If you’ve been following the 9-1-1 fandom for the past seven years, you’ll know that there’s one special couple that fans will never forget: Buddy.
At least, we hope they’re a couple.
That’s right, folks. Amid the swarming, kids co-piloting planes, and Bobby’s New Hollywood gig, we’re still thinking about our favorite fire boats.
Who is Buddy?
Buddy, of course, was the nickname fans affectionately gave Evan “Buck” Buckley and Eddie Diaz to the ship.
In a major win for LGBTQ+ representation, we learned in 9-1-1 Season 7 Episode 4 that Buck is bisexual.
Before that, there were Technically There is no canonical reason to believe that he or Eddie might belong to the LGBTQ+ community.
(Emphasis on “technically”.)
Still, the subtext is always Been there, Buddy fans are tired of waiting.
It’s always been Buddy
We won’t talk about all of Buck and Eddie’s blatantly flirtatious conversations since 9-1-1 season 2.
We won’t even mention how many life-threatening injuries these two have endured that caused each other to react like frightened spouses.
While we’re being generous, let’s ignore how many of the scenes between Buck and Eddie were shot to mirror scenes between the main couples like Bobby/Athena, Chimney/Maddie, and Henrietta/Karen.
Now that season eight has begun, the writers aren’t prioritizing turning off Buddy fans.
In fact, Buck’s overstimulated moment in the first episode of 9-1-1 Season 8 (which, by the way, many speculated may have confirmed Buck’s neurodivergence) gave Bardistan more ammunition than ever before.
In the seconds before he tackled Gerald, Buck heard two voices repeating in his head: Gerald’s and Eddie’s.
Buddy can have a perfect friend-to-lover arc
While Girard’s voice heightened Buck’s panic, Eddie’s seemed to be a comforting voice designed to keep him balanced in the moment.
Before you tell me how Buck and Eddie became best friends, I get it.
I am the first to protect and defend platonic relationships.
In fact, I’m generally against shipping male friends in an intimate relationship, especially if one or both of them are queer.
I think doing this sends a message that reinforces toxic masculinity and shows that men can’t be intimate without being romantic.
Still, nothing in the world could convince me that Buck and Eddie weren’t madly in love.
Obstacles Buddy Faces
Now is the perfect time for them to admit this to themselves (and each other).
First of all, Buck’s current boyfriend Tommy is not a good person.
When we first met him in 9-1-1 Season 2 Episode 12, we saw a man who was happy to chime in when racist and homophobic jokes were thrown at Chim and Hen.
For some reason everyone seems to be ignoring this nowadays. But once Buck discovers Tommy’s true identity, it’s impossible for him to ignore it.
Currently, Eddie’s mental health is not going well since Christopher came to Texas. Buck was everything to him until his son came home.
It was only when Christopher was away that the two of them grew closer.
We know Buck already considers Chris his own child, and he’s also struggling with his child’s choice to leave.
Buck and Eddie get the chance to realize that they are each other’s family and go together to pick up Christopher as he prepares to return home.
I know what you are thinking.
“But Haley, Eddie isn’t gay!”
Well, I can tell you that he hasn’t shown that side of himself yet, if at all.
But that doesn’t mean it can’t be a part of Eddie, which helps explain why he struggles in relationships with women and never feels truly happy with anyone.
Except, of course, Buck.
Anyway.
My opinion is that 9-1-1 season 8 is the perfect time to introduce Buddy.
With all the changes these two are going through, they both deserve something good.
They all deserve happiness.
Buddy fans, if you’re ready to finally get this ship sailing, drop a note in the comments!
Don’t forget to watch 9-1-1 airing Thursdays at 8/7c on ABC and check out Whitney’s comments after each episode!
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