Buck’s Best Tribute To Bobby In 9-1-1 Is Even Better Than Being Captain In Season 9

Sadly, Bobby’s untimely death in 9-1-1 season 8 abruptly cut off their connection. Losing his father figure took a devastating toll on Buck, even leading him to consider a transfer to a new firehouse in the 9-1-1 season 8 finale. Now that he’s decided to stay in LA, however, Buck can take on a new role at the 118.

9-1-1 Has Already Established Food As Buck’s Coping Mechanism

In Times Of Stress, He Turns To The Kitchen

Over the years, Buck has consistently turned to one activity to cope with his feelings of loss, disappointment, and stress: culinary arts. After his relationship with Tommy (Lou Ferrigno Jr.) fizzled out, Buck turned to baking. Everyone from Eddie Diaz (Ryan Guzman) to Maddie Han (Jennifer Love Hewitt) commented on the excessive amount of baked goods Buck was making.

 

Angela Bassett's Sergeant Athena Grant has been a mainstay of the 9-1-1 cast, but her role in the overarching franchise is even more important.

Aside from Buck’s romantic partners in 9-1-1, he also uses the kitchen to de-stress from professional responsibilities and personal conflicts. After moving into Eddie’s house following his best friend’s move to Texas, Buck is seen creating complicated meals in the kitchen. Buck even commandeers Maddie’s kitchen to stress bake in 9-1-1 season 8, episode 11.

The Pair Bonded Over Cooking

Unsurprisingly, Buck’s love for cooking is directly tied to his relationship with Bobby. Since 9-1-1 began, Bobby was a talented chef who made highly-coveted meals for the 118. When Bobby took Buck under his wing professionally, he also began teaching Buck how to cook. By the end of 9-1-1 season 7, Bobby indicates that Buck’s culinary skills have surpassed his.

With Bobby dead, Buck can mature in 9-1-1 season 9 and become the main chef of the 118. Admittedly, firefighters typically rotate cooking duty, and Buck has already been seen preparing meals at the station. Nevertheless, for the sake of 9-1-1, Buck can step up and take on the unofficial role as a way to be Bobby's successor.

Why Buck Replacing Bobby In The Kitchen Is A Fitting Tribute

Bobby's Memory Will Be Preserved One Dish At A Time

Plus, Buck would be able to enforce the team dinners that Bobby originated. Through food, Buck can follow in Bobby’s footsteps and bring the team together with family meals. The subtle change could even be a key factor to 9-1-1 season 9 repairing its core team— the 118 may have lost Bobby, but they still have his precious recipes.