Despite All The Teases, I'm Not Holding My Breath For Buck & Eddie's Romance In 9-1-1 Happening Anytime Soon

Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from 9-1-1 season 8, episode 11, "Holy Mother of God."

Yes, 9-1-1 is in the midst of airing its eighth season, but I believe we'll have to wait at least another season before the romance between Buck and Eddie finally (hopefully) comes to fruition. Some series (e.g. The X-Files, NCIS, etc.) feature even longer slow-burns. So, Ryan Murphy's TV show continuing to drag out Buck and Eddie's potential relationship in season 9 wouldn't be all that surprising, especially given the current state of their friendship and living situations in 9-1-1.

Since Eddie's introduction in 9-1-1 season 2, he and Buck have been best friends. They have had their ups and downs over the years, of course. However, as many viewers have noted, Buck and Eddie's relationship is one of the strongest in the procedural drama, and nothing can keep them separated for very long. As a result, some 9-1-1 fans (including myself) have hoped for a romance between the two characters for a long time. Just when it seemed like a pipe dream, 9-1-1 season 8, episode 11 completely laid out the real possibility of Buck being in love with Eddie.

9-1-1 Season 8, Episode 11 Introduces The Idea Of Buck Having Feelings For Eddie

Two Characters Accuse Buck Of Loving His Best Friend

After Eddie moves to Texas to reunite with Christopher at the end of 9-1-1 season 8, episode 10, Buck struggles to cope with his best friend's absence in episode 11, "Holy Mother of God." He tries (and fails) to befriend Ravi, and returns to his ex, Tommy. Later, both Tommy and Buck's sister, Maddie, suggest Buck has feelings for Eddie, which he adamantly denies. Tommy jokes that "the competition," alluding to Eddie, is finally "out of the way." Buck, surprised, keeps on insisting that Eddie is straight, but he then delivers the most iconic and interesting quote of the night:

"I don't have to want to sleep with everyone I have feelings for, and I don't have to have feelings for everyone I sleep with."

Buck talks with Maddie in 9-1-1 season 8, episode 11, about Tommy's accusations and scoffs at the idea that he would be in love with Eddie. In response, a skeptical Maddie asks her brother if he has feelings for his best friend. He stands his ground, claiming he doesn't. However, Buck admits that Eddie being gone leaves a big hole in his life and that he used Tommy as a distraction so that he wouldn't feel alone. So, Maddie advises Buck to be single for a while to learn how to be comfortable being alone.

Buck & Eddie Still Have Many Obstacles To Overcome Before A Romance Can Happen

Eddie Must Return To LA

While "Holy Mother of God" says out loud what many viewers have been thinking for a long time (that Buck is in love with Eddie), fans shouldn't count on the 9-1-1 characters getting together by the season's end. Yes, both Tommy and Maddie accusing Buck of having feelings for Eddie is a rapid and exciting development for the "Buddie" shippers. However, given the circumstances behind Buck and Eddie's current storylines, the two pursuing a romance by the season 8 finale seems impossible.

Buck is adamant that he doesn't love Eddie throughout 9-1-1 season 8, episode 11 (although he's likely lying, mostly to himself). Plus, Buck's behavior in "Holy Mother of God" suggests he needs time alone. Meanwhile, Eddie is still in Texas. Consequently, Buck and Eddie still have many obstacles (both individual and collective) to overcome before jumping headfirst into a romantic relationship.

Buck & Eddie's Relationship Likely Won't Develop Any Further Until 9-1-1 Season 9

Only 7 Episodes Remain In Season 8

Once Eddie returns to Station 118 in 9-1-1 and Buck undergoes important self-reflection, the stage is set for a possible romance. They would also need to come to terms with their feelings. However, this is a lot to ask from the two characters when only seven episodes remain in season 8, meaning fans will undoubtedly have to stand by until season 9 for more "Buddie" development. The worst thing the writers could do would be to rush this storyline, so, the delay might be worth it. We have waited this long for a Buck and Eddie romance to happen in 9-1-1 — what's one more season?