9-1-1 Season 9 May Be Splitting Up Buck & Eddie

Buck and Eddie could easily encounter a new problem when 9-1-1 season 9 premieres. Unfortunately, this wouldn't be their first obstacle as of late. The fan-favorite duo was separated for a good chunk of season 8 when Eddie decided to move to Texas, where his son, Christopher, had been living with his grandparents. Eddie wanted to save his and Christopher's relationship (which had been fractured at season 7's end), and the only way to do that was in person. So, Eddie left Buck and Los Angeles behind in 9-1-1 season 8, episode 10, and made his way to Texas.

By the end of the 9-1-1 season 8 finale, Eddie decides to move back to Los Angeles with Christopher by his side. It's evident that they are both happier on the West Coast, and since they previously mended their relationship, it only makes sense for the two characters to return to their rightful home. The good news is that this means Buck and Eddie have officially reunited in the ABC procedural drama. The bad news is that their joyous reunion might be short-lived.

Eddie's Role At The 118 Might Change In 9-1-1 Season 9

It All Depends On Chimney

In the wake of Bobby's devastating death in 9-1-1 season 8, the 118 need a new captain. Based on the finale, Chimney is the most likely candidate for the job (especially after his inspiring, heartfelt speech towards the end of the hour), meaning a paramedic position at the station could open up. If Chimney officially replaces Bobby in 9-1-1 season 9, Eddie may find himself taking over for Chimney as Hen's paramedic partner in the upcoming episodes.

At first, many assumed Hen would become the 118's new captain in 9-1-1 season 8. She was Bobby's unofficial lieutenant and often served as acting captain. So, her replacing Bobby only made sense. However, that wasn't what Hen wanted, pulling her from the captain's race. Then, in the season 8 finale, Chimney gives a rousing speech to the 118 about Bobby's legacy, and in response, Hen slips up and says, "Copy that, Cap." ABC might as well have ended the episode with a title card reading, "Chimney will return as the 118's captain." By design, the station needs another paramedic.

Eddie Becoming A Paramedic Would End His & Buck's 7-Year Partnership

Buck & Eddie Have Worked Alongside One Another As Firefighters For A Long Time

If Chimney becomes the 118's captain in 9-1-1 season 9 and Eddie takes his place as Hen's paramedic partner, Buck and Eddie would be separated again. The two have worked side-by-side as firefighters since season 2. Aside from Eddie's brief move to Texas, he and Buck have been partners for seven years, which is how they have become so close. But Ryan Guzman's 9-1-1 character assuming a paramedic position would bring that dynamic to an end.

Of course, Buck and Eddie would still technically work together at the 118. However, they wouldn't actually be running into fires together like they have done for so many seasons of the ABC procedural drama series. Instead, Buck would be the one running into fires (and the like) while Eddie attended to the wounded, which could drastically change their relationship.

Why Eddie & Buck's Professional Partnership Ending Is Actually A Good Thing

This Change Could Shake Up Their Relationship

Although this would be a big change not only for Eddie but also for his relationship with Buck in 9-1-1 season 9, it might be for the best. For starters, Eddie taking on a paramedic role would bring something new to the show and shake up his and Buck's dynamic. It could also elicit some hope on the romance side of things.

Separation certainly makes the heart grow fonder, which we all watched Buck experience after Eddie's move to Texas in season 8. So, perhaps some more time apart could help the chances of Buck and Eddie's relationship turning romantic. This could all be for naught, though, if Eddie simply returns as a firefighter. Only time will tell what Eddie's role will be when 9-1-1 season 9 premieres in late 2025.