If you’ve been paying attention to the 9-1-1 fandom for the last seven years, you’ll know that there’s one particular couple fans can’t get off their minds: Buddie.
At least, we wish they were a couple.
That’s right, folks. In the midst of bee-nados, children copiloting airplanes, and Bobby’s new Hollywood gig, we’re still thinking about our favorite firefighter ship.
Who is Buddie?
Buddie is, of course, the nickname fans have affectionately assigned to the Evan “Buck” Buckley and Eddie Diaz ship.
In a major win for LGBTQ+ representation, we learned that Buck is bisexual during 9-1-1 Season 7 Episode 4.
Before that, there was technically no canonical reason to believe he or Eddie might belong to the LGBTQ+ community.
(Heavy emphasis on “technically.”)
Still, the subtext has always been there, and Buddie fans are tired of waiting.
It’s Always Been Buddie
We won’t talk about all the conversations Buck and Eddie have had since 9-1-1 Season 2 that were blatantly flirtatious.
We won’t even bring up the number of life-threatening injuries these two have experienced that caused each other to react like a terrified spouse.
While we’re being generous, let’s ignore how many scenes between Buck and Eddie are shot to mirror scenes between major couples like Bobby/Athena, Chimney/Maddie, and Henrietta/Karen.
Now that Season 8 is underway, the writers have not prioritized shutting down Buddie fans.
In fact, Buck’s moment of overstimulation on 9-1-1 Season 8 Episode 1 (which many have speculated might have been confirmation that Buck is neurodivergent, by the way) gave Buddie stans more ammo than ever.
In the seconds before he tackled Gerrard, Buck heard two voices repeating in his head: Gerrard’s and Eddie’s.
Buddie Could Have the Perfect Friends-to-Lovers Arc
While the Girard voice contributed to Buck’s panic, the Eddie voice seemed to be a comforting one designed to bring him balance in the moment.
Before you come at me about how Buck and Eddie are best friends, I get it.
I’m the first person to protect and defend a platonic relationship.
In fact, I usually oppose shipping male friends who have an intimate relationship, especially when one or both of them is queer.
I think doing so can send a message that reinforces toxic masculinity and suggests that men can’t be close without it being romantic.
Despite all that, there is nothing in this world that can convince me that Buck and Eddie aren’t madly in love with each other.
Obstacles Facing Buddie
And the time has never been better for them to admit it to themselves (and each other).
First of all, Buck’s current boyfriend, Tommy, is not a good person.
When we first met him in 9-1-1 Season 2 Episode 12, we were shown a man who was happy to go along with racist and homophobic jokes as they were hurled at Chim and Hen.
For some reason, everyone seems to be ignoring that now. But once Buck finds out who Tommy really is, there’s no chance he’ll be able to overlook it.
Currently, Eddie’s mental health is in a rough place since Christopher has been in Texas. Until his son comes home, Buck is all he’s got.
The two of them can only grow closer during Christopher’s absence.
We know Buck already views Chris as his own, and he’s also struggling with the kid’s choice to take off.
There’s an opportunity for Buck and Eddie to realize that they’re each other’s family and go together to collect Christopher the moment he’s ready to come home.
I know what you’re thinking.
“But Haley, Eddie isn’t gay!”
Fine, I’ll give you that he hasn’t shown that side of himself, if it’s there.
But that doesn’t mean it can’t be part of who Eddie is, something that helps explain why he’s struggled in his relationships with women and never felt truly happy with anyone.
Except Buck, of course.
Anyway.
My point is, 9-1-1 Season 8 is the perfect time to introduce Buddie.
Of all the changes these two are experiencing, they both deserve something good.
They both deserve to be happy.
Buddie fans, sound off in the comments if you’re ready for this ship to finally set sail!
Don’t forget to watch 9-1-1 Thursdays at 8/7c on ABC, and check out Whitney’s reviews after each episode!
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