"You Have To Tread Carefully": 9-1-1 Star Gives Thoughtful Response About Eddie & Buck Relationship

9-1-1 star Oliver Stark candidly responds to whether he’d like to see Buck in a romantic relationship with Eddie (Ryan Guzman). The two have been close friends dating back to Eddie’s earliest appearances in season 2. However, a notable portion of 9-1-1‘s audience has been hoping for the pairing affectionately known as “Buddie” to turn romantic. The possibility of Buck and Eddie ending up together recently got a shot in the arm when Buck came out as bisexual in 9-1-1 season 7.

In an interview on The Zach Sang Show, Stark was asked whether he hopes there’s a future for Eddie and Buck. The question arrived at the very end of the interview, with Stark noting that he’s open to the idea. The actor acknowledged that there have been hints of it and that the chemistry is there. Still, Stark cautioned that it should be handled with care. The full quote and video are included below:

I’m open to it. You know, there’s obviously stuff there. And there’s a chemistry between us.
Yeah, if it goes there, then I think it will be…It works two ways, right? Because I definitely see that as a potential story. I don’t know what’s gonna happen with Eddie’s character. Who knows?
But then I also think you have to tread carefully, right? Because I don’t want to tell the story where, like, a guy comes out. And now all his male friends are like—’Ah, so what? You got a crush on me?’

Like, I want to be careful of telling that at the same time. But yeah. I get asked that question, obviously, all the time. And I never quite know how to answer because, actually, I don’t get asked that question all the time. I get asked: ‘Will it happen?’ Not ‘do I want it to happen?’ Yeah. So that’s an interesting way to ask it. But when people ask me, ‘is this gonna happen? I’m always like, ‘I don’t know. I don’t write the show.’ But as far as do I want it to? I also don’t quite know, but I’m certainly open to it if that’s what [showrunner] Tim [Minear] decides, is, you know, the most honest way to continue telling these stories, then, yeah.

There Is A Good Foundation For Eddie & Buck

Part of the reason some viewers are rooting for Buck and Eddie is because of the easy chemistry between the characters that Stark notes in his comments. However, it’s also influenced by the close bond Buck has with Eddie’s son, Christopher (Gavin McHugh). The potential for romance is also shown when Eddie is shot and almost killed. Outside of Christopher, Buck is the one who is most impacted by the event, and Eddie’s importance to him is plain to see.

However, as supporters of “Buddie” have pointed out, there is still more work to be done before the two friends can make the leap from platonic to something more. Stark is correct that any change to their relationship needs to be handled with care. If it does happen, then it should be depicted in its totality rather than rushed or done as a halfhearted nod to audiences.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that Buck and Eddie are currently dating other people, throwing a potential wrench in a romantic pairing. However, given that 9-1-1 season 8 is confirmed at ABC, there’s certainly a possibility that could change next season, and it doesn’t hurt that Stark is open to the idea.

Source: The Zach Sang Show

9-1-1

Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Tim Minear reimagine the procedural drama with “9-1-1.” The series explores the high-pressure experiences of first responders — including police officers, firefighters and dispatchers — who are thrust into the most frightening, shocking and heart-stopping situations. These emergency responders must try to balance saving those who are at their most vulnerable with solving the problems in their own lives. The show draws from real-life, high-pressure experiences of first responders who regularly face heart-stopping situations that are often unpredictable, intense and uplifting at the same time.

Cast

Angela Bassett , Peter Krause , Oliver Stark , Aisha Hinds , Kenneth Choi , Rockmond Dunbar , Connie Britton , Jennifer Love Hewitt , Ryan Guzman

Release Date

January 3, 2018

Seasons

6

Showrunner

Tim Minear