Buddie — the beloved ship between Evan “Buck” Buckley (Oliver Stark) and Eddie Diaz (Ryan Guzman) — has always been about more than romance. From their very first episode together, the pair shared an unshakable bond, acting like a couple even when they weren’t. They were inseparable, supporting each other through every high and low.
Yet, five episodes into 9-1-1 Season 9, fans have noticed a troubling shift: Buck and Eddie barely interact. After dealing with the fallout from Bobby’s (Peter Krause) death last season, their dynamic seemed stronger than ever — but now, the show has largely sidelined their friendship. Moments where they should naturally connect are now strangely absent, leaving Buddie fans frustrated and concerned.
Season 9 Seems to Be Keeping Buck and Eddie Apart
Before Bobby’s death, Buck faced the possibility of romantic feelings for Eddie, sparked by heartfelt conversations with Tommy (Lou Ferrigno Jr.) and Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt). While this storyline promised tension and growth, Bobby’s passing disrupted it entirely, and the show has yet to revisit it.
Episode 5, “Día de los Muertos,” perfectly exemplifies this separation. Both Buck and Eddie have storylines tied to spirituality — Eddie exploring Catholicism, Buck trying to summon Bobby’s ghost to perfect his snickerdoodle recipe. Yet, their interactions feel off, forced, or nonexistent. Buck moves into a new home without Eddie’s help, and Eddie doesn’t seem aware or invested in Buck’s weeks-long efforts with the recipe. Even their Halloween plans together fall flat, with Eddie snapping at Buck instead of supporting him.
In contrast, secondary characters like Ravi (Anirudh Pisharody) step into the supportive role, highlighting how far the Buddie dynamic has drifted. This distancing makes Buck and Eddie feel more like coworkers than the inseparable duo fans have come to love.
Missed Opportunities for Character Growth
Season 9 has countless moments where Buck and Eddie should have connected: comforting each other after Eddie’s Abuela Isabel passes, or simply sharing moments in the kitchen with family. These missed beats weaken both characters and ignore the history of their deep bond.
The obvious fix would be to lean into the romantic angle that was teased before Bobby’s death. Even if the show isn’t ready for that step yet, Buck and Eddie need to at least act like best friends again. Whether it’s exploring Buck’s insecurities about Eddie working with Hen or navigating their new living and work arrangements, these storylines could keep their relationship grounded while slowly building toward romance.
Why Fans Are Concerned
Fans love Buddie not just for potential romance, but for their authentic connection. By separating them or minimizing their interactions, 9-1-1 risks undermining one of its most compelling emotional anchors. Whether it’s due to unspoken feelings or a deliberate pacing choice, the show needs to address their dynamic soon — otherwise, fans may start questioning whether the heart of Buddie still exists.
Buddie isn’t just a ship — it’s the emotional core of these characters’ stories. For the sake of both Buck and Eddie, Season 9 needs to remember that sometimes the strongest storylines come from friendship before romance.
