9-1-1 Season 8 Is Finally Giving Buck & Tommy Their Due After Being Sidelined For A While

Buck and Tommy’s (played by Oliver Stark and Lou Ferrigno Jr., respectively) relationship was one of the biggest developments in 9-1-1 season 7, but their romance has been pushed to the side in favor of other storylines in season 8. Thankfully, that is about to change. Following the intense bee-nado disaster moment in the early 9-1-1 season 8 episodes, the show’s focus was on other characters and plots. So, despite their growing relationship and importance to Buck’s arc, Buck and Tommy have been sidelined, which is quite frustrating, but their time in the spotlight is coming.

9-1-1‘s shortened season 7 featured the return of Tommy, an LAFD Air Operations pilot, who used to work at Station 118. However, Buck didn’t meet Tommy until the cruise ship disaster, when Tommy helped the team find Bobby and Athena from the air. Tommy later grew close with Eddie, which made Buck jealous. One thing led to another, and Buck and Tommy kissed and went on their first date. Although it was awkward at first, the couple made amends and have been in a relationship ever since. Unfortunately, 9-1-1 season 8 has done little to progress Buck and Tommy’s romance.

9-1-1 Season 8 Is Confirmed To Give Buck & Tommy’s Romance The Focus That It Deserves

Buck & Tommy’s Relationship Has Been Neglected In 9-1-1 Season 8’s Early Episodes

Following 9-1-1 season 8, episode 4, “No Place Like Home,” Buck and Tommy’s story will get back on track. Episode 5 features the return of Tommy, and episode 6 includes development in the new couple’s relationship, according to Oliver Stark’s 9-1-1 interview with Screen Rant. Stark teases:

“Yeah, [Tommy is] in episode 5, a good amount, and is able to, I was going to say support Buck through some difficult times, but I don’t know if he’s always that helpful in this scenario. [Laughs] He’s a little bit weirded out by some things going on with Buck. And then in episode 6, there’s a lot of clarity on where their relationship is at and a lot of truths learned about each other. I think it’s going to be a really great episode.”

Those eager to see progress in Buck and Tommy’s romance will finally learn what comes next for them in the fifth and sixth episodes of 9-1-1 season 8. As Stark mentions, episode 5 features Tommy attempting to support his boyfriend while he goes through a difficult situation. Meanwhile, episode 6 gives Buck and Tommy (and the audience) clarity about the state of their relationship. So, big things are finally ahead for 9-1-1‘s newest couple.

Why Now Is The Perfect Time To Tackle Buck & Tommy’s Relationship Story Again

Gerrard Is Gone & Bobby Is Back At Station 118

After 9-1-1 fixed season 8’s worst parts in episode 4, the show can finally get back on track and follow other (more intriguing and entertaining) storylines. The return of Vincent Gerrard as Station 118’s captain was frustrating, to say the least. With his presence, it was difficult for the ABC procedural drama to dive deep into any other plotlines, like Buck and Tommy’s relationship.

Now, the firehouse is back in order with Gerrard gone and Bobby back as its captain. As a result, 9-1-1 can shift its focus to other storylines that are undoubtedly more enjoyable to watch, like what comes next in Buck and Tommy’s romance. Only time will tell if the 9-1-1 couple has what it takes to go the distance, but at least the series is finally giving Buck and Tommy’s relationship the attention it deserves.