During 9-1-1 season 5, Buck makes one decision that goes against everything he stands for: He cheats on his girlfriend, Taylor Kelly (Megan West), with fellow firefighter Lucy Donato (Arielle Kebbel). After an exhilarating rescue ends with celebratory drinks at a bar, Lucy kisses Buck — but he doesn’t pull away. Instead, he kisses her back. Nothing progresses beyond the first kiss, but it is enough for Buck to immediately feel guilty. Rather than come clean and try to salvage his relationship, Buck makes another baffling mistake in 9-1-1 season 5: he asks Taylor to move in with him.
Admittedly, Buck and Taylor were never 9-1-1’s best couple. They first get together in season 2 for a brief, friends-with-benefits-type relationship that fizzles out until Taylor returns in season 4. After a season of painstakingly obvious build-up, Taylor becomes Buck’s girlfriend, and they’re dating by season 5. After Buck admits he kissed Lucy, they all-too-quickly bulldoze past it, only for the two to break up in the season 5 finale— not because of Lucy, but because Taylor ran a story on the 118’s angel of death killer (Bryce Durfee’s Jonah) that Buck asked her not to.
The Kiss That Shook 9-1-1 Fans to the Core
You ever watch a show and suddenly feel like you’re watching your favorite character walk straight into a disaster? That’s exactly what happened in 9-1-1 Season 5 when Buck, fan-favorite firefighter, kissed Lucy Donato… while still in a relationship with Taylor Kelly. Yep, you read that right. This moment wasn’t just a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it plot twist. It was a grenade tossed into the heart of Buck’s storyline—and trust me, the fallout was massive.
A Look Back – Buck’s Love Life Before the Kiss
Buck and Taylor – A Relationship With Red Flags
Let’s be real. Buck and Taylor’s relationship always felt a bit off, didn’t it? Sure, they had chemistry, but there were constant cracks beneath the surface. Taylor, a news reporter, often put her career before Buck’s feelings—and that created tension from the jump.
H3: Was Buck Ever Truly Happy With Taylor?
The show subtly hinted that Buck was craving something more. Something deeper. The emotional connection just wasn’t solid, and fans could feel it. It wasn’t surprising that Buck’s eyes—and eventually lips—wandered.
Who is Lucy Donato?
Played by Arielle Kebbel, Lucy was introduced as a fearless, sharp, and undeniably attractive new firefighter. She had sass, she had skills, and she wasn’t afraid to shake things up.
A Short-Lived Appearance With Long-Lasting Impact
Lucy didn’t stick around for long, but man, did she leave a mark. Her presence created instant tension, not just in the firehouse, but in Buck’s life too. Their chemistry? Electric.
The Kiss Scene – What Really Happened
A Moment of Heat or Something More?
In what felt like a blink, Buck and Lucy shared a passionate kiss. No build-up. No overthinking. Just raw emotion. But what stung more? Buck was still very much with Taylor at the time.
The Fallout Begins
The kiss didn’t stay a secret for long. Buck’s guilt was written all over his face, and when Taylor found out? Let’s just say trust was torched.
What Was Buck Thinking?
Impulsiveness or Inner Conflict?
Buck has always been a bit impulsive. But this wasn’t just a random mistake—it was a symptom of a deeper problem. He wasn’t fulfilled with Taylor, and Lucy awakened something in him.
Buck’s Struggle With Identity and Belonging
Throughout the series, Buck’s been searching—for love, for family, for meaning. This kiss was less about cheating and more about him trying to figure out who he is and what he wants.
Arielle Kebbel’s Role – Brief But Loud
The Power of a Well-Written Guest Character
Even though Lucy didn’t stick around long, Arielle Kebbel brought depth and magnetism to the screen. She didn’t just kiss Buck—she challenged him. She shook him awake.
Why Fans Still Talk About Lucy Donato
Lucy represented a “what-if” for Buck. She was bold, exciting, and new. And let’s be honest, sometimes that’s all it takes to change the direction of a storyline.
What This Meant for Buck and Taylor
Trust Broken, Damage Done
After the kiss, things were never quite the same. Even though Buck and Taylor tried to move forward, that seed of doubt had already been planted. And spoiler alert—it eventually grew into a full-on breakup.
Was Their Breakup Inevitable?
Absolutely. The kiss wasn’t the cause—it was just the symptom. Their relationship had cracks from day one, and Lucy just helped expose them.
Fan Reactions – The Internet Explodes
Team Taylor vs. Team Lucy
Fans were divided. Some were furious at Buck for cheating. Others were thrilled that Lucy brought some spice into his life. Either way, social media lit up the night that episode aired.
Memes, Tweets, and Chaos
The memes? Hilarious. The tweets? Brutal. This moment was pure viral gold—and it’s still making the rounds on fan pages and forums.
Exploring Morality in Relationships
9-1-1 never shies away from moral grey zones. Buck’s kiss wasn’t glorified. It was messy, real, and filled with consequences—just like life.
Can You Love Two People at Once?
The show dared to ask this uncomfortable question. And while there’s no clear answer, Buck’s storyline reminded us that love isn’t always black and white.
What’s Next for Buck?
Redemption Arc Incoming?
Fans are hoping Season 6 gives Buck a chance to grow. He’s made mistakes, sure, but he’s also learning. Could he end up with someone new—or maybe even reconnect with Lucy?
Will Lucy Return?
There’s no official word, but let’s just say this: fans want more Lucy. And if Arielle Kebbel’s schedule allows, we wouldn’t be surprised if she popped back in.
Why This Moment Mattered More Than We Thought
It Wasn’t Just About the Kiss
This wasn’t a cheap drama ploy. It was a character-defining moment. It forced Buck to confront who he is, what he wants, and who he hurts along the way.
Buck’s Journey Is Far From Over
If there’s one thing 9-1-1 excels at, it’s slow-burn character development. This kiss was just one spark in a much bigger emotional wildfire.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Kiss – It Was a Turning Point
Buck kissing Lucy while still dating Taylor wasn’t just TV drama—it was a gut-punch that revealed layers of complexity in Buck’s character. It brought out his flaws, highlighted his emotional confusion, and shook up his storyline in a way we didn’t see coming.
And let’s not forget Arielle Kebbel’s Lucy Donato—brief but unforgettable. She came, she stirred the pot, and she made an impact. Whether you loved the moment or hated it, there’s no denying it added serious fire to the 9-1-1 universe.
