As 9-1-1 wraps up their Season 8, I am holding my breath wondering: is this finally the moment for Buck and Eddie? I mean, it has felt like years. I feel like this entire fandom we’ve built has dissected glances, moments, and dialogue between the two, but now – with Eddie’s crisis of faith (which I wish they explored more), Buck’s subtle (and not-so-subtle) introspection, and that question from Maddie – things feel different. I genuinely feel a shift in the Buddie world.

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Season 8B Is Giving Something Different

Let’s be real guys: 9-1-1 has never been subtle, like ever, with the emotional depth between these two firefighters. But I feel like the entirety of Season 8B is where things have shifted.

• Eddie grappling with Catholic guilt and his identity.
• Maddie straight-up asking Buck if it would be crazy if he’s in love with Eddie (I gasped for air at that moment).
• Tommy’s little jab with the “Now that the competition’s out of the way.”

This is either the most painful feeling ever when these two never get together, or the slowest burn in first responder television history. Either way, I want them to set us up for the most Buddie cliffhanger ever.

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Why Now? Why Buddie?

I feel like those who don’t watch always question: why now?

Buck’s entire arc throughout the seasons has been about identity and connection – and wanting someone to stay. He has evolved so much, and Maddie’s question was definitely not random.

Eddie’s crisis is deeply internal. It always reminds me of “Take Your Mask Off” by Tyler, The Creator. His crisis pushes him to reevaluate his life, beliefs, and desires. I mean, come on: Catholic guilt and the possibility of him being queer? That is soul-searching territory.

Also, the iconic line from Tommy didn’t have to exist. But it did – and for a reason.

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What Oliver Stark Is (and Isn’t) Saying

In recent interviews (and call me delusional), Oliver Stark’s responses have only stirred that big old Buddie pot more.

When asked about Buck’s growth and his relationship with Eddie, he doesn’t shut that idea down. Instead, he reflects on how much Buck has grown as a character and how he’s changed and open to all kinds of love. And while he always and forever stays diplomatic, there is a slight acknowledgment that “what fans see” in Buddie is not without reason—and that, of course, he just works here.

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What a Buddie Cliffhanger Could Look Like

Honestly, I’ve come up with a few cliffhanger possibilities myself:

• A moment. A nearly-there kiss. A confession??
• Honestly, the confrontation of feelings or realization would be ideal.

I know we won’t get a major “I love you” scene, but something—please.

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Final Thoughts: We’re Not Delusional

If nothing happens (which I’m hopefully thinking something does) between Buck and Eddie this season, it won’t be because there isn’t anything there. It will be a choice—and a nice way to play into a long Season 9. I just know there is something coming.

We’re not delusional.

Also this is all a testament to “Our Eddie.” If you know, you know.