Los Angeles, California – In the latest episode of “9-1-1” Season 7, viewers witnessed a significant romantic development for Buck, the firefighter character. This twist may have surprised Buck, but for Oliver Stark, the actor portraying him, it was a long-anticipated storyline. Stark expressed his enthusiasm for the plot when series co-creator Tim Minear presented the idea of Buck developing feelings for Tommy, played by Lou Ferrigno Jr.
Minear explained that the decision to pair Buck with Tommy stemmed from the charisma of the character and the timing of the storyline. Originally, the role of the helicopter pilot during a rescue mission was intended for another character, Lucy, but due to scheduling conflicts, Tommy was chosen instead. Minear also highlighted the chemistry between Buck and Tommy, emphasizing the importance of introducing a new love interest without creating an entirely new character.
The episode titled “Buck, Bothered and Bewildered” showcased a different side of Buck, portraying him as awkward and uncertain in his interactions with Tommy. Stark emphasized the complexity of the relationship, noting Buck’s feelings of jealousy and confusion. Notably, the storyline avoids cliches of self-doubt and denial often associated with same-sex relationships in mainstream media.
As the storyline unfolds, viewers can expect to see Buck’s introspection and self-questioning, particularly in relation to character Eddie, a potential romantic interest. While Minear hinted at the possibility of exploring a relationship between Buck and Eddie in the future, he emphasized the organic development of the storyline without definitive plans for a romantic endgame.
The milestone 100th episode of “9-1-1” marks a significant achievement for the series, ushering it into the realm of syndication. Minear expressed his excitement for this milestone and praised ABC for their support and promotion of the show. Looking ahead, fans can anticipate further exploration of relationships and character dynamics in future episodes of the series.
“9-1-1” airs on Thursdays on ABC, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the day after they premiere.