Fans of ABC’s 9-1-1 love Evan “Buck” Buckley (Oliver Stark). In fact, it’s not exactly a stretch to say that he and Edmundo “Eddie” Diaz (Ryan Guzman) are the show’s most popular personalities. Like his good pal, Buck has evolved tremendously throughout the series. He’s grown as a person and found love multiple times, but fans seem to (perhaps willingly) forget one of his most recent relationships. Now, admittedly, it’s easy to lose track of Buck’s many affiliates. He begins 9-1-1 as a stereotypical “player” and slowly evolves into the caring goofball fans adore today. It’s a heartwarming transformation that’s filled with more than a few romantic fails. His most recent courting attempt with Tommy Kinard (Lou Ferrigno Jr.) may be his most controversial, but that’s likely because fans have mostly ignored his predecessor.
Natalie Dollenmeyer Was (One of) Evan Buckley’s Girlfriends. At the beginning of 9-1-1, Buck is a new recruit at the 118. He is filling a spot left by someone transferring to Station 217. It is later revealed that he “replaced” none other than Tommy Kinard.
Natalia Dollenmeyer (Annelise Cepero) is first introduced in 9-1-1’s sixth season. Within her first appearance, in “Death and Taxes”, she’s serving as a “death doula”. Per her own description, the job revolves around helping others cope with and prepare for their demise. Naturally, she and Buck meet during one of the 118’s more peculiar calls.
The fiasco begins with a car ramming into what appears to be a funeral. Upon arrival, the team extricates the “dead” woman, Marie Ellis (Lynn Milgrim), from beneath the car. She explains she is dying, and the firefighters have stumbled upon a “living funeral”. Buck’s new romantic interest is then introduced as the event’s organizer. Following their strange meeting, the pair goes on a coffee date, during which Buck expresses interest in Natalia’s job. Later, they’re seen enjoying a game of pool at a dive bar. As far as Buck’s relationships go, his romance with Natalia is fairly normal — perhaps even healthy. Yet, by the beginning of the show’s seventh season, Natalia has disappeared.
What Happened to Natalia Dollenmeyer? During her brief stay on 9-1-1, Natalia appears in just three episodes. She is last seen in the sixth season’s finale, “Pay It Forward”. Natalia is Buck’s sixth relationship. She is preceded by Abby, Ali, Taylor, and Lucy. By episode count, she is the shortest of Buck’s relationships. Even Abi, who departs in the Season 2 finale, appears in more episodes than Natalia.
So, where did she go? Buck is quick to explain his former flame’s absence in “Abandon Ships”, the premiere episode of Season 7. After politely refusing a go-karting invite, Eddie suggests Buck take Natalia.
The well-meaning idea is shot down, however, when Buck explains they split up. Apparently, her fascination with death had become too overbearing. It’s far from the first failed relationship for Buck. Moreover, the explanation is perfectly acceptable. Knowing that one of his exes was last seen in a precariously dangling train car, it’s safe to say that Natalia is one of Buck’s less dramatic break-ups, too. As for the behind-the-scenes facts, Natalia’s departure is part of the show’s transfer to ABC. When producing 9-1-1’s sixth season, the writers made everything under the assumption that they were working on the final episodes. Buck’s sudden girlfriend was their attempt to give everyone a typical happy ending. So, when the show returned for Season 7, her hasty addition was (perhaps rightfully) deemed unnecessary.
The Forgotten Flame: Buck’s Vanishing Love Life in 9-1-1
We all love a good firetruck siren, a daring rescue, and yes—some juicy drama. But if you’re a 9-1-1 fan, you’ve likely been blindsided by one glaring mystery: Whatever happened to Buck’s girlfriend? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Turns out, most fans completely forgot she even existed. Let’s take a deep dive into why Evan “Buck” Buckley’s love interest vanished like a puff of smoke—and why we’re only realizing it now.
Who Was Buck’s Girlfriend Again?
Meet Taylor Kelly—The Journalist Turned Love Interest
Taylor Kelly wasn’t just any side character. She was smart, ambitious, and kind of perfect for Buck. Their chemistry wasn’t forced, and their story arc showed some serious potential. But then—poof—she was gone.
How the Relationship Started
Sparks Fly Amidst the Chaos
Their connection kicked off in classic 9-1-1 style—amid danger and drama. Taylor first appeared as a reporter covering a case Buck was working on. The tension was immediate. There were flirty moments, late-night talks, and an awkward charm that fans couldn’t help but root for.
The Highs and Lows of Their Romance
Buck and Taylor’s Sweet (but Brief) Moments
They shared some adorable scenes—coffee dates, comforting hugs, and genuine talks about life. But their relationship always felt like it was walking on a tightrope. The emotional connection was there, but so was Buck’s emotional baggage.
Cracks in the Foundation
Like any TV relationship, they had issues. Taylor’s job often put her in morally gray areas. Buck, ever the empath, struggled to balance his feelings with the harsh truths of journalism. Tension mounted.
The Sudden Disappearance
Ghosted by the Writers?
Here’s the thing—Taylor didn’t get a dramatic send-off. There was no big breakup, no “we need to talk” scene. She just… wasn’t there anymore. One episode she’s with Buck, the next she’s completely gone without explanation.
Fan Reactions: Confused and Clueless
Reddit Threads & Tweets Galore
“I still can’t believe Buck had a girlfriend” became a recurring theme on social media. Fans flooded Reddit threads with questions. Twitter/X was buzzing with “Did I miss an episode?” confusion.Why Did Fans Forget?
The Buck Effect: Too Much Going On
Let’s be real—Buck’s been through a lot. Between near-death experiences, emotional trauma, firehouse drama, and brotherly chaos with Chimney, it’s no wonder his love life slipped through the cracks.
Overshadowed by Bigger Arcs
Buck’s story is filled with monumental moments: losing friends, finding his calling, confronting family secrets. Compared to those, his romance with Taylor just didn’t have the weight to stick in fans’ minds.
Did the Writers Drop the Ball?
A Missed Opportunity for Character Growth
Taylor could’ve helped Buck evolve. She challenged him, pushed his buttons, and showed him a world outside the firehouse. Her exit felt like a lost opportunity to develop Buck’s emotional side.
Was Taylor Just a Plot Device?
The “Temporary Love Interest” Trope
Some argue Taylor was only written to serve a narrative purpose—to show Buck trying, and failing, to have a normal relationship. In that case, her disappearance fits the trope, even if it disappointed fans.
Buck’s Other Romances That Stuck
Abby—The One That Broke Him
Let’s not forget Abby, Buck’s first real love. Her departure crushed him, and it took seasons for him to recover. Fans remember her because her exit was loud, painful, and pivotal.
Eddie Diaz Bromance?
We can’t ignore the fan-favorite “Buddie” ship. Buck and Eddie’s bond has more chemistry, emotion, and development than any of Buck’s actual relationships. Some fans argue that’s the real love story of the show.
Could Taylor Return?
Never Say Never in the 9-1-1 Universe
Characters in 9-1-1 have a habit of resurfacing. With the show’s move to ABC and fresh creative direction, who’s to say Taylor won’t pop back in Buck’s life? A reunion could either heal old wounds or stir up more chaos.
Why It Matters That We Forgot
The Power of Memorable Storytelling
The fact that fans forgot Buck had a girlfriend speaks volumes. Memorable storytelling sticks. If a relationship can vanish from memory, it might mean it lacked emotional depth—or wasn’t given enough time to grow.
What This Says About Buck’s Journey
He’s Still Figuring Himself Out
Buck has always struggled with identity, self-worth, and relationships. Maybe Taylor’s disappearance reflects where he was emotionally—unable to fully commit or open up. Her exit may be more symbolic than we realize.
Fans Are Watching Closer Than Ever
Every Detail Now Gets Dissected
With the rise of streaming and fan theories, no detail goes unnoticed. But Taylor’s storyline? It somehow fell through the cracks. Now, fans are more alert than ever, eager not to miss the next twist.
Final Thoughts on Buck’s Lost Love
A Relationship That Deserved Better
Whether you loved Taylor or didn’t care for her, there’s no denying her story felt unfinished. Buck’s character is layered, flawed, and endlessly intriguing. And every piece of his past—including his love life—matters.
Conclusion: Forgotten But Not Gone
In a show filled with explosions, emotional rescues, and life-altering decisions, it’s easy to lose sight of smaller moments—like Buck’s fleeting relationship with Taylor Kelly. But maybe that’s exactly why it stands out now. We forgot, and now we’re remembering. And maybe that’s the perfect metaphor for Buck himself: someone constantly rediscovering who he is, one forgotten piece at a time.
