#BUCKTOMMY BREAKUP HOLY SHIT

[storygremlin]

OH MY GOD OH MY GOD

“If I moved in with you, you wouldn’t mean to, but you’d break my heart.”

“Did you just break up with me?”

“Yeah, I did.”

WHAT THE FUCKKKKKKKKKKK

[badasscoffeemug]

okay, so, i tried to pull as many interviews as i could to see if i could parse what the original plan for bucktommy was (or if there even was any), and subsequently, if there had been a pivot of any kind. now, we are not privy to any bts talk, and storylines are never set in stone, even from when they've been teased or promoted (henchim friction? hello?) but interviews are really all we have to go off of. so, idk, i compiled some quotes, all bolded emphasis is mine.

i kinda got the impression that it really was supposed to be a 4-episode arc for tommy, after which he would gracefully bow out and leave buck a newly realized single bisexual. for some reason, that changed and they chose to keep him around and extend that storyline (gelled rather well in the story? opening the door for potential future storylines?). except then they had them break up anyway, leaving buck in much the same place he would have been had they called it quits in 7x06, only much more heartbroken (essentially wasting over half a season's worth of buck storyline, except he's sadder now, i guess). but, judge for yourself.

march 28, 2024, TM: Showrunner Tim Minear also teased future episodes for Tommy. “He’s going to be around for a little bit. He’s not going to be a member of the 118 again, but he is going to be involved in some stories.”

april 4, 2024, TM: “I was kind of bored with the hamster wheel of the relationships [Buck] had been in. His story needed a slap. It needed some something fresh. This felt like it could be important to some people, and it felt like it was right for the character.”

OS: “I’ve always had in my head that I wanted a partner for Buck to be someone where it wasn’t easy”

TM: “That’s what I like about this. He’s not siloed off into some love interest story with a character who has nothing to do with the main characters.”

Minear noted that Tommy is currently an important romantic partner for Buck, largely because “it’s sort of the entry-level relationship.” Yet at the same time, he noted that he doesn’t think “anybody’s making wedding plans.”

“It really is a first fling for Buck right now. What that might amount to, only time can tell. But what I’m interested in is not something that’s fraught. I’m interested in something that’s tender and positive”

april 4, 2024, OS: “The focus was on it being important, but also not wanting it to feel like the bravest episode in television. We just wanted to tell a lighthearted love story that happens to be a queer love story.”

april 5, 2024, TM: “[what] I don't want to do is the mistake that I think we've made with some of the other love interests, which is siloing those characters off into their love life and they have no kind of organic connection to the rest of the characters in the story. [...] Going with Tommy allowed us to start to play a story without just inventing a whole new character just for the purpose of being the bi character or the gay character or the male love interest for Buck.”

april 12, 2024, TM: “that moment at the end of the episode where he sits down with Tommy and says, “You said I wasn’t ready. I don’t know what I’m ready for, but I’m ready for something. I’m just sure what that is yet.” But he feels safe with Tommy. So even though he doesn’t know exactly what road he’s stepping onto, he’s willing to roll the dice.”

april 12, 2024, LFJ: "So, it happens in phases. My manager said 9-1-1 called, and I was like, 'Cool.' And then he is like, 'All right, well, they called for an arc.' And I'm like, 'Four episodes? Cool.'

"Given the circumstances, we just kissed. There's something there. We go on a date, and then Eddie happens to show up because there's only one restaurant, I guess, in L.A., and I would totally understand if he was nervous and whatnot." (this quote has nothing to do with my point really i just think it's so fucking funny. this entire interview is so messy.)

"I have no idea," he explained when asked what the future could hold for the duo. "If the writers do choose to extend this storyline and make it into its own thing [...] I'm just as excited as you are to find out."

april 12, 2024, OS: "I just hope he continues down that path and I think we will see him opening up more and more, and being louder and prouder about it. I want to tell real stories where not everything is going to be straightforward, but I don’t want the angst or the trauma to be in these kind of negative troupes that we’ve seen before. I want them to have real world problems that couples or people who are first dating have, but I don’t want it to be rooted in outside people being homophobic or anything like that. Those are stories we have seen and we’ve told, and sure, of course, happen in the real world, but I want to tell a happy story between these people and a real story. They have issues and they have things to deal with, but I just want them to be real world, everyday relationship issues."

april 18, 2024, OS: "we want to tell it in an honest way where not everything is going to be easy and carefree. There are going to be issues, but we also don't want it to feel like it's down or too heavy. We want to tell this queer love story in a very honest way, but also in a very loving way."

"Tarlos is a beautiful relationship," Stark says. "I'm just honored to get to tell a story that can kind of partner up with that and maybe continue with a similar thread."

"I really want to see Buck continue to explore what it is that really speaks to him, and what he's into," Stark says. "He's obviously going to continue down this path with Tommy for now. I don't know what that story is going to end up being, but I would really like for Tommy to stay a part of Buck's life, regardless. He's obviously opened this door for him, and I think it would be really nice if [Tommy] was able to continue to hold [Buck's] hand and could help guide him through this process. As somebody who's a little older and more experienced, to kind of help shepherd Buck into this new phase of understanding who he is."

april 23, 2024, OS: “I really enjoy [Lou]. I really enjoy working with him. I think he’s been a great addition to the show, and I look forward to — assuming Tommy sticks around for a while — continuing to develop that relationship with him on-screen and off-screen.”

may 2, 2024, JLH: "I’m really excited for Buck, because I think he’s a person that has never quite settled into who he is. And if this is who he is, it’s beautiful,” Hewitt said. “I was so happy Maddie felt that way, because that’s how I would feel. And I’m really happy that she’s there for him. In Season 8, the actor hopes Maddie gets to “understand what all that means, be in that with [Buck], and get to know Tommy better.”

may 3, 2024, KC: “I think it was the brilliance of [co-creator] Tim [Minear]. Even introducing the storyline of Buck and Tommy, he said, "I don't want it to be this very special episode of 9-1-1. I'm going to make this a f---ing romantic comedy, man. You won't see it coming. It'll come out of left field." And I think that's the same thing he did with the revelation. There's no sit down, there's no big discussion or talk about it. It's what it would be. This guy has found love fina…. Well, I think love finally.”

may 3, 2024, KC: "When I heard about the storyline, I was super excited. And on a selfish note, I'm really happy because they brought Lou Ferrigno Jr. back. We've become really good friends, as he was in "Hen Begins," "Bobby Begins Again," and of course "Chimney Begins," and we formed a tight personal bond. I think he's a terrific actor, and I think this new dynamic brings this newfound energy into that storyline and into the show, and I'm excited to see how it blossoms."

not dated? post-7x06, KC: “It’s one of my favorite scenes,” Choi says. “It’s a reveal for most of the characters that Buck has found a love interest he’s actually interested in. It’s adorable, it’s cute, it’s perfect, and the audience is going to love it.”

OS: Stark likens Buck’s journey to “a hamster wheel”: “He’s been taking one step forward and two steps back, as is quite typical of being in your late 20s and early 30s, trying to find yourself,” the actor explains. “As we’ve moved into this seventh season, he’s found a way to really discover who he wants to be.”

july 8, 2024: 7x09 deleted scene released

september 9, 2024, TM: “They’re still getting to know each other a little better”

september 11, 2024, TM: Minear says not much time has passed between the events of the season 7 finale and the season 8 premiere, so there haven't been many developments in Buck and Tommy's relationship. "But we see that they're more comfortable together," he explains. "We'd definitely call them a couple. Obviously they're comfortable hanging out with Eddie, but when you couple with somebody, it takes up some of your time, so that also leaves Eddie a little bit out in the cold. Well, not out in the cold, but Buck doesn't have as much free time as he did before, let's put it that way." (yeah so, this barely happened?)

september 20, 2024, OS: “We don’t really have too much of a time jump moving into this season, so the relationship with Tommy is much where it was left off,” explains Stark. “It is in its early stages. They’re still learning and figuring things out about each other and what a relationship might or could look like.”

[fictasticvoyage]

Y'all, I tried to get over a bit of the nonfictional pain of this fictional breakup by listening to sad breakup songs about loneliness and pain and anger and abandonment... AND I FULLY PLAYED MYSELF! This is now so much worse! Come wallow with me. What are your songs?

[nqueso-emergency]

Holy shit is it true that MULTIPLE bestie boos are offering to bet BuckTommy fans $50 that the breakup is episode 6???? THIS IS LITERALLY INSANE THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT WELL

also lol we will find out on Thursday which of them actually keep their word and who is full of shit and won’t pay up

Yeah 🤣 they @ me.

And my favorite

What's really funny is I was talking about Ash, the 20 year old since they're the one that @ me 🤣😭

[guac-da-human5]

look guys. i didn't like tommy, i felt like bucktommy's relationship was never going to last and to be honest i was looking forward to their breakup.

BUT!!!!

I didn't want them to go out this way 😭😭😭😭 this is actually so foul for all the BT shippers out there im so sorry this happened to yall. there were so many other possible ways for them to break up TASTEFULLY!! and put tommy's character to good use. i havent even watched the episode yet but the way it sounds is horrible.

we could have had a little drama. tommy revealing his insecurities, his anxiousness about him being buck's first male partner. maybe they get into a fight because buck doesnt want to let go and we see their flaws (buck's clingyness and tommy's avoidness or guilt). we should have seen ACTUAL reasons for them to break up, not just based on a whim. holy shit yall.

also why are we shitting on BT shippers rn? like. imagine if it was reversed. yall can be so nasty sometimes it's unbelievable. it's okay to dislike or even hate on tommy's character but there are real people behind the screens.

[lostintheuniverseslies]

My Reflections on the BuckTommy Breakup:

I’ve been a long time viewer of this show. Honestly from the first episode of the first season, I was loving it and the characters they created. With Buck being my favorite one. Especially after they delved deeper into his character in season 4. 

“I have walked through fire every single day of my life because of you” is a quote I have memorized by heart and one I sympathize with greatly. 

So over the years, as each season passed, and each failed relationship, I wondered, when was Buck going to get his happiness? 

I stumbled into the world of “shipping” and fanfics too late in my adult life. Growing up, my main interest was K-Pop, so I didn’t get into fandoms beyond watching or listening. But after discovering a book series, I finally dipped my toes into fanfiction and eventually reached Buddie fics, which opened up a whole new level of love for the show. 

I, like many who have been in the fandom for a while, have loved the idea of these two being together. I remember vividly watching 4x13 and yelling at Buck to “go get your boy!”. 

But as the seasons progressed, I figured there was no hope for Buddie. They had them strictly as straight best friends. So I enjoyed reading Buddie in fanfiction and made my peace with it. 

Then season 7 came, and that kiss with Tommy upturned everything. I thought, holy shit, they made him bi. They actually did it. And I, like many others, wondered if Buddie could actually happen? But then we saw more of Buck and Tommy together and Tommy treated him with a sweetness I don’t feel like we really got much of from other partners. 

Abby showed it until things burned there. Ali feels like a footnote to be honest. Taylor - god I wish they remained friends. They were better as friends than a couple. Then Natalia felt like another footnote. 

But with Tommy, Buck seemed genuinely happy especially with all those heart eyes, and I thought, Finally, my comfort character is going to get his happiness. 

I tried not to hope for too much. Especially with what little we got in season 7 (understandably so). But then they gave us that scene in 8x01, then so much more in 8x05. I thought, holy shit, they’ve included him in so much, perhaps it's okay to hope. 

Then came episode 8x06. And my heart broke. 

I know it’s “just a show”, but I rarely love anything in the media as much as I have loved 9-1-1 and that book series. 

I thought maybe the breakup would just be a hurdle but then I went to Instagram and saw Lou’s post about “what’s next” and it confirmed it - BuckTommy was over. And that hit me hard. 

I think what stings the most is how they’d built Buck up, saying last season how they’ve finally taken him “off the hamster wheel,” only to put him back on it in season 8. What was the point of involving Tommy so much this season just to end it like that? 

Now, people are talking about Buck “finally experimenting” then he can be with Eddie, but will he? And what message does that send? That you need to “experiment” to be fully bi or gay or whatever? 

How many times have they shoved down our throats that Eddie is straight? And then what, they’re going to make him gay just to appease some fans? It will feel forced and lackluster. Not to mention if they went that route, that Buck would be Eddie’s (assumingly) first queer relationship with the reminder of Tommy saying the first is never typically the last.

Everything up to this point has felt very disingenuous. It doesn’t respect Buck’s character, the BuckTommy fans, or the queer fans in the fandom. I understand if they wanted Buck and Tommy to break up, but the way they did it felt like a gut punch. Buck was the happiest we’d ever seen him, and then they tore that away, abruptly and harshly. 

It’s painful to admit, but I think my love for 9-1-1 might have faded. They’ve shown that Buck’s happiness is something they’ll keep pulling out of reach, and who knows how many seasons are left? They could have let him find happiness now, leaving room for Eddie’s journey. But instead, they ripped it all away. 

I still hope Buck finds his happiness, even if I’m no longer watching. I’ll keep an eye on the rest of the season, but honestly, my interest has waned. 

Anyway, I know these thoughts might not be of great importance, but I needed to get it off my chest. If you read this and feel the same, let’s talk. My heart is with anyone who may be feeling the same. 💕

[bucksboobs]

this isn’t really a question it’s honestly more of a rant that you can give your opinion i guess? anyway i’m new to the 911 fandom i started watching after buck kissed a man on cable television(woohoo!) and one thing i’ve noticed is how like hostile this fandom is? like i’ve been in other fandoms but i don’t think i’ve ever really seen like a ‘ship war’. not that it wasn’t happening but i’ve never seen one so like going on 911 tiktok and twt is crazy because it’s very aggressive😭 like personally i’ve mainly see it come from buddie fans ( but that could be because i’m more in the buckytommy side) and they’re like dragging tommy dragging lou dragging ppl for liking bucktommy calling them delusional etc and it’s like: woah. chill out babe. like personally i ship both buddie and bucktommy and it’s just like can’t we all be friends. anyways you were one of the first ppl i followed in this fandom and it seems like you’ve been in the fandom a while so ig i’m just wondering like, have ppl always been this aggressive about ships? like i’ve seen the fics on ao3 ik ppl absolutely despise ana but did taylor get this hate when she was with buck too? like is this a new thing exclusive to tommy or has the fandom always been like this? (also i’m trying to get into lone star but holy shit what is with the coloring in the pilot? the whole thing has the flashback filter on like it’s awful😭 do you know if it gets better? srry for the long ask<3)

So to start with the big question: yes, Taylor absolutely got this much hate. In fact I’ve seen a lot of people attempting to parallel Taylor to Tommy to prove it’s all going up in flames (personally I think that if/when Tommy or Buck breaks it off, it will be amicable, because it would set that break up apart from all his previous breakups, but that’s another post). The Taylor Kelly situation has both similarities and differences but it feels as though it’s all the same players and same playbook but to a slightly more intense degree in a smaller portion of the fandom.

In essence i think there are some people who ship Buddie that have gotten tired of waiting and are taking it out on Tommy/Lou even though like… Buck dating men should be an obvious positive to anyone that wants Buddie… but honestly it’s just a small subset that have gone a little off the deep end and started acting like people shipping Buck with a different man somehow means Buddie shippers (aka 90% of the fandom) are being oppressed, and I think if the fandom at large rolls our eyes and ignore them, they’ll stop being an issue. Remember that the block button is free!