9-1-1 star Oliver Stark details Buck’s evolving view of relationships after that brush with death, explaining how his character has changed.
9-1-1 star Oliver Stark candidly discusses how Buck’s view of relationships has evolved. When the hit Fox procedural first started, Evan “Buck” Buckley was introduced as someone who was very much into casual relationships and one-off hookups. But as 9-1-1 moved forward, so did Buck. He grew attached to Abby (Connie Britton) and became more willing to change the person he used to be.
In an interview with TV Insider to preview the April 24 episode of 9-1-1 season 6, Stark talks about Buck’s near-death experience and how it has altered his character’s view of relationships. In the episode, which is titled “Death and Taxes,” Buck meets a potential new love interest (played by Annelise Cepero). But in the quote below, Stark says Buck is “not going to sacrifice or compromise who he is”:
“I think the main thing for him is that anybody that he is to become romantically entwined with has to meet him where he is. He’s not going to sacrifice or compromise who he is. He’s becoming very settled in himself, and if the person that he ends up partnering up with isn’t OK with that, then they’re just not the right person. He’s not going to try and fit anybody else’s box anymore. He’s going to be comfortable with who he is, and anybody that comes along has to be equally as comfortable with that.”
How Buck’s Brush With Death Changed Him
In its typically outlandish way, 9-1-1 has had a bit of fun with Buck since he got struck by lightning. In a recent episode, it’s revealed he has garnered mathematical powers as a result of his brush with death, which gave Eddie (Ryan Guzman) the idea to have a night of poker with his firefighter buddy. But, on a more serious level, it underlines one of the show’s most important dynamics as the Fox procedural stares down an uncertain future.
9-1-1 has yet to be renewed for season 7. Although a renewal does seem likely, there has also been speculation the end of the series could be near. If that’s the case, and going by what Stark said about Buck not wishing to compromise who he is any longer, there is a path forward for the character that many have argued is obvious.
Well before his lightning accident, and even more solidified since, Buck’s bond with Eddie and their familial dynamic with the young Chris (Gavin McHugh) has been one of the highlights of 9-1-1. The writers haven’t taken that dynamic to its next step. But there’s an argument to be made that, as Buck becomes more comfortable in who he is and what he wants for himself after the accident, it would be a touching conclusion for him to realize that he already has something special in his life.
