As an actor who has grown with the character of Buck for eight years, I can say that it has been an incredible journey to be part of this show and its family. The growth of our characters mirrors the real-life relationships we have built over these years, which makes every day on set feel like a reunion among old friends.
[This story contains spoilers from episode six, season eight of 911]
Buck (Oliver Stark) is back on the market following Thursday night’s episode of 911.
In the early stages of episode six from season eight titled “Confessions,” Tommy (Lou Ferrigno Jr.) surprises everyone when he mentions casually that he was once engaged to 9-1-1 dispatcher Abby Clark (Connie Britton). Unbeknownst to him, Abby happens to be Buck’s former partner.
However, interestingly, it’s not their shared history that causes strain in their relationship. Instead, a brief argument ensues when Tommy confesses to breaking Abby’s heart, prompting her to date someone younger post-breakup. This person, known as a “himbo,” is the male equivalent of a bimbo. Intriguingly, at the end of the episode, Buck proposes that Tommy moves in with him. Yet, this seemingly joyous moment becomes tense when Tommy reveals that he sees their relationship as his first significant male relationship since recognizing his bisexuality around mid-season seven, implying there may be others in the future.
Stark expresses that the choice made is completely reasonable, despite the fact that Buck seems to suffer unintentionally,” Stark explains to The Hollywood Reporter.
In the interview that follows, a prominent figure from the 911 series opens up to THR about the aftermath of Buck’s separation, the audience’s response to his character’s disclosed sexual identity, and how this transformed character might navigate future romantic endeavors.
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Regarding the end of the previous season, viewers were unsure if Captain Nash (Peter Krause) would continue as a firefighter and whether he would make it through the house fire that put him in the hospital. Was everyone left in suspense about his outcome?
Initially, when the initial drafts of the script were shared with us, there was a hint of apprehension due to the intense episode, number eight, which focused on Pete’s character and Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Such dedicated episodes can sometimes signal the departure of a character, causing concern. Fortunately, our fears were allayed swiftly as we didn’t have to wait long for clarification. Pete Krause, who plays Bobby, is not just a strong on-screen presence but also a significant leader behind the scenes for us – he is essentially our captain. Therefore, it would have been devastating had things unfolded differently.
As we approach season eight, when did you find out that there would be a shocking revelation – Tommy had previously dated Abby as well?
In a way reminiscent of a typical “911” production, just as I was going over the script, we filmed this season out of sequence. This means we shot episode six as episode four, and during episode three, Tim Minear phoned to share an interesting coincidence: in season one, Abby’s fiancé was named Tommy. Coincidentally, Lou’s character had not yet been introduced until season two, but they too had given his name as Tommy! Tim thought it would be foolish not to take advantage of this serendipity, and so a creative coincidence, if you believe in such things, led to a delightful revelation between the characters.
Did anyone mention that maybe Buck could discuss some topics with Abby over the phone while he was dealing with the recent developments, and possibly there would be another appearance by Connie Britton in the series? Have we discussed this at all?
It’s unclear to me. She appeared in season three, and it seems she might have felt that her time on 911 was complete. Regardless, I would be delighted to collaborate with her again if the opportunity arose. However, given the limitations of 42-minute episodes on TV and some cut scenes involving Buck’s struggles, it appears her return wasn’t planned for this specific season. The interactions between Maddie [Jennifer Love Hewitt] and Josh [Bryan Safi] seem to cover everything necessary in the scene.
“In this episode, Josh’s heartfelt monologue about the pre-Glee era for gay men resonated deeply with me, especially since I believe it was crucial for Buck to listen to. What made it so significant for him?”
In my opinion, the show made an ingenious decision by weaving a message into the storyline that is both relevant and far-reaching. Instead of blatantly expressing this message, they used “Glee” as a metaphor, which I believe is a clever way to avoid overwhelming the audience. If messages are delivered too forcefully, viewers might lose interest or tune out. However, by infusing it with humor and using “Glee,” the show is more likely to provoke thought and reflection.
Tommy and Buck parted ways so cordially. What do you think about the logic behind Tommy’s decision to call it quits?
It’s challenging because it seems like he’s using a familiar phrase that’s often associated with ending relationships, such as “it’s not you, it’s me.” He appears to be preoccupied with his own concerns, which I can empathize with. In the movie, there’s an intriguing line where one character says, “I’m your first, I’m not your last,” and another responds, “they can be the same thing.” While they can share some similarities, more often than not, there is still a learning process and self-discovery involved. Given this, I think it’s a wise decision. Tommy has valid reasons to fear getting hurt again, as his behavior suggests he may have experienced pain in the past. Ultimately, we must make choices that prioritize our own wellbeing so we can genuinely love without fear.
So far, Buck has experienced two major romances. Abby showed him the rewards of genuine closeness. Can we speculate on how his bond with Tommy might evolve as a result?
I’m really looking forward to seeing the next phase of Buck’s journey, as he’s consistently shown resilience in the face of adversity. Given his character, I don’t believe he’ll abandon his faith in or desire for love. However, this will be the first time he’ll navigate dating while acknowledging and embracing his bisexuality. This presents an opportunity for us to delve into some of the questions and uncertainties that come with this new understanding for him, such as how to approach dating and what qualities to look for. I don’t think he’ll be deterred for long, and I’m excited to see the intriguing questions this journey poses for him.
Tim Minear, the co-creator and executive producer, previously shared with THR that they had planned Buck’s identity aspect since season two. Can you tell me when he first discussed this approach with you, and why it wasn’t shown until season seven?
At the start of the previous season, I believe it was around episode four when the plot reached its climax with the first kiss between Buck and Tommy. It wasn’t until episodes two or three that this storyline was presented to me. To be honest, it has been subconsciously affecting us due to fan reactions and interpretations. It’s a delicate balance; we don’t want to create something solely for fan service. Instead, we strive for authenticity within the narrative. However, it can be challenging not to let external influences seep in. Thus, I think that’s why it took some time – we wanted this moment to occur naturally and not feel forced or contrived due to certain online demands. Buck had various hurdles to overcome before reaching this stage, and Tommy played a significant role in shaping the story’s progression. Ultimately, everything needed to fall into place at the perfect time.
How has the audience reacted to the blossoming romance between Tommy and Buck, considering they were previously fond of the friendship (or bromance) between Buck and Eddie? What kind of feedback have you received regarding this development in the storyline?
The experience has been incredibly beautiful and surprisingly positive, as I anticipated catering to two distinct show audiences: those who engage on social media and those living in middle America with a unique connection to the show. Initially, I was cautious about how this storyline would resonate on a broader scale. However, the response has exceeded expectations, largely due to our careful timing and the organic feel of the development. It didn’t seem like we were forcing it into the narrative; instead, it felt like a natural progression for the character that was long overdue. As Buck has been hinting at something missing for years, this step made sense to viewers as a whole. It’s heartwarming to see people find themselves in the character, reflecting real-life scenarios where individuals can discover their sexuality at any age. This representation is crucial, especially since we don’t often see characters in their 30s or 40s exploring this aspect of themselves on television. It’s gratifying to witness this connection, as it’s a significant reason why we create these stories.
How has it felt for you to develop your character significantly over the last eight years, given how substantial their narrative evolution has been?
Our shared experience on this project has truly been a remarkable voyage. When I first joined, I was the greenest among the cast, much like Buck initially with the firefighting team. Over time, our bonds have only grown stronger and deeper, mirroring the relationships you’ve witnessed on screen. This journey as an actor has been incredibly rewarding because it allowed me to portray a significant transformation in Buck’s character. In the pilot episode, he was a self-proclaimed sex addict struggling with authority, but now he’s come a long way. It’s been a vast arc, and I feel privileged to have played a part in bringing that evolution to life across various genres – from lighthearted episodes to intense and dramatic ones. Every step of this process has been enjoyable, challenging me to grow, experiment, and push my boundaries in a supportive environment. From start to finish, it’s been a source of endless joy.
As a gamer, I’ve found myself quite immersed in the vast Ryan Murphy television universe lately. It’s fascinating to observe the sheer number of his shows dominating the small screen. From my perspective, it’s like being a player who’s just discovered multiple engaging worlds within a single game, each with its unique storylines and characters. It’s quite an exhilarating journey!
It’s quite extraordinary, I must say, as his extensive collection of shows, even those before 9/11, were ones I admired. The name “Ryan Murphy” was almost unreal to me, given his significant influence in Hollywood. Now, working under his production and being a part of these shows feels quite surreal. There’s an unmistakable Ryan Murphy touch on every show he creates, something that always makes you think, “Ah, this is a Ryan Murphy production.” It’s truly exciting to be a part of it. He and his team, including Tim, seem to know exactly what they’re doing, which as an actor, is reassuring because you can trust the creatives and feel secure knowing there’s a clear objective. Our goal is to deliver something that, at the very least, is highly entertaining.
As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but notice Murphy’s knack for reusing actors across his shows, particularly in the horror genre. If given the chance, which of his other series would I love to be a part of? That’s a tough one, but if I had to choose, it would definitely be the chilling anthology “American Horror Story.
Absolutely, you’re referring to “American Horror Story.” As I was lounging on my bed in my Hollywood apartment and engrossed in “The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story” on TV, an email for a new show called “911” appeared. I recall thinking, “This is a sign! I’m watching a Ryan Murphy production, and a casting call for one of his shows just landed in my inbox.” I’ve always been a devoted fan of the crime story genre, but there’s something about “American Horror Story” from the past that really appeals to me. I’d be thrilled to contribute to that kind of production.
Coming back to 911, what else can tease about how the rest of season eight shapes up for Buck?
As a gamer, I’ve got some exciting family responsibilities headed my way, and ol’ Buck’s handling his breakup in an unconventional yet mouth-watering fashion. Keep guessing, folks!
That’s a great word.
It will make sense, I promise.
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911 releases new episodes Thursdays at 8 p.m. on ABC.
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2024-11-08 05:25