This vulnerability results in Eddie seeing the worst parts of Buck’s character in 9-1-1 (and vice versa), but the pair strengthens their relationship with each storm they weather. Regardless of whether plots involve the two directly— like Peter Krause’s shocking exit from 9-1-1 following Bobby Nash’s death— Buck and Eddie’s storylines are intertwined. When the two characters don’t interact, they still influence each other, like Buck being a guiding light during Eddie and Christopher’s plot in 9-1-1 season 8. However, not every moment the two characters share is heartwarming.
Eddie And Buck’s Intense Argument In 9-1-1 Season 8, Episode 17 Stems From A Place Of Concern
Buck's Grief Over Bobby's Death Has Been Complex
Although the aftermath of Bobby’s death in 9-1-1 is far from over, it’s already resulted in a pivotal moment for Buck and Eddie. In 9-1-1 season 8, episode 17, Buck avoids his feelings by fixating on everyone else. As Eddie shares with Karen (Tracie Thoms) and Henrietta “Hen” Wilson (Aisha Hinds), Buck makes himself a caretaker for others in order to ignore his needs. The tension builds until the two have an explosive argument in their kitchen, Buck angry that Eddie didn’t mention his job offer in El Paso and Eddie is upset that Buck is silently shouldering his grief.
Naturally, a consequence of knowing someone so intimately is that you know exactly how to hurt them. Eddie tells Buck he’s making everything about himself. Meanwhile, Buck tells Eddie that he doesn’t know anything, and the two trade cheap shots before parting ways. On the surface, the fight may seem cruel and unnecessary, but it actually proves how much Eddie understands and respects Buck. As he mentions during their confrontation, nobody in the 118 knows how to talk to Buck. Though his own unresolved guilt creeps in, Eddie calling Buck out is the tough love the 9-1-1 mainstay needs.
Eddie Bringing Christopher Back To LA Proves He Understands Exactly How To Help Buck
All Buck Has Ever Wanted Was A Family
Despite his intention, Eddie doesn’t ignore how he hurt Buck during their fight. Initially, Buck thinks Eddie snuck out to fly back to Texas, but 9-1-1 season 8, episode 17 instead ends with a peace offering: Eddie went to the airport to pick up Christopher. Buck is thrilled, and any lingering bad blood is forgotten after Eddie’s aunt Pepa (Terri Hoyos) appears to give him a pep talk. As Eddie watches on, Buck cracks his first real smile since Bobby’s burial in 9-1-1 season 8, episode 16.
Eddie, Buck, and Christopher have always been a found family in 9-1-1, with each season exponentially building on their connection. Immediately, Buck helped Eddie navigate red tape for Christopher in 9-1-1 season 2. Subsequently, Buck was added to Eddie’s will as a legal guardian for Christopher in season 4, and Christopher independently sought out Buck for help in seasons 4, 5, and beyond. Throughout 9-1-1, Buck has constantly yearned for connection, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Buck’s well-documented abandonment issues may occasionally cause him to lash out, but Eddie has always accepted Buck as a true member of his family.
With Only 1 Episode Left, Can 9-1-1 Season 8 Make Buck & Eddie's Romance Happen?
The Slow-Burn Will Likely Continue Into 9-1-1 Season 9
There have been a million clues in 9-1-1 season 8 that point towards Eddie and Buck’s friendship taking a romantic turn, but the first-responder drama may delay the inevitable a little longer. 9-1-1 season 8, episode 18 will undoubtedly set the tone for Eddie and Buck’s relationship in season 9, but their slow-burn likely isn’t done yet. First and foremost, Eddie needs to decide to move back to LA— an announcement that Eddie will presumably make by the end of the 9-1-1 season 8 finale.
Still, I wouldn’t count anything out quite yet. The hit ABC procedural has proven that there’s no predicting what’s next, so it’s entirely possible that Eddie and Buck could realize their feelings or even confess them in 9-1-1 season 8, episode 18. Yet, given how long their potential relationship has been developing, “Buddie” becoming canon in the 9-1-1 season 8 finale would feel rushed, especially considering how the beginning of their relationship would be lost in the time-jump between seasons. Even if Buck and Eddie never date, their 9-1-1 season 8 fight proves they’re a perfect match, platonic or otherwise.
