9-1-1 Fans Can’t Seem to Make Up Their Mind About This Controversial Character (& It Makes Zero Sense)

It’s hard to deny that ABC’s 9-1-1 has a passionate fan base. Since its 2018 debut, the firefighting procedural has steadily amassed a massive and vocal following. For the show’s fans, the 118 is like an extended family. The team’s weekly trials are akin to coveted phone calls — drama-filled updates that draw gasps and laughs. While this connection helps the show maintain its strong foothold, it also produces some intriguing dynamics between 9-1-1’s characters and its fans.

Enter Tommy Kinard (Lou Ferrigno Jr.). Formerly a member of the show’s central Station 118, his presence may be one of the most controversial parts of 9-1-1. Only the tragic and peculiar death of “Cap” Bobby Nash (Peter Krause), known affectionately to many fans as “Fire Dad”, seems to have superseded the discourse surrounding Tommy Kinard. So, what’s the trouble with Tommy?

Tommy Kinard Has Plenty of On-Screen Drama

It’s easy to forget that 9-1-1 first introduced Lou Ferrigno Jr. to the lineup in Season 2. Yes, way back in 2018, he pops up as a side character in “Hen Begins”. In the Henrietta Wilson (Aisha Hinds) origin episode, he’s heard — but, notably, not shown — working in the position now occupied by Evan “Buck” Buckley (Oliver Stark). He plays similarly small parts in “Chimney Begins”, “Broken”, and “Bobby Begins Again”. Afterwards, he disappears for five whole seasons.

His first “proper” appearance comes in Season 7’s “Capsized”, when he’s spotted piloting the helicopter that saves Bobby and Athena (Angela Bassett) from a foundering cruise ship. Shortly thereafter, he befriends Edmundo “Eddie” Diaz (Ryan Guzman) and joins his regular basketball games. The unexpected wrench in the 118’s dynamic cramps Buck’s style.

Thus begins a peculiar one-sided one-upping contest between Buck and Tommy. The latter is blissfully unaware of such attempts, while the former is hellbent on “winning back” his team’s good graces. It all eventually boils over when Buck’s slightly-too-aggressive bump causes Eddie to sprain his ankle. And that would be that, were it not for the decision to push Tommy into one of the show’s many slow-burn romances.

Fans Dislike Tommy Kinard for “Splitting Up” Their Favorite Pairing

Through a series of somewhat predictable bumbles, the former “straight shooter” Buck ends up kissing Tommy. The two then agree to date, though their first attempt goes wildly awry. Eventually, after Buck has worked through some of his feelings, they take a second swing at dating. This time is more successful, and it leads to a sustained relationship.

And that — the quirky dynamic between Buck and Tommy — is the source of Kinard’s fandom woes. For, as anyone who’s spent more than five minutes with a 9-1-1 fan can attest, the show’s most popular pairing is Buck and Eddie (“Buddie”).

Thus, a (perhaps surprisingly) large contingent of 9-1-1 fans absolutely loathe Tommy Kinard. They view him as a roadblock to their ultimate goal of achieving a canonical relationship between firefighters Evan Buckley and Edmundo Diaz. The warring dynamic between what fans want and the 9-1-1 writers’ room forms the bulk of the fandom’s scorn.

But there are also some attempts (of varying genuineness) to dress up the Kinard hate. Some contend that their hatred for Tommy is not entirely dependent on his status as yet another “Buddie killer”. They instead argue that they dislike Tommy for being one-dimensional eye candy. Others point to Tommy’s ruder tendencies and claim he has a short fuse.

There Are Still Some Fans Who Love Tommy

• Both Tommy and Buck share the same ex, former phone operator Abby Clark (Connie Britton). In fact, Tommy and Abby were engaged for two years before parting ways. By all outward appearances, their split was amicable.

Nothing is ever set in stone. For starters, as of “Lab Rats”, Buck and Tommy’s relationship status is tenuous at best; the pair formally split after an argument in “Confessions”. While Lou Ferrigno Jr. is still poised to be a 9-1-1 regular, his role in Buck’s life remains a mystery. It’s also worth noting that not everyone hates Tommy. There’s a sizable, albeit less vocal, segment of 9-1-1’s fans that supports his inclusion.

For these viewers, Kinard is an intriguing twist in the show’s usual formulaic narrative. He’s a new and novel face, and he deserves time to grow. Then, there’s always the cluster of fans who simply don’t care. While not as vocal as Tommy’s detractors, these fans are ambivalent about his place in the show. Many casual 9-1-1 followers likely fall into this category, as do many “hardcore” fans.

Regardless of one’s opinion on the matter, the facts seem to suggest that Tommy is here to stay. And considering Bobby’s death in Season 8, his place in the 118’s familial dynamic may gain more importance. So for now, fans will just have to wait and see what happens.