Are Buck and Eddie Falling in Love on ‘9-1-1’? Exclusive Insights from Oliver Stark and Tim Minear!

Major spoilers for 9-1-1 Season 8 Episode 11 “Holy Mother of God.”

Could Buck (Oliver Stark) and Eddie (Ryan Guzman) be more than just friends on 9-1-1? This episode takes a bold step in exploring that possibility. Buck has recently moved into Eddie’s home while Eddie is away in Texas, but his life isn’t as settled as it seems. He’s been spending nights at his sister Maddie’s (Jennifer Love Hewitt) place and making half-hearted attempts to forge new friendships, like his awkward hangout with co-worker Ravi (Anirudh Pisharody).

During this outing, Buck can’t help but talk about Eddie, which leads Ravi to bring in Buck’s ex-boyfriend Tommy (Lou Ferrigno Jr.) to shift the conversation. The next morning, Buck finds himself startled when Tommy jokingly mentions he’s no longer worried about competing for Buck’s affection since Eddie is out of the picture. Buck insists that Eddie is straight, but the playful banter raises some intriguing questions.

Executive producer Tim Minear hints that while Buck might truly believe he isn’t in love with Eddie, there could be more beneath the surface. “It’s not about whether Eddie is questioning anything; it’s about how these feelings manifest,” he explains. Buck encounters challenges when Maddie outright asks if he has feelings for Eddie, to which Buck states he does not, despite his emotions being palpable in the moment. This is classic television storytelling, where a character insists they’re not in love but later realizes they might be.

Stark reflects on the scene, stating, “He’s telling his truth in the moment. This is something fresh for him.” While there’s plenty of discussion among fans about Buck’s feelings, Stark believes the significance lies in how Tommy’s words resonate with Buck. He’s still processing his new living situation following Eddie’s absence, which creates a void in his life.

Looking ahead, Minear and Stark mention that there won’t be an immediate dive into Buck’s feelings for Eddie. The upcoming episodes will focus more on action and emergencies, leaving personal matters on the back burner for now. Aisha Hinds, who directed the episode, emphasizes the importance of honesty in storytelling. “We needed to ask and address these questions directly,” she says. Her direction aimed to create a safe space for Buck to confront his emotions.

Interestingly, as the show deepens its exploration of relationships, the conversations surrounding Buck and Eddie reflect broader societal discussions about love and friendship. Fans on social media are reacting passionately, often speculating and rooting for these characters to take their relationship to a new level. Recent surveys also indicate that audiences respond positively to nuanced character development, particularly in shows like this one.

Stark believes Buck’s journey is just beginning. “He has to embrace who he is,” he shares. This movement toward self-acceptance adds depth to the storyline, showing viewers that characters, while fictional, share relatable struggles in understanding their emotions and connections with others.

With so much more to come this season, one can only wonder how Buck’s relationship with Eddie—and possibly others—will evolve as they navigate their complex lives.

9-1-1 airs Thursdays at 8/7c on ABC.

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