The kiss between Evan “Buck” Buckley and Tommy Kinard on the show 9-1-1 has captured viewers’ hearts, with actor Oliver Stark teasing that the upcoming storyline will be great. Buck has been a mainstay at station 118 since season 1, while Tommy was introduced in season 7 as an LAFD helicopter pilot. In the 100th episode, Buck becomes increasingly jealous of Eddie spending all his free time with Tommy instead of him.
Stark described Buck’s feelings as a sense of searching or uneasiness, not necessarily with Eddie, but within himself. He mentioned that the jealousy Buck feels towards Eddie is a manifestation of his unease rather than the root cause, indicating that there is more to it. At the end of the episode, Tommy visits Buck at home and apologizes for seemingly stealing Buck’s best friend, leading to a kiss between the two characters and plans for a date.
The upcoming episode will focus on Buck and Tommy’s outing, marking Buck’s first date with a man and the start of exploring his coming out journey. Stark emphasized the importance of the storyline without wanting it to feel like the bravest episode of television, aiming instead to tell a lighthearted love story that happens to be a queer love story. Buck will address his sexuality in conversations with his sister Maddie and fellow firefighters at station 118, receiving different reactions from each of them.
Stark mentioned that Buck will receive the support he needs from those around him, reflecting the world of 9-1-1. The show airs on ABC on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET, and fans can expect more developments in Buck and Tommy’s relationship as Buck navigates his newfound sexuality with the support of his loved ones and colleagues. Buck’s journey promises to be a significant storyline in the series, showcasing his growth and self-discovery as he embraces his true self and seeks acceptance from those closest to him.
