Oliver Stark recently shared insights regarding the upcoming journey for his character, Evan “Buck” Buckley, in this season of 9-1-1 — 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 Eddie’s (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.
“He’s not thrilled about the changes, but I don’t think it’s a straightforward sadness either,” Stark, 34, confided to Us Weekly. “He yearns for a return to normalcy amidst such significant loss, and now feels even more upheaval piling on.”
Stark emphasized that while Buck adores Hen and isn’t irritated by Eddie’s collaboration with her as a paramedic, he is overwhelmed by the substantial transformations taking place at the station.
“The absence of Bobby is palpable at the 118,” he reflected. “He wishes everything else would slot back into the familiar structure he cherishes. Therefore, he’s grappling with these new circumstances and admitting he’s feeling a bit [overwhelmed] because of the transition.”
Stark hinted that while Buck’s turmoil won’t spiral out of control like when he faced Eddie’s move to Texas in season 8, there will be playful banter sprinkled throughout. “He’s bound to throw out some witty remarks and playful jabs along the way,” Stark teased.
Buck’s 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 didn’t appeal to him as much as he thought.
For Stark, Buck’s impulsive dive into the competition stemmed from a desire to feel a sense of “inclusion.”
“It mirrors his wish for the 118 to restore its previous camaraderie. He’s not comfortable with conflicts or disagreements surrounding him; he just wants to be part of the collective experience,” Stark elucidated. “Even amidst minor disputes, it’s all driven by a sense of team spirit and love, and he longs to share in that.”
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 “building trust” as they navigate challenges together, showcasing the evolution of their “friendship” over time.
“They’re just learning to work better together,” Stark shared, appreciating Anirudh’s presence on set. “The dynamic is refreshing, and it’s fantastic to have him around as he’s a close friend. It’s been enjoyable to explore something innovative within the show’s framework.”
While Buck desires to engage in workplace discussions, Stark hopes his character’s journey sparks essential conversations off-screen as Buck continues to navigate his identity. The actor has perceived a specific “ignorance” regarding Buck’s bisexuality since his coming out in season 7 and aims to diminish that narrative.
“I believe there’s been some misunderstanding around viewers assuming Buck is merely a gay man since his coming out. Though he has had interactions with Tommy, there’s more to his story,” Stark remarked. “He doesn’t 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.”
Stark hopes that education can manifest through both Buck’s “actions” and “conversations” with himself, as he contemplates questions like, “Do I need to define myself in a particular way due to others’ perceptions? Or can I simply be who I am, attracted to whoever I choose?”
He feels optimistic about 9-1-1 striving to “shine a light” on these discussions as the season progresses. Nonetheless, Stark clarified that Buck isn’t currently looking to date anyone but may find himself in romantic situations — though actively seeking a relationship isn’t his focus at the moment.
Regarding whether Buck will explicitly label himself as bisexual — something many fans have long awaited — Stark believes it isn’t out of the question, but patience is key.
<p“For the initial episodes of the season, he engages in conversations that reflect on his identity,” Stark noted. “I 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.”
9-1-1 is broadcast on ABC every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.
