Oliver Stark as Evan “Buck” Buckley, Ryan Guzman as Eddie Diaz. Disney/Justin Stephens
9-1-1’s Evan “Buck” Buckley and Eddie Diaz have captured the hearts of fans since they first appeared together in the second season, with many speculating about the potential for their friendship to develop into something deeper.
Buck and Eddie, portrayed by Oliver Stark and Ryan Guzman, quickly formed a strong bond after Eddie joined the 118 in season 2. Their friendship was solidified when Buck selflessly prioritized the safety of Eddie’s son, Christopher (Gavin McHugh), during a catastrophic earthquake in Los Angeles. Stark believes this pivotal moment marked the beginning of their meaningful connection.
“In the aftermath, we [see] Buck driving Eddie to pick up Christopher,” Stark revealed in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly in 2022. “That gesture signified a lot. Despite having a car, Eddie chose to rely on Buck, who wanted to genuinely extend a hand. This moment clearly illustrated their willingness to engage in each other’s lives moving forward.”
As the series progressed through six seasons, the duo continued to support one another through various personal and professional challenges, with Buck even taking on a second fatherly role for Christopher. Their mutual struggles in finding long-term romantic partners have stoked rumors that they could share an even deeper bond.
Stark attributes the popularity of the duo to their “fun energy,” which is complemented by a profound understanding of each other. “They have woven themselves into each other’s lives which has allowed them to connect on multiple levels, whether in personal or work scenarios. This charming mix seems to be a great foundation for their relationship, regardless of how you define it,” he stated.
Continue reading to explore a complete timeline of Buck and Eddie’s evolving friendship:
Their Initial Encounter
Buck and Eddie meet for the first time in Season 2’s episode, “Under Pressure,” when Eddie joins the 118 team. Initially intimidated by Eddie, Buck soon finds commonality as they work together to extract a live grenade from a caller’s leg. Their friendship officially begins when Eddie refers to Buck as a “badass under pressure.”
Embarking on Parenthood
During season 2, as Eddie faces challenges finding stable support for Christopher, born with cerebral palsy, Buck connects Eddie with a home aide, Carla (Cocoa Brown), drawing them closer together. Buck’s relationship with Christopher simultaneously grows stronger. (This connection will have significant implications later.)
Facing Crisis Together
In the dramatic season 3 premiere, Buck refers to Eddie as his “best friend” after a tsunami displaces Christopher. Despite the chaos, once Christopher is found, Buck wrestles with guilt over the incident until Eddie reassures him, expressing that there is “no one in this world” he trusts with Christopher more than Buck.
Legal Challenges
Their friendship is challenged when Buck files a lawsuit against the LAFD in season 3, leading to a temporary rift between him and Eddie. However, they reconcile in the episode “Monsters” when Eddie realizes Buck’s intentions were not to harm the team. When Buck discovers that Eddie has been coping with his PTSD through street fights instead of therapy, he reaches out with offers to hang out at his place, where Eddie reflects that spending time with Buck benefits him more than he previously thought.
A Holiday Celebration
In one of the series’ standout moments for “Buddie” fans, the episode titled “Christmas Spirit” sees Buck go out of his way to ensure Eddie can celebrate Christmas with Christopher during his work shift. Once again, the trio celebrates the holiday together, highlighting the depth of their bond.
In another holiday scenario, during season 2’s “Ex-Mas,” while bringing Christopher to see Santa, a stranger mistakenly assumes Buck and Eddie are a couple, to which Buck doesn’t correct.
The Intensity of Care
One of the most poignant episodes, season 3’s “Eddie Begins,” reveals the lengths both men would go to save each other. When Eddie is trapped, Buck frantically digs through mud to rescue him, demonstrating the strength of their bond. Eddie later expresses his trust in Buck, revealing that if something ever happened, he would want Buck to have custody of Christopher.
As their friendship grows, Buck’s concern escalates during season 4 when Eddie is shot in the episode “Suspicion.” Buck is devastated, fearing the worst when Eddie falls unconscious, but Eddie returns from a coma with words affirming Buck’s unique role in Christopher’s life and his importance.
A Shoulder to Lean On
Even as season 5 progresses with some distance between the two, a significant moment arises in the episode “Fear-o-Phobia” when Buck rushes to Eddie’s aid as he struggles with PTSD, underscoring the emotional support they provide each other.
Amid challenges in season 6, where Eddie witnesses Buck being struck by lightning, he demonstrates his deep care and concern for his friend, pleading with the medical team to take every measure necessary for Buck’s recovery.
Once he is home and uncomfortable on his new couch, Buck finds comfort on Eddie’s couch, hinting at deeper connections beyond the surface.
Life Choices
In the season 6 episode titled “In Another Life,” Buck imagines a reality where he never joined the 118. The alternate version of Eddie is depicted as struggling after losing custody of Christopher, showcasing the transformative impact of Buck’s presence in his life. The dramatic butterfly effect highlights their intertwined fates.
Ryan Guzman and Oliver Stark Disney/Chris Willard
Feelings of Envy
In season 7, problems arise when Buck finds himself envious of Eddie’s new camaraderie with Tommy (Louis Ferrigno Jr.). His attempts to reclaim Eddie’s attention culminate in a basketball game that ends in a hospital visit for Eddie. Buck later discovers that his jealousy stemmed from his own feelings for Tommy, leading to a revelation about his own emotions.
Bonding at Karaoke
In a heartwarming moment post-conflict, Buck opens up to Eddie about his bisexuality, paving the way for their friendship to strengthen anew. They find themselves indulging in a lively karaoke night at Chimney’s (Kenny Choi) bachelor party, showcasing their fun-loving dynamic.
A Shoulder in Hard Times
The season 7 finale brings emotional upheaval when Christopher chooses to move to Texas with his grandparents, following Eddie’s secret romantic liaisons that mirror his late wife. Buck stands by Eddie in this distressing time, reinforcing their steadfast friendship.
Clarifying Changes
Buck’s reaction to Eddie’s plan to move back to Texas to mend his relationship with Christopher reveals the depth of their connection. In a moment of emotional turmoil, Buck adopts a dog in hopes of sweetening the mood, but when news of Eddie’s potential move leaks, he takes action by applying to sublet Eddie’s home, leading to a poignant farewell.
Ryan Guzman and Oliver Stark Disney/Christopher Willard
Navigating Absence
After a brief separation from Eddie as he takes some time away from the 118, Buck’s involvement with Tommy raises questions regarding his relationship with Eddie. While Buck’s feelings are stirred, the situation further complicates when Eddie continues to be there for him as a supportive friend.
A poignant scene unfolds during season 8’s introductory episode, where Buck and Eddie find a comfortable rhythm again despite transition, suggesting that their bond remains resilient amidst changes in their lives.
Enduring Connection
As season 9 unfolds, Buck and Eddie navigate the challenges posed by Eddie’s partnership with Hen. Their playful bickering ultimately reinforces the strong friendship they have cultivated, making it clear that though their roles may shift, the foundation of their camaraderie remains intact.
