9-1-1 star Oliver Stark has revealed “a lot of clarity” surrounding the relationship between Buck (Stark) and Tommy (Lou Ferrigno Jr.) in the upcoming season 8 episode. 9-1-1 season 8 has seen Buck go through a lot of changes at Firehouse 118 after Vincent Gerrard (Brian Thompson) briefly became the station’s Captain. This has led to a lot of conflict as the show focuses on the team getting to know their new leader and the wild events that unfold there. However, this has also put Buck and Tommy’s romance on hold for the first few episodes.
However, speaking to Screen Rant, Stark teased that episode 5 of season 8, 9-1-1, will see Tommy return as he tries to help Buck through the hardships he’s faced with 118. The actor said that his boyfriend will be “weird” about some of the things he’s been through so far. He also teased that episode 6 will focus more on the pair’s relationship as they learn more about each other as they grow deeper. Check out what Stark had to say below: Yeah, [Tommy] in Episode 5, pretty much, and maybe, I’m going to say, supports Buck through some tough times, but I don’t know if he’s always helpful in that situation. [Laughs] He’s a little weird because of some of the things that happen to Buck. And then in Episode 6, there’s a lot of clarification about their relationship and a lot of truths learned about each other. I think it’s going to be a really great episode.
Although he hasn’t appeared in a major capacity since 9-1-1 season 7 ended, Tommy has remained an integral part of Buck’s life, with the pair continuing to have a steady relationship off-screen despite Gerrard’s return to the station. Stranger events on the job have befallen the firefighter, however, as his Captain attempted to shut down 118 in season 8, episode 4, leading to Bobby Nash (Peter Krause) returning as chief. Gerrard has been demoted to technical advisor, but the events of his tenure will likely continue to have an impact on Buck.
Given everything that has happened at the fire station since season 8 began, Stark’s statement suggests that Buck will need Tommy’s help to process everything he’s been through lately. Since the devastating disasters of 9-1-1 aren’t slowing down either, with Bee-nado being a big part of the first few episodes, there’s going to be a lot for the two to discuss. However, since episode 6 will reveal new truths they’ve learned from one relationship to another, it seems like that relationship is going to really deepen in the coming weeks.
Buck and Tommy didn’t get much time together in season 8 of 9-1-1, only interacting briefly in the first episode. However, now that Gerrard’s leadership storm seems to have passed, we think now is the perfect time to show a broader focus on their relationship. Episodes 5 and 6 could be used to explore their characters in more depth, with a full season to explore this time around instead of the shortened season 7 that focused on their romance.
