Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from 9-1-1 season 8, episode 12, “Disconnected.”
Things are getting interesting on the “Buddie” front in the back half of 9-1-1 season 8, but episode 12 proves Buck and Eddie’s possible romance has a long way to go. The two 9-1-1 characters have been best friends for the majority of their time in the ABC procedural drama. Since Eddie’s introduction in season 2, he and Buck have been pretty much inseparable as they have formed a strong bond. However, one latest development in Eddie’s story has torn the two apart (literally), which is making Buck reconsider how he feels about his friend.
ABC releases new episodes of 9-1-1 season 8 on Thursdays at 8 pm ET, followed by Doctor Odyssey season 1 at 9 pm ET and Grey’s Anatomy season 21 at 10 pm ET. 9-1-1 season 8 is expected to have 18 episodes in total.
Many have hoped and wished that the 9-1-1 writers would take advantage of Buck and Eddie’s palpable chemistry and turn their connection romantic for several seasons. While some intriguing developments are being made in season 8 to achieve that possibility, it will likely be a while before the two become more than friends. Hopefully, if and when ABC renews 9-1-1 for season 9, the producers can continue exploring a potential “Buddie” romance. For now, though, Eddie’s priorities lay elsewhere.
Eddie’s Focus Is On Fixing His Relationship With Christopher In 9-1-1 Season 8
Romance Is Not A Priority In Eddie’s Life
At the end of 9-1-1 season 8, episode 10, Eddie moves to El Paso, Texas to be closer to his son, Christopher, who is living with the firefighter’s parents after the Kim incident in season 7. He felt as though Christopher was slipping away from him. So, Eddie decided to do everything he could to ensure he stays a part of his child’s life. However, simply moving to Texas won’t magically fix Eddie and Christopher’s relationship, as seen in episode 12, “Disconnected.”
Since arriving in El Paso, Eddie has struggled to adapt to his new life. His house is proving to be a fixer-upper, and finding work has been more difficult than previously thought. Eddie almost secures a job at a local firehouse in 9-1-1 season 8, episode 12, but due to a hiring freeze, they can’t take him on. Consequently, Eddie sells his truck, purchases a sedan with good gas mileage, and becomes an Uber driver to make ends meet and financially support Christopher. It’s safe to say that getting into a relationship is the last thing on Eddie’s mind.
Buck’s Advice To Eddie Prolongs His Stay In Texas (& Their Possible Romance)
Eddie Isn’t Returning To LA Anytime Soon
After discovering he didn’t get the firefighting job in 9-1-1 season 8, episode 12, Eddie calls Buck to discuss his dilemma. Eddie is defeated and thinking about giving up and moving back to LA. While Buck would love nothing more than to have his best friend back, he advises Eddie to stay in Texas because he “went out there to be Christopher’s dad,” not an Uber driver or a firefighter. With Buck’s support to remain in Texas and Christopher telling him that he wants him there, it looks like Eddie isn’t returning to the 118 in 9-1-1 season 8 anytime soon.
Since Buck’s advice prolongs Eddie’s stay in Texas, the possibility of them getting together by the season’s end is next to none. Only six episodes remain in 9-1-1 season 8 after “Disconnected.” So, because Eddie will still be thousands of miles away from Buck as 9-1-1 season 8 heads into its final episodes, there isn’t enough time to properly develop a full-blown romance between the two characters,
9-1-1 Rightfully Focuses On Eddie’s Relationship With Christopher
Eddie Must Make Things Right With His Son
It only makes sense that 9-1-1 season 8 prioritizes Eddie’s reunion with Christopher over his possible romance with Buck. Eddie has always been a father first, not a best friend or a lover. Fixing his relationship with his son is more important than anything else in his life, meaning “Buddie” must take a backseat in the upcoming episodes. Perhaps Buck will continue exploring his potential more-than-friendly feelings for Eddie in LA. However, as Ryan Guzman told TVLine, “That’s [Buck’s] own obstacle,” not Eddie’s. Eddie will be too busy making things right with Christopher in Texas in 9-1-1 season 8.
