'9-1-1' Sees Buck Explore His Sexuality: Find Out What Happened

Oliver Stark as Buck in '9-1-1'

Following a buckwild three-parter kickoff to 9-1-1 Season 7, this week's 100th episode (the fourth in the season) takes viewers back to the beloved 118, exploring new dynamics and familiar emergencies. Front and center in the episode’s plot is none other than Buck (Oliver Stark), with a partially eponymous installment aptly titled “Buck, Bothered and Bewildered.”

Related: '9-1-1' Moves to ABC for Season 7: Everything To Know About the Show

What happened in 9-1-1 Season 7, Episode 4?

While the episode kicks off with a crossover featuring The Bachelor, it soon focuses on Buck’s budding interest in the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Air Operations, where former 118 member Tommy (Lou Ferrigno Jr.) is guiding him through the ropes, offering instruction. Tommy marked his return in last week’s episode, when he came to the rescue to help Bobby (Peter Krause) and Athena (Angela Bassett) after their cruise ship capsized off the coast of Mexico. But as Buck is gearing up for takeoff, his best pal Eddie (Ryan Guzman) hijacks the date, having cozied up to Tommy for the past couple of weeks.

From the get-go, it’s clear that Buck is jealous of the relationship: Eddie has him watch Christopher (Gavin McHugh) so that he can go to trivia with Tommy and even takes him to the amateur basketball courts that Buck never wants to accompany him to. But it’s not until later, after Buck (kind of) accidentally injures Eddie on the courts that the root of his envy becomes crystal clear.

Tommy, sensing the animosity, arrives at Buck’s doorstep to apologize, saying he never meant to alienate him nor replace him in the friendship. In turn, Buck acknowledges his petty behavior, and the conversation soon turns intimate as he confesses that he was just trying to get Tommy’s attention the entire time. In turn, Tommy initiates a kiss, leaving Buck sweetly stumbling over his words as they set a date to get beers on the weekend. Talk about being (hot and) bothered and bewildered!

Is Buck gay? Bisexual? Or maybe he doesn't want to define his sexuality at all (which would be fine)!

As mentioned in the episode, Buck has struggled with relationships in the past, alluding to having dated women he had saved on his missions, which seemed to always backfire. Last season, the character briefly dated death doula Natalia (Annelise Cepero), with showrunner and co-creator Tim Minear explaining in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that the storyline was dropped due to creative and practical reasons, and that he was looking to “explore other avenues” with the character.

While a contingent of fans has previously shipped Eddie with Buck as more than a bromance, Buck’s sexuality has never been pinpointed. While labels aren’t always necessary, viewers can expect the character to explore this newfound romance and share it with his circle of friends and family at a time when he sees fit. For now, he just has to focus on bucking up!

Next, '9-1-1' Renewed for Season 8 at ABC