When 9-1-1 returns for Season 8, not much time has passed between the events in the Season 7 finale and the premiere.
It has been three months, and Buck (Oliver Stark) has enjoyed those months with Tommy (Lou Ferrigno Jr.).
Season 8, Episode 1, “Buzzkill,” is jam-packed as Los Angeles deals with a horde of killer bees, the 118 has a new captain, and Eddie’s son has still not warmed up to him.
Picking up Buck and Tommy’s arc from the previous season, the couple has grown comfortable with each other and is now hanging out with Buck’s BFF.
With so much to tackle in the episode, it is understandable that Buck and Tommy are featured in one scene.
In the scene, Eddie tries to surprise Christopher on his 14th birthday and has enlisted Buck and Tommy.
Buck plays Christopher’s ever-giving uncle. He wears the cone and puts on a happy face for Chris’ special day — well, not exactly put on since he is happy for Chris and another reason.
A fleeting moment passes between Buck and Tommy as they hide behind the couch for the surprise, and Tommy knocks Buck off his feet again.
“I’m sorry, you want the red one?” Buck asks Tommy as they put on their birthday cones.
“Has anyone ever told you you’re a vision in a cone?” Tommy takes the opportunity to compliment his man.
But, I mean really, calm down. It’s just a cone. In all fairness, Buck looks like a vision in anything.
Buck breaks a huge smile, infecting Tommy with it. Yep! They are still great together.
The “Honeymoon” Period Looks Good On Buck and Tommy.
When showrunner Tim Minear talks to TV Guide about the premiere, he says that Buck and Tommy are still on their honeymoon.
He likens Buck’s feelings to those of a 16-year-old with how intense and fresh they are. He talked about the whole thing, saying,
“I’m sort of playing the honeymoon period, and it is a honeymoon period in a lot of ways for Buck because not only is this somebody he really likes and they have some chemistry together, it’s the first time he’s been with a man.
“So it’s exciting and new in the [same] way that you have a crush when you’re 16. It’s that feeling, right? It’s just great. So that’s where Buck and Tommy are, at the beginning of this season.”
Unfortunately, Minear doesn’t reveal what he has planned for them. “I’m not telling you,” he replies when asked if anything is happening post-honeymoon.
One of the obvious arcs is Tommy’s support for Buck, who is struggling with the new leadership at the 118.
Tommy has worked under Gerrard before, so he knows how to navigate the affair.
However, there needs to be something more for them — just them.
9-1-1 Season 8, Thursdays at 8 pm on ABC.