Evan “Buck” Buckley is a cornerstone of 9-1-1. His charisma, bravery, and heart-on-his-sleeve attitude have won over fans since the show’s debut. But while Buck’s heroism and emotional depth shine, there’s a glaring oversight in his character arc that even the most casual viewers can’t ignore. Are the writers missing a vital opportunity to fully explore who Buck truly is? Let’s dive into what makes Buck such a compelling character—and how 9-1-1 is falling short.
The Allure of Buck: Why Fans Love Him
Buck’s Journey So Far
From the thrill-seeking firefighter in Season 1 to the emotionally complex individual he’s become, Buck’s growth has been one of the show’s highlights. He’s more than just a first responder—he’s a brother, a friend, and someone constantly searching for his place in the world.
What Makes Him Stand Out
Buck’s charm lies in his imperfections. He’s reckless but kind, vulnerable yet strong. Fans resonate with his struggles and celebrate his victories. But even with all these layers, there’s a key piece of his character that remains underdeveloped.
What 9-1-1 Gets Right About Buck
A Relatable Hero
Buck isn’t just a hero because he saves lives—he’s relatable because he’s flawed. His insecurities, whether about his worth or relationships, mirror the struggles many of us face.
Dynamic Relationships
Whether it’s his brotherly bond with Eddie, his tumultuous relationship with Abby, or his interactions with his family, Buck’s connections are rich and nuanced. These relationships add depth to his character and make him feel human.
The Missing Piece in Buck’s Story
A Lack of Internal Resolution
For all his development, Buck’s storyline often focuses on external events—his career, his relationships, his health scares. What’s missing is a deeper exploration of his internal struggles. Why does Buck feel the need to constantly prove himself? Where does his sense of inadequacy stem from?
Untapped Backstory Potential
Buck’s childhood and family dynamics have been hinted at, but they’ve never been fully unpacked. His relationship with his parents, particularly the emotional neglect he endured, remains an underutilized narrative goldmine. Exploring this could add a whole new dimension to his character.
Why This Oversight Matters
Buck’s Emotional Depth Deserves More Screen Time
When shows only scratch the surface of a character’s emotional journey, they miss out on creating moments that truly resonate with audiences. Buck’s pain, joy, and growth are what make him relatable—and they deserve more attention.
Fans Want More Authenticity
Viewers connect most deeply with characters who feel real. By neglecting Buck’s internal struggles and backstory, 9-1-1 risks making him feel one-dimensional in an otherwise complex narrative.
How 9-1-1 Can Fix This
Delve Into Buck’s Past
Fans have seen glimpses of Buck’s family life, but a more in-depth exploration is overdue. What shaped him into the person he is today? Episodes focusing on his childhood, his parents, or even forgotten moments of vulnerability could bring new layers to his story.
Give Him a Moment of Self-Discovery
Buck has spent much of the series searching for external validation. It’s time for the writers to give him an arc where he finds internal peace. Whether through therapy, a life-changing event, or deep conversations with loved ones, Buck’s journey to self-acceptance would be powerful.
Strengthen His Solo Storylines
Buck often shines in ensemble moments, but giving him more solo-focused episodes could elevate his character. Let’s see Buck wrestle with his fears, confront his past, and emerge stronger.
The Importance of Buck’s Family Dynamics
A Window Into His Childhood
We know Buck’s relationship with his parents is strained, but how did that shape his need for validation? Diving into these moments could help viewers understand why Buck approaches life the way he does.
Sibling Bonds and Struggles
Buck’s relationship with his sister Maddie is one of the most touching aspects of the show. However, even this could benefit from further exploration. What secrets or unresolved issues lie between them?
Buck’s Search for Identity
Who Is Buck Without the Firehouse?
Buck’s identity is deeply tied to his role as a firefighter. But who is he outside of his job? Exploring this question could open doors to new and exciting storylines.
Balancing Vulnerability and Strength
Buck often hides his vulnerabilities behind humor and bravado. Giving him space to embrace these emotions openly would make his character even more compelling.
Why Fans Are Speaking Up
A Loyal Fan Base with High Expectations
Fans love Buck, and their critiques come from a place of wanting to see him reach his full potential. Social media buzz often highlights the need for deeper exploration of his character.
The Push for Better Representation
In a time when viewers demand authentic and layered storytelling, 9-1-1 has an opportunity to lead the charge by doing justice to Buck’s narrative.
What Other Shows Can Teach 9-1-1
Examples of Well-Rounded Characters
Shows like Grey’s Anatomy and This Is Us excel at diving into their characters’ psyches. 9-1-1 could take a page from their book to give Buck the arc he deserves.
Why Complexity Matters
Audiences crave characters who evolve in meaningful ways. By ignoring key aspects of Buck’s story, 9-1-1 risks missing out on creating one of TV’s most memorable protagonists.
Conclusion: Buck Deserves Better
Evan “Buck” Buckley is one of the most beloved characters on 9-1-1, and for good reason. His charm, vulnerability, and heroism make him a standout in the series. But by failing to delve deeper into his backstory and internal struggles, the show is leaving untapped potential on the table. Buck deserves more than surface-level growth—he deserves a storyline that truly honors the complexity of his character. It’s time for 9-1-1 to give Buck the narrative justice he’s earned.
FAQs
- What makes Buck such a compelling character on 9-1-1?
Buck’s mix of vulnerability, bravery, and emotional depth makes him one of the show’s most relatable and beloved characters. - Why do fans feel Buck’s character is underdeveloped?
While Buck has had significant growth, key aspects of his backstory and internal struggles remain unexplored, leaving his arc feeling incomplete. - How can 9-1-1 improve Buck’s character development?
By diving deeper into his past, focusing on his internal journey, and giving him more solo storylines, the show can create a richer narrative for Buck. - What role does Buck’s family play in his story?
Buck’s strained relationship with his parents and his bond with his sister Maddie are crucial to understanding his insecurities and need for validation. -
Why is Buck’s search for identity important to the show?
Exploring who Buck is beyond his role as a firefighter adds depth and relatability to his character, making his journey even more impactful for viewers.
