arrives at Eddie’s home, finding Eddie dressed in attire reminiscent of Tom Cruise’s iconic “Risky Business” look. Without uttering a word, Buck joins Eddie, and the two share a quiet, intimate moment. This scene, rich in unspoken understanding, has been interpreted by fans as a subtle acknowledgment of the #Buddie dynamic.
Oliver Stark’s Perspective on the Scene
Oliver Stark, who portrays Buck, shared his insights into the scene during an interview with Entertainment Weekly. He emphasized the significance of the silence between the characters, stating:
“Actually, I think it’s beyond that. It’s them not talking. That was the real thing to me when I read it. Buck looks Eddie up and down — he’s in his underwear and a shirt with the collar popped, the mustache is gone, there’s obviously something happening with him — but they don’t need to talk in that moment. It’s like, you’re going through something, and I’m going through something, so let’s just have a drink and be in each other’s space in a supportive way.”
Stark’s reflection underscores the depth of their connection, highlighting that sometimes, words are unnecessary when two people truly understand each other.
The Significance of the ‘Risky Business’ Reference
The choice to dress Eddie in a “Risky Business”-inspired outfit adds an extra layer of meaning to the scene. This reference not only serves as a nod to pop culture but also symbolizes Eddie’s vulnerability and willingness to let his guard down in front of Buck. For fans, this subtle homage reinforces the idea that their relationship is evolving into something more profound.
Fan Reactions: A Mixed Bag
As expected, the episode sparked a flurry of reactions across social media platforms. Many fans expressed their joy and appreciation for the show’s handling of the #Buddie storyline, praising the subtlety and depth of the scene. However, there were also detractors who felt that the portrayal was forced or out of place.
Oliver Stark Addresses the Backlash
In response to the criticism, Oliver Stark took to Instagram to address the situation. He expressed his gratitude for the positive feedback and reassured fans that the storyline was a natural progression for Buck’s character. Stark also made it clear that he was unfazed by the negative comments, stating:
“If you are one of the smaller group of people commenting on my posts about how this has ruined the show, I would like you to know that I truly don’t care.”
His candid response resonated with many, reinforcing the show’s commitment to authentic storytelling.
The Future of #Buddie: What Lies Ahead
Looking forward, the future of the #Buddie relationship remains a topic of speculation. While the “Confessions” episode provided a significant moment, it also left many questions unanswered. Will Buck and Eddie’s bond continue to evolve? Will the show delve deeper into their relationship? Only time will tell.
Conclusion: A Testament to Authentic Storytelling
The recent developments in 9-1-1 serve as a testament to the power of authentic storytelling. By addressing fan theories and exploring complex relationships, the show has not only captivated its audience but also sparked important conversations about representation and inclusivity in media. As for Buck and Eddie, their journey is far from over, and fans will undoubtedly continue to support and celebrate their evolving bond.
