That “9-1-1” Scene You’ve Heard So Much About

Over seven seasons of the first responder drama series “9-1-1,” many fans have become mucho invested in the friendship of best bros Evan “Buck” Buckley (Oliver Stark) and fellow firefighter Eddie (Ryan Guzman). So much so that Buck and Eddie have earned the nickname “Buddie.” While Buck has been all over the place in terms of dating – from womanizer to a committed relationship with one woman – fans have held out hope there might be more than just “friendship” between the buds. https://twitter.com/gaytimes/status/1774693268858507318 In last week’s episode, though, Buck struggled with envy of Eddie’s new friendship with former 118 firefighter Tommy (Lou Ferrigno Jr.). Buck got so riled up that he bodychecked Tommy in a pickup basketball game, sending him to the ER. By the end of the episode, when Tommy dropped by Buck’s place to apologize for any misunderstood intentions, it was clear there was more going on under Buck’s surface than even he knew. Here’s how the scene played out. This, in my opinion, is extremely well-acted. The tension between the two characters is palpable. https://youtu.be/OOL14NVlCXM?si=CBtoQEctX29p_2Aw After the episode aired, Stark told Entertainment Weekly, “I don’t think he consciously wanted that. I don’t think he knew what he was feeling throughout the whole episode.” He added that he felt the kiss was “a long time coming.” “I think it’s been seasons and seasons in the making, so it’s really nice to see it officially come to fruition,” he shared. “I think the crumbs have been there.” https://twitter.com/chrisdadeviant/status/1776246804696440855 Stark told TV Line that he considers Buck to be bisexual. “That’s the way I have it in my head. We’ll see flashes of how he might look to label it in the next episode, but yeah, I think that would be the correct term.” https://twitter.com/lwtsxtbsl/status/1776191867475910987 Fans now hope this opens the door to the “Buddie” relationship they’ve been dreaming of. Of course, there were bound to be some online haters showing up to troll the moment and call the show “woke” for embracing diversity. But Stark took to his Instagram Story clapping back at the “smaller group of people” who didn’t approve. “Humbled and overwhelmed by the positive reaction to Buck’s storyline,” he began. “I’ve read so many of your messages and I couldn’t be prouder.” “If you are one of the smaller group of people commenting on my posts about how this has ruined the show, I would like you to know that I truly don’t care.” “If one other character finding a new facet to his sexuality and [realising] his bisexuality is your deal breaker — I fear you’ve missed the entire point of the show,” he concluded. “You are not required to announce your departure.” You can catch “9-1-1” on ABC on Thursdays.