'9-1-1’s Oliver Stark Teases “Some Really Great” Buddie Moments in the Season 8 Finale

Ahead of tonight's 9-1-1 Season 8 finale, star Oliver Stark, who plays Buck on the ABC procedural, has teased what audiences can expect regarding Buck's relationship with his friend and co-worker, Eddie (played by Ryan Guzman). The pair, dubbed Buddie by fans, have had one of the most admirable friendships on the show since the earlier seasons. In recent years, however, a section of the fandom has hoped that Buddie could develop into a romantic couple. The show has certainly flirted with the idea, leading many on to believe it's only a matter of time before the duo confront their deeper feelings. Whether their will-they-won't-they dynamic receives a convincing resolution in the finale remains to be seen; however, Stark has some interesting comments on what's coming.

With Bobby's (Peter Krause) tragic death bringing Eddie back to town following his time away in El Paso, Buddie's dynamic has been brought back to focus within the past couple of episodes. Like the rest of the 118 team, Bobby's loss is weighing heavily on both Buck and Eddie, manifesting in a strain in their bromance. Typical of Buddie, the aftermath has resulted in some pent-up feelings, and Stark has teased major moments ahead that will see these inner frustrations addressed in the Season 8 finale, "Seismic Shifts." The actor chatted with ScreenRant in a recent interview and hinted at some significant developments for the pair, saying:

"I think there are some really great Buck and Eddie moments. I don't know if they are the moments that Buddie fans will rejoice over or not. I try my best not to think "yes or no" if people are going to like it. I just want the moments to play out as they should play out, and then it's the audience's to do what they want with it. But there are definitely some really great moments, whether it be an action moment or reconciliation. I'm looking forward to watching those moments, and I hope fans enjoy them too."

Finales often offer some form of closure to ongoing storylines while preparing a clean slate for a new chapter. Among the many arcs this season, Buddie's relationship feels primed for clarity. Yet, uncertainty still hangs over their dynamic, particularly with Eddie's potential return to Texas following a job offer at the El Paso station. With his bestie feeling vulnerable after Bobby's demise, it brings Eddie to another crossroad where he has to decide whether to remain with the 118 and offer much-needed support during their darkest period ever, or return to El Paso now that he finally has his ideal job there and continue bonding with his son, Christopher.

Oliver Stark Is Open To Exploring A Buddie Romance

Buddie's potential transition from bromance to romance is one of the divisive aspects of 9-1-1. One half of the fandom admires the platonic friendship between the pair, commending the rare depiction of a deep friendship between a gay man and a straight man. On the other hand, however, are others who believe it would be a natural progression for them to become a couple, given the romantic subtext that has subtly threaded through their dynamic over the seasons. Stark, for one, is open to whichever path the creators ultimately decide, explaining in a recent interview:

“Fans have certainly become very invested — let’s say — in that relationship and there’s quite an intense following to it. I don’t know. I’m down for wherever — Listen, I just work here. I’ll go with it regardless. I think we’re just trying to tell heightened but still authentic stories of these first responders and if that’s the direction they choose to take it in, then let’s go.”

Find out what finally becomes of Buddie when the 9-1-1 Season 8 finale airs tonight, and stay tuned for our recap and verdict thereafter.