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

9-1-1 may have separated its found father-son duo, but Buck can still honor Bobby’s memory in season 9. Oliver Stark’s Evan “Buck” Buckley has been station 118’s wild child since 9-1-1 began, but Captain Bobby Nash always saw the best in him. For the first eight seasons of the procedural, Bobby and Buck’s bond helped form 9-1-1’s found family.

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.

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.

Buck Can Take Over Bobby’s Role As The 118’s Chef

The Pair Bonded Over Cooking

Peter Krause and Oliver Stark as Bobby and Buck standing in front of fire engines in 9-1-1 season 8

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.

All episodes of 9-1-1 are streaming on Hulu.

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

Ravi, Buck, and Bobby smiling at Hen in 9-1-1

Buck in 9-1-1 season 8, episode 17, at an empty table

Buck with baked goods in 9-1-1 season 8, episode 8

Buck, Hen, Bobby Nash, and Eddie in 9-1-1

The new position wouldn’t change the team dynamics or the station’s hierarchy, but Buck becoming the 118’s main chef would keep Bobby’s memory alive. The recipes passed down will remain reminders of Bobby’s love and devotion to his team, ensuring something positive can come from 9-1-1’s tragic death.

The 118 may have lost Bobby, but they still have his precious recipes.

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.

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