Oliver Stark recently shared insights regarding the upcoming journey for his character, Evan “Buck” Buckley, in this season of 9-1-1 ā from navigating new work partnerships to exploring the nuances of his bisexual identity.
The premiere of season 9, which aired on ABC on October 9, showcased Buck grappling with Eddieās (Ryan Guzman) transition into a paramedic role alongside Hen (Aisha Hinds). This change came after the tragic passing of Captain Bobby Nash (Peter Krause) at the conclusion of season 8, leaving paramedic Chimney (Kenneth Choi) in the interim captain position. With the shifts occurring at the 118, Buck found it challenging to adjust to the loss of his long-established routine with Eddie while also witnessing his close friend bond with someone new.
āHeās not thrilled about the changes, but I donāt think itās a straightforward sadness either,ā Stark, 34, confided to Us Weekly. āHe yearns for a return to normalcy amidst such significant loss, and now feels even more upheaval piling on.ā
Stark emphasized that while Buck adores Hen and isnāt irritated by Eddieās collaboration with her as a paramedic, he is overwhelmed by the substantial transformations taking place at the station.
āThe absence of Bobby is palpable at the 118,ā he reflected. āHe wishes everything else would slot back into the familiar structure he cherishes. Therefore, heās grappling with these new circumstances and admitting heās feeling a bit [overwhelmed] because of the transition.ā
Stark hinted that while Buckās turmoil wonāt spiral out of control like when he faced Eddieās move to Texas in season 8, there will be playful banter sprinkled throughout. āHeās bound to throw out some witty remarks and playful jabs along the way,ā Stark teased.
Buckās ongoing adjustment will manifest in various scenarios. In the season 9 premiere, audiences witnessed him scrambling with his colleagues for a shot to venture into space with Hen after she heroically rescued tech mogul Tripp Hauser (Mark Consuelos) from a whirlpool caused by a whale. However, he opted out when he realized that space travel didnāt appeal to him as much as he thought.
For Stark, Buckās impulsive dive into the competition stemmed from a desire to feel a sense of āinclusion.ā
āIt mirrors his wish for the 118 to restore its previous camaraderie. Heās not comfortable with conflicts or disagreements surrounding him; he just wants to be part of the collective experience,ā Stark elucidated. āEven amidst minor disputes, itās all driven by a sense of team spirit and love, and he longs to share in that.ā
As Buck settles into his new role at the 118, he will be fostering a fresh partnership with Ravi (Anirudh Pisharody), who has become his new partner with Eddie occupied elsewhere. Stark indicated their connection will involve ābuilding trustā as they navigate challenges together, showcasing the evolution of their āfriendshipā over time.

āTheyāre just learning to work better together,ā Stark shared, appreciating Anirudh’s presence on set. āThe dynamic is refreshing, and itās fantastic to have him around as heās a close friend. Itās been enjoyable to explore something innovative within the showās framework.ā
While Buck desires to engage in workplace discussions, Stark hopes his characterās journey sparks essential conversations off-screen as Buck continues to navigate his identity. The actor has perceived a specific āignoranceā regarding Buckās bisexuality since his coming out in season 7 and aims to diminish that narrative.
āI believe thereās been some misunderstanding around viewers assuming Buck is merely a gay man since his coming out. Though he has had interactions with Tommy, thereās more to his story,ā Stark remarked. āHe doesnāt need to suddenly date a woman to justify his identity, but rather, there should be meaningful dialogues to educate the audience without being heavy-handed.ā
Stark hopes that education can manifest through both Buckās āactionsā and āconversationsā with himself, as he contemplates questions like, āDo I need to define myself in a particular way due to othersā perceptions? Or can I simply be who I am, attracted to whoever I choose?ā
He feels optimistic about 9-1-1 striving to āshine a lightā on these discussions as the season progresses. Nonetheless, Stark clarified that Buck isnāt currently looking to date anyone but may find himself in romantic situations ā though actively seeking a relationship isnāt his focus at the moment.
Regarding whether Buck will explicitly label himself as bisexual ā something many fans have long awaited ā Stark believes it isnāt out of the question, but patience is key.
<pāFor the initial episodes of the season, he engages in conversations that reflect on his identity,ā Stark noted. āI see no hindrance in him using the term bisexual, but he is definitely candid and authentic about being attracted to more than one gender as the season progresses.ā
9-1-1 is broadcast on ABC every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.
 
					
 
			


 
                                 
                             