#but a) we don't know where this is going b) we know hen and chim and eddie all have substantial story lines in the beginning of s8

[bidisasterevankinard]

I respect the results on the poll I've seen, but I'm still think it's Tommy who should reach Buck first. And i kinda think that's why Eddie and Hen were taking Buck's phone and they showed us Tommy's bubble. Tommy will reach Buck first if he would be back

First, because Buck was fighting for them in 7s, not letting Tommy get away from him after bad date and breaking his closet FOR TOMMY. If he wasn't sure, wasn't already so deep he wouldn't do it, he would keep himself closed longer till he's ready. But he did. Bc Tommy was more important

Second, Buck twice told Tommy he wants future with him, when Tommy was firstly, just interested. But interested in what? By his 8x6 I'm, and i think Buck, make a explanation that he always saw himself and BUCK as placeholders till they will break up and go look for their last . Buck didn't hear that Tommy loves him. Ne never heard Tommy saying he wanted future with him. No, Tommy even a little cruelly broke Buck's dreams about it too

And i kinda hope we will see Tommy chosing to chase Buck, not because Buck gave him chance first, to come and talk and ask about another chance for them

And it can be actually really beautiful made in kidnapper arc as B or C plot. Maddie's kidnapped. Tommy hears about it and comes to help. He's paired with Chim. They talk about Maddie and Tommy says he is jealous about their love. He hopes to find smt like that. And Chim says how much they fought for it. How Maddie run, he chased, then they decided it's better to be friends, but then Maddie came to him with promise to never run again. And Tommy sees himself in Maddie bc even tho she kissed Chim first, and she asked him on a date first, she was the one running. He kissed Buck only when he was actually sure it's smt that can happen, and even his 8x5 rn can be interpreted as him just being here not bc Buck is a little injured but bc Tommy wants to have more fun time, especially with how he was making fun of Buck with curse. Rn Buck can interpret that Tommy was coming for him bc a) that's what Tommy does for everyone (you know like flying inro hurricane) and b) bc Buck was "just to have good time" for Tommy nothing serious. Especially because Tommy never actually chased him first. HE ASKED EDDIE FOR AT LEAST KARAOKE, but he couldn't do the same with Buck after tour? Not just "hey, here's some variants that actually sound just like me trying to be not rude. nothing more. Don't aks about it"

So yeah, rn Buck maybe wants to call Tommy but he's scared he might be broke even worse. And Tommy should be at least once but first to do smt to make their relationship work in BAD TIMES. And then Buck can be here for him for everything he needs. Help with smt, move really slow etc in other episodes of 8b where they will patch their relationship on second go

But first step should be done by Tommy

[suhlinah]

how buddie canon could go:

it's safe to say that us buddie shippers are going crazy by what we're being fed with today, and I have a really strong gut feeling that we're close to buddie realizing their feelings for each other, and eventually getting together.

how I think that could go:

Oliver says that for Buck & Tommy's relationship, "there’s a lot of clarity on where their relationship is at and a lot of truths learned about each other" which could mean 1, they become official boyfriends, take the next step, etc. but honestly I'm getting the vibe that it might be the end of their romantic relationship - perhaps they decide on just staying friends afterward

If they break up (in 8x06?), this would open up the door of Buck being single again. I feel like this would cause Eddie to maybe have more desire toward Buck (re: the look Eddie gives Buck when Buck tells him he and Natalia broke up, 6x01)

The outcome of 8x05 could signify what his storyline is for 8x06, which I REALLY hope would be the starting point of Christopher willing to go back to LA and forgive Eddie for the incident

Maybe Eddie asks Buck to come with him to to get Chris, or Chris asks Buck to go with Eddie and maybe this is a breaking point with Buck and Tommy when Tommy realises that Buck's been co-parenting with Eddie for YEARS (because Chris has been in El Paso, it's safe to assume that Tommy hasn't really seen properly the depth of Buck's place within the Diaz Family

Cut-to Chris back in Texas, Buck's single, and Eddie has a sexuality crisis of some sort (I would love for the episode title to mirror Buck, Bothered, and Bewildered, even though I'm pretty sure B, B & B was actually a film reference of some sort?) and then the episode is just a lot of emotional hurt/comfort of Eddie realizing a lot of things about himself

I imagine after this, Eddie and Buck have a really deep conversation about what they both want after they realize their mutual feelings for each other, and also how long these feelings have been underlying

And then they decide to get together but take it VERY SLOW as a way to mend back together the Buckley-Diaz family while Chris will probably be still a bit mad at Eddie. Also, taking their relationship slowly and cautiously would be very different from the way that both of their love lives have been shown in the past (jumping in with someone they don't really know that well and then things don't go right and they're conflicted)

Maybe there's some awkward tension or something during this period of time where they're trying to secretly develop their relationship but everyone notices something is up with them and then Chris tells them to just get together officially or something

I would love it if they spend an episode being an official but secret couple and there's a pretty cracked montage of them trying to find places to secretly make out at the firehouse but it keeps getting interrupted (classic 911 humor stuff cause we need at least one jinx-like episode soon cause the angst is so angsty 😭. And then maybe at the end of this episode, they go to Bobby to do HR stuff and then he's like "I knew" and then they go to the rest of the 118 (AND surelyyyy Ravi's gonna be back now that Bobby's back as Captain) and tell them about their change in relationship status and then Hen & Chim are like "who won the bet" and it ends up being Christopher lol

Anyway, that's mostly what I have for my s8 buddie headcanons

[gigigazelleloves]

Ok now that I've had time to process the first episode and read some post-episode 1 articles, I have some theories about where the storyline is going for each character in season 8a.

Athena

I have a strong feeling that we're going to have a lot of Athena focus this season. I think it's going to contrast the heavy Bobby focus we got last season. I feel like this trial is going to not be just for the 3-parter premier but instead for the entire part of season 8a. We also have the great B plot of Bathena house hunting and seeing in this first episode how they have different tastes, I have a feeling we'll have some lighthearted moments for Bathena this whole season.

Bobby

Bobby is totally going to return as Gerrard might have kicked the bucket or gotten permanently injured. But I also have a feeling we will be seeing more of the "hotshots" actors appearing at Bathena's doorstep because Bobby can't help but adopt strays. I feel like Bobby is also going to feel some guilt about the whole fiasco that happened last season such as leaving the firehouse and also dealing with his house burning down as I feel like those things have still not been emotionally resolved. Overall though hoping that Bobby has a more lighthearted season.

Chim (and Maddie)

I know that everyone is manifesting that Chim and Maddie are going to decide to have another child but I have a feeling that Chim and Maddie might be forced to adopt Mara as I feel like something wonky is going to happen with Henren's trial. However I have a feeling they are not going to be a main focus until season 8b.

Hen (and Karen)

Basically the same thing I said for Chim and Maddie and that this who Mara and Councilwoman Ortiz. I also feel like that storyline will also transfer over into season 8b.

Buck (and Tommy)

Buck and Tommy is where I feel like we'll see the main plot come in for season 8a. From interviews Oliver has stated that Tommy and Buck are in the honeymoon of their new found relationship. But Oliver has stated that there are some uncomfortable truths they're going to have to face. I think from what he said it could be one of three things (realistically). 1. Tommy's racist past, as Chim is Buck's brother-in-law and Buck is going to maybe struggle to wrap his head around Tommy's past actions 2. It's going to be related to Tommy's father who if is anything like Gerrard is going to cause some havoc in the relationship directly or indirectly. I also think there could be a lot of insecurity with Buck feeling like Tommy is hiding things from him in the relationship which has happened before in his past relationships. 3. I think that Buck will have panic that he's doing something wrong and do a full Buck and avoid Tommy until he talks to someone about it (hopefully someone who is apart of the community like Hen or Josh). I feel like this could address the issue of maybe Buck feeling like he's late to the party when it comes to discovering his sexuality. I feel like it can also resolve the issue Buck has had when it comes to his relationship issues. I think overall this arc can show him becoming more comfortable and confident with his sexuality, solve his past relationship issues, and maybe establish him and Tommy as a solid couple.

Eddie (and Christopher)

All in going to say is I think Eddie is either going to find himself inside of a confession room or inside a therapy room. I hope they don't give him a new love interest as that would low key ruin his arc, I just want to see him become more secure with himself. I have my doubts though about him getting Chris back before the end of season 8a, but there is a slim chance it could happen. I just need him to figure himself out before he gets his kid back. I hope we see more Chris though in season 9, cause I doubt we will this season.

Overall I'm excited for all these arcs but honestly I'll be happy if there's just more Bathena 😝

[buddiebeginz]

Heads up Buddie fandom some of the B*mmy stans are actively searching for our posts and tweets to leave harassing comments. When this happens the best thing you can do is block them. They’re looking for attention and they're trying to rile us up and mostly they're worried about their ship. If they weren’t they wouldn’t care this much that we don’t like their ship or what our opinions are. Think about how little we’re going to give a sh*t about them once Buddie is canon. They know their ship is on borrowed time, if Lou even comes back at all. The main reason they’re attacking us is because we represent the biggest threat to their ship and that’s Eddie and Buddie.

Don’t let whatever bs they try to throw at you upset you or make you doubt the fact that Buddie is happening. They can call us delusional as much as they want but they are seeing a version of a relationship that just doesn’t exist. They can try to say the same about us but we have 6 going on 7 years of development between Buck and Eddie. And while Buddie's relationship hasn't canonically moved into the realm of romantic yet they are definitely written has having a much deeper bond than just best friends. This is especially true when you compare them to Hen/Chim or Maddie/Josh or Athena/Hen, etc. None of those friendships behave the way Buddie ever has.

When I say B/T shippers are only seeing what they want to see it's because they have built that relationship up to be something way more serious than it is without any proof to back that up. Buck is literally only dating T*mmy they're not even in a committed relationship at this point and that was only reconfirmed more by that deleted scene. There is a part of them that has to look at everything that happened in s7, that deleted scene (which they originally thought was going to be Henren's seal of approval for the rs), Lou's radio silence and the SWAT rumours and they have to be worried. They might try to put on this front of certainty that their ship is endgame but it's clear from how defensive they get that they know it doesn't look good for their ship.

We honestly need to just ignore that part of fandom and keep spreading the love for Buddie. B*mmy fandom is simply a loud minority and there's no reason that fandom should be getting as much attention on social media as it sometimes does. We need to keep showing that there is still a huge active fan base for Buddie.

I know that since season 7 ended without any serious development for Buddie and Buck still with T*mmy a lot of you are worried Buddie might never happen and I get that. I was ready to give up on the show all together after season 6 but I'm telling you I've never been more certain than I am now that Buddie is happening. It's the most logical direction for these characters and it's where everything is telling us the story is going.

Remember that s7 was heavily focused on Bathena, Henren, and Buddie. For as much as B*mmy's act like their ship is so important (even constantly comparing it to the other main couples) that relationship has had very little development and screen time and even less pr. Which you'd think given how big Buck's coming out was they would have had tons but they didn't. They only even did one joint interview with Oliver and Lou and that was right at the end and they barely even talked about B/T. Meanwhile Ryan and Oliver did a bunch of interviews together and nearly every interview and article mentioned Buddie.

We need to stop looking at B/T as a threat to our ship because it's really not. I hate Buck in that relationship and I don't like T*mmy at all and the worst part has been the fans of that ship but T*mmy is only here to serve a purpose. He was there to be Buck's first male love interest and help Buck realize he could explore that part of himself. He's not here to be the great love of Buck's life. To be the person who gets Buck better than anyone else. That position has already been filled.

[brass-tacked]

was he also too suicidal to recognize that buck had come along way from where he was in season 1? was he also not in his right mind when he told hen "you got this" to her ease anxieties over adopting mara? or when he told her that all she had to do was welcome mara into her family when she was worried about mara never having felt a part of a family? or when he noticed ravi didn't need help with the hoses anymore? or when he told buck that he was on his game that night or letting him cook for the team, or telling him the food was good?

that argument doesn't make any sense unless you're also saying that nothing bobby says in that episode counts or matters? the point of that scene was to show these characters have grown through the under bobby. the point of the bobby and buck scene was bobby telling buck that he'd come along way and doesn't constantly need guidance anymore, which is true. also chimney, hen, eddie, and chris all love tommy. chim literally said "tommy is so cool." eddie literally said "i like him too." chris was gushing about how awesome tommy was off screen. bobby also openly liked tommy alongside hen and chim when he first met them in bobby begins, when hen, chim, and tommy were all getting drinks together. genuinely curious if you actually watch the show you're talking about or have you fallen victim to your own echo chamber? it's fine not to like a character, but it's very clear the show is trying to tell the audience that tommy is a good guy. like no amount of "b-b-but" is gonna change that. even if they do break up, he's never gonna be the villain you're creating in your head. all of the mains clearly approve of tommy, you just don't wanna hear it.

I’m not going to spend my night arguing with an anon. But I will say that the show does a pretty good job of showing how Tommy was not a good guy in the past. I’m not going to forgive a misogynistic racist.

Go rewatch the episode in season 3 where Buck befriends the retired firefighter who is all alone. When Buck asks Hen and Chim about their relationships with past members of the 118, they both admit that they aren’t friends with those guys, including Tommy. Chim straight up says he only called Tommy for help that one time because Tommy owed him a favor. That’s all. That’s the only reason they’d had any contact.

For the cruise ship episode, Hen wasn’t even trying to reach Tommy. She wasn’t even thinking of him.

But you know what the most important thing I’m going to say is? It’s that the best thing about consuming media is that we can all have different opinions and interpretations. We can all like different aspects of the same show, derive enjoyment and pleasure from it, and still never agree with each other.

Just like I’m never going to convince you that Tommy isn’t a good guy, you’re never going to convince me that he is.

So have a great night, enjoy your weekend, and let’s please agree to go to our separate corners of fandom in peace. You can also feel free to block me if you don’t like my opinion. It’s another great option to protect your own peace.

[sunflowerdigs]

Trying to think about what I would want to see if the show dug more into Buck's bisexuality. I know the idea is that Buck just never considered it because of heteronormativity and the moment he did, he just accepted it (and probably started actually inviting Hen and Karen to Pride events at 12:01 AM on June 1st instead of just texting "HAPPY PRIDE TO MY FAVORITE MOMS! LOVE IS LOVE! I SUPPORT YOU! AS AN ALLY HAVING GAY FRIENDS IS THE BEST!"), buuuut I think the show could go a little deeper with it. A couple ideas

A) The Buckley's always struck me as the kind of parents who say they're ok with Buck's sexuality and may even kind of try to be ok with it, but because they're so aggressively heteronormative (see: Buck not having any idea that he was attracted to men until his 30's), they're secretly hoping it's another one of Buck's phases and he'll start dating girls again. I think that's a unique struggle for bisexuals because it's truly possible that they could end up in a relationship that appears straight, but it doesn't mean the other parts of their sexuality don't exist. Since I think Buck is going to have to confront Phillip again this season, I think it would be interesting if his sexuality came into it in this way.

B) Bisexual dating montage! After he breaks up with Tommy, we see Buck trying to move on by going on some dates with men and with women. And maybe some of the women fetishize his being bi ("I love that kind of threesome"). Or don't get back to him after he says he's bi ("have you been tested?"). And maybe some of the men roll their eyes and say they don't have time for a down low bro with a girlfriend. These would be mixed in with positive (but zany!) experiences as well.

C) A scene with Maddie where they're drinking some wine and laughing as he tells her about all of the crushes he had in the past that he didn't realize were crushes (he thought all dudes wanted to be held in Wolverine's massive arms!). And then, maybe the scene becomes a bit more serious, and he says that, especially since he broke up with Tommy, he's been thinking back on all of the dating that he could have done when he was younger if only he'd known that dating men was a possibility. Maybe he would have found his person by now. Did his miss out on the guy he was supposed to be with? And Maddie makes another cryptic comment about how she and Chim didn't know what they had until Buck pointed it out, etc. But the scene doesn't end with talk about Eddie, the focus stays on Buck. This could probably fit in somewhere with idea A.

That's all I've got. What would you guys want to see? Please, let me know in tags or comments. I'm stoked for possible gay!Eddie, but I really want more bi!Buck, too.

[stagefoureddiediaz]

Your metas are always worth the wait and people need to remember that we all have lives and can't be expected to be 100% online all the time! Also if you happen to find out where Natalia's dress is from, I would be elated. Until I saw the price tag of course lol.

With that being said, I have been so intrigued about why Buck ends up stepping up if that's what is happening in the episode so I wanted to get your thoughts. I don't want anyone thinking I want him to step up over Hen and I think this is only happening because A. Chimney is hurt and can't take over, and B. If the spoiler pics are accurate, it looks like Hen is trying to take care of Eddie. So what makes Buck the one to end up giving orders, if that's happening?

Hey Nonnie

Thank you for the kind words they mean a lot to me. I've just posted my meta, so I hope you enjoy reading it!

I can in fact help you out with Natalia's dress - its by a label called Reformation (side note - this is the same label that makes the dress Vanessa wears to the non date with Eddie) and various outlets stock it, it comes in at a cool £245 or $278 - this is the link to net-a-porter who stock it in this pattern (which is last seasons) you can go to the reformation website where they have it in various other colours and patterns. https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/reformation/clothing/midi-dresses/baxley-floral-print-crepe-de-chine-midi-dress/1647597300686238

As for BUck stepping up well we know a little more now from the 5 second promo we've had and the likelihood is that Buck and Ravi might be the only ones not in immediate danger from the 118, which would necessitate Buck stepping up - something he would do to save his family. The thing is, all of us with braincells know that Buck would never be chosen as captain over Hen or Chimney and that isn't what this is. Buck stepping up in the middle of a disaster, when the rest of the 118 have been taken out in some way is just a firefighter stepping up to do what is needed in the moment. Yes Buck will learn from the experience and get to show the skills he has which will help him be a good captain one day in the future, and I'm sure his stepping up here will likely play a part in him knowing himself better - knowing what he wants better etc, but it is not for one minute about Buck being ready to be captain now, or being ready to be captain over Hen or Chim.

We should also remember we've seen Buck step up before - this isn't anything new its just on a larger scale and in a scenario when the rest of his team need his help. we saw Buck step up in season 5 - with the woman who fell down the mine shaft in the finale - Bobby stepped aside to see to the kids and Buck was the one who took charge of the rescue operation - that wasn't about him stepping over Hen or Chim, it was about him being the one with the skills needed in that situation and it allowed the writers to set up this seasons arc about Buck finding himself and what he wants his future to look like. There are several other examples, but they are no different to Hen or Chim taking charge when their individual skills are the ones that will allow for successful rescues, this new one for Buck is ultimately no different.

Hopefully this makes sense!

[after-nine-at-the-oasis]

Finally back at it, at least for a couple of minutes lol

Ooh a house

AHHH (awh not aah) yeah y'all :D

Hi Bobby 🥰

Hi Athena :DD

Hmm I would assume she's not sure about new houses

Okay okay a lot of bonuses!

It must be rough :((

Athena does have points buuut

Okay yeah some points from Athena :D

Ooh yeah cooking together could be nice 🥰

I mean yeah of course it doesn't honey :(!

Though I will agree it's not really y'all

A bit too bougie xdd

Y'all will find it <33 🥰

Ugh her again 🙄

Hi Hen :))!!

Wow I hate her :D

I get that she's grieving but GIRLY

IT AIN'T ABOUT YOU!! IK POLITICIANS SUCK HUT YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO!!

Also uhh. Get some perspective?? Not their fault

Excuuuse me??

Girl 😑😑

Hi Chimney :D!

Gosh xdd

Oope?

Hmm is it about that or firing people lol

They're like ". . do we do it, orrr not?"

Buck looks so done with that posture xD so real

Real lol, gotta agree with him on that one

Though he is the reason so yk

Oop Chim?

The public, I presume you'll say

SLFJGHDKS

ICON

Lol I love him xD

Maybe not the best stay under the radar choice but idc lol

SLFJDKHS the specific who xD crazy

Yep the public

Lol I guess?

Hi Eddie :D!!

Ookaayyy so what are these

HUH

I mean body cams of city employees are great and all but. I feel like this will not be used in a good way xdd

Certainly not good for y'all with Gerrard 😬

Oh gosh xdd

Well at least it's buy it not get fired for it lol

This is gonna go greaaat

Ope hi football game :D

Nice nice

Is that the coach lol? She really into it

AWWW it's his mom, I love that :DDD

Aww that sucks :((

I'm sorry kid D:

Wes I think

That's just rough man :(((

What I'm wondering is where is this that the football game is happening while it's light out

I know it's California but like xD. 7 pm lol??

Idkkk lol

Ope-

OOP OH GOSH

OH NO

That does noooot look good O.O

Uh ohhh-

Imagine if his dad was the mascot lol

That poor mom D:

OH GOSH his legs o.o

Yeah that does nooot look good honey 😬😬

And I bet they're like backwards too, like outwards

Ahh Weston I see

OH GOSH THAT POOR BOY

OH MY GOSH

Hi Maddie's voice :D xd

Accurate description 😳

Hey y'alllll

Glad you're here xdd

When I said backwards I meant like turned out not literally outwards o.o

Yugh but y'all will live

Is that the most important thing to be talking about right now bestie lol

Yeah fair dude 😭

Okay okay- gosh 😬😳😭

Well at least you've seen it xd

Ahh gosh 😬😬 D: that's awful, but at least Eddie has experience

Gosh :((( okay I hope he's okay

Nice nice

Maybe don't worry him about that right now o.o I of course understand why she'd ask though xdd

Okay cool :D

Okay good good got him up

Niiice-

C'mon please, I bet he cannn-

PHEW YAYY that's good :'D

Aaand- WHOOO NICE

Oh no will something go wrong here 😬😬

Phew 😭😭❤️

I just feel like something's gonna go wrong xdd

Maybe he'll move or somehow his dad will rush in and move him idk

Okay chill-

Oooop he doesn't want that o.o I mean I can see why but-

CRAPPP

OHHH NOO

Yeah I think they can tell Eddie xd I'm joking but lol

C'mon c'mon hurry D:

I just know some time soon these body cams are gonna interfere

Ohhh noo 😬😬

Crappp that's way too long

Maybe that'll get you in trouble 😳

Uh ohhh- what's that o.o

THAT DOESN'T SEEM GOOD

Well at least there's that O.O

Ohh noo- did he lose them both 😳

Hey we'll, 50/50 xdd

Gosh

Okay okayyy

Careful guys 😭😭 I know they will be but xdd

Okayy okayyyy

Crappp 😬

He's doing the best he can guys idk if it'll get much better 😭

Why am I closing my eyes tension lol (emphasis on the me stuff lol)

Oope- OKAY PHEW :'D

THAT WAS THE EASY PART??!

Ohhh gosh

Okayy okayy

Yeah makes sense 😭😬

. . . 😬

PHEW!!!

Oh thank goodness 😭

That kind of feels less convenient because now he can panic or accidentally move but yk it'll work xdd

Thank goodness

:'OO

AWWW

POOR EDDIEEE 😭😭😭 THAT MUST HURT LIKE A S T A B WOUND MY GOSH 😭😭😭🥺🥺🥺💔

I'm glad he can be there for that kid though :'))

I remember his name it just feels awkward to use it, but sure Weston lol

PHEW they made it 😭😭😌❤️

Yeah ik it's crazy o.o don't worry he's got experience xD

Y'all better not get in trouble for thaattttt

Okay phew

Aww I'm glad she's there for him :'))

Of course honey, they've got you

Awww Eddie :'(((

Is she gonna tell him what happened :((?

AWW yeah exactly that 😭😭🥺💔❤️

Much more succinct way of saying it xD, though I'm sure she explained the whole thing later lol

[whateverthedragonswant]

I love it when shows use framing like this, it really tells the whole story that sometimes some of the GA just don't get

Kept rewatching that fantastic last episode and I just love the framing here:

They really had Lucy on the outside the entire time in the shot (which absolutely makes sense with where the story is at this moment). Then you have Taylor not in between Eddie and Buck, then in between, then back out again. (showing how things have gone and a possible hint to the future, perhaps?)

And even better was Buck and Eddie. Buck has his hands on his hips and Eddie has his arms crossed but both are turned towards each other, turning. Eddie is even leaning against the pillar. His arms may signal he's still not completely open (not with Buck but about something else) but he's clearly comfortable talking to Buck. The funny thing is Buck is not completely relaxed here (with the hands on the hips) so he's still not completely open about something else as well. Tbf, could be due to the Taylor & Lucy moment since he does look over at one point but also it kind of goes in line with the theme of how Buck has been a bit closed off/something hidden all season. Especially when we know how this show loves to use framing:

And in the scene above (with T & L) notice two things:

1) Buck and Eddie immediately relax once Taylor leaves the frame and Hen walks into it. Buck looked slightly more relaxed before Taylor leaves with him holding onto his suspenders while talking to Eddie, but he truly relaxes once they see Hen coming. And of course, Eddie does as well. His arms uncross and he goes to put his hands on his hips, but you can almost see both men's bodies do a huge sigh of relief. This can be related to what's happening with Bobby of course, that has them both on edge. But I think we're also meant to see that Taylor is a source of contention, especially for Buck. While he might not have broken off his conversation with Eddie to go talk to Taylor or deal with the confrontation, they purposely showed us that Buck was very aware of Taylor's presence in the room and what was occurring before the two women. For a multitude of reasons of course (one of them to hint at the BuckTaylor relationship not being as solid as some people might think) but this really sticks out to me as them also trying to show us that Taylor is just a point of contention for Buck period. And for Eddie. They didn't have to have Eddie in this shot. He had no purposeful dialogue (until Hen comes in) and this could have very easily been Chim (especially considering Chim and Buck haven't really had any one-on-one interactions since Chim's return, which I hope we get soon, sorely needed). But instead, during an emotionally vulnerable moment in Buck's life (since he was very clearly worried about Bobby), they chose to have Eddie there (not the first time we've seen that this season). Something Taylor calls attention to (about Buck being upset) for the audience (and Lucy) while in the foreground and B&E are in the background. And again, they have two love interests for Buck in the scene (I know Lucy isn't really one per se but bear with me), and until Hen comes in, the only other character outside of Buck is Eddie. Sure they have extras walking around, but no one that the audience is supposed to focus on. They purposely put Eddie into a scene with Buck's two love interests where his romantic relationship with one of them and his flirtation with the other is brought to the foreground, literally. Where else have we seen something slightly similar to this before?

2) Buck and Eddie are wearing their suspenders differently in this scene. Yes, the suspenders are meant to show that the 118 is a solidified unit again, with Lucy as an extra. Once Jonah and the others come in, we can read it as the LAFD being a solidified unit. Meant to convey the theme of unity again and pretty much shove that unity in the audience's faces so they don't miss it lol. But notice that Eddie's suspenders are the only ones that are off his shoulders and hanging loosely at his sides. This not only is meant to show in the bigger picture that Eddie, while he knows now he's meant to be back with the 118 and is headed down that path, still isn't 100% back with the 118 as a unit. He's got his family back (now that we see him interacting with Hen) but not the unit itself. If we dive deeper into the framing of that shot, he and Buck still aren't on the same page. Though I will say this: I don't think Oliver choosing (or being noted) to touch his suspenders in that scene is a coincidence. Buck and Eddie are on the cusp of being back in sync (we saw that their partnership as well as the co-parenting of Christopher have fully gelled up to this point, that Buck has been there for Eddie during his time of crisis) but they still have a little more to go before tipping back over into what they were before (even if slightly changed in some way).

So basically, these next two episodes should be interesting to watch. I love how this show utilizes every single device they have in the toolbox to help tell this story. I know people are worried about QB (I get it, but I seriously don't see it in this show at all) and that maybe Buddie will never happen, but when you see the clues they lay out in every single episode from the dialogue to the framing to the performances to the costuming to the story line right down to the music cues...it makes it so much easier to see exactly where they're heading. We may not get it in the way some of us are expecting, but we will get it.

(notice Buck and Eddie mirrored here, they seriously are right on the cusp)

Hang in there, Buddie peeps. <3

[alexandrianicolegrey-oc]

Evan Buckley x Reader Imagine

Taglist: @nurse-buckley

@caitsymichelle13

@mrspeacem1nusone

@angel-malaki-morningstar

Prompt: "Stay with me. Don't close your eyes."

WARNINGS: mentions of car wreck involving DUI driver

Hurt, Angst, Trauma/Healing, Fluff

Later that week, you had run out of groceries and needed to do some shopping before Buck got home. Seeing that you boyfriend was working a double shift today, after the earthquake had hit L.A.

You grabbed your jacket and purse along with the keys to your truck and the grocery list that you had just finished. You locked the apartment door behind you and made your way to your truck.

During the drive to the market to buy groceries, you had the green light, and as soon as you began to drive, someone slammed into your side of your truck, causing you truck to flip several times.

All you could hear was people screaming, and voices all around you as you faded in and out of consciousness. Your head was bleeding, you were pinned under your crushed truck, and you saw people kneeling, trying to free you.

Buck was playing video games with Hen when the bell rang, signaling a car. "We got a car wreck down on Main Street. A drunk driver collided with a red, Dodge Ram." Bobby alerted the team.

But little did the 118 know, that it was you that had been hit by the drunk driver.

When the 118 arrived on scene, Buck hopped out, and the minute he saw you, laying pinned under your truck, his heart stopped beating. The next thing he knew, he was trying to get you out because your truck had been leaking gas.

"Hey! Hey! Y/N! Stay with me, baby! Don't close your eyes!" Buck begged you as the crew worked fast to get you out.

Once they cut you out, they slipped a C-Brace on your neck and got you onto a backboard.

Buck never left your side. You were rushed to the hospital. You knew Buck was there but all you could do was squeeze his hand lightly. "B-buck." You managed to get out, in a raspy voice.

"You're going to be fine. You got this, Y/N." Buck brought your hand to his lips, gently kissing it.

The pain had become too much for you and you passed out just as Hen arrived at the hospital.

Doctors and Nurses rushed out, wheeling you in on a gourney. They rushed you into the OR for immediate surgery. Due to the stint of your injury, you suffered a spinal cord injury, a severe concussion, amongst numerous of bruising and swelling around your head and your lower spine. Along with some broken ribs, and a broken wrist.

Days after your surgery, you were completely zonked out still from the anesthesia. Buck was sitting beside your bed.

Bobby and Athena stopped by to check on you and also to check on Buck. "Hey, Buck, how is Y/N?" Bobby asked.

"Not too well. Y/N slipped into cardiac arrest twice since coming out of surgery. They had to intubate Y/N." Buck sighed, running his fingers through his messy hair, still in his uniform.

"Why don't you go and get some rest Buck? Me and Bobby will stay with Y/N awhile. You need sleep, kid, and food." Athena spoke quietly.

Buck stood up. "Are you sure? I don't mind staying."

"Go, Buck, you need rest and food. And also a shower. We will call you if anything changes."

After Buck left, Eddie and Chris stopped by. "Hey, any news?" Eddie asked Bobby.

"No, Y/N is still out of it." Bobby said, smiling towards Chris. "Buck should be back later this evening, we told him to go home, get a few hours of sleep, some food, and a shower."

Maddie swung by with Chimney just as Buck walked in. "Hey, Maddie, Chimney." Buck greeted his sister and Chim.

"How are you doing?" Maddie hugged her brother.

"Scared. Worried. I can't stop worrying about Y/N. What if Y/N dies?" Buck rambled.

"Hey, Y/N is a fighter. I know Y/N will pull through this." Maddie walked into the ICU with Buck.

You were awake. Looking around at everyone with the tube down your throat still.

"Hey baby, you're awake." Buck smiled, kissing your head.

You tried to smile but couldn't.

A week later, you got moved home where Carla was taking care of you and Chris since she offered. Buck and Eddie had agreed to let Chris stay over at Buck's with you while the two men worked their shifts.

After Buck and Eddie finished their shifts, they arrived back to Buck's apartment and Buck let them in. "Carla? Whe-" Before Buck could finish, Carla shushed Buck. "Come here." She smiled, motioning for Eddie and Buck.

You were fast asleep with Chris asleep against you. You had your arms over him protectively as the two of you slept.

Eddie took in the sight. He chuckled. Then looked over at Buck.

Buck grinned. "Carla? Did you get a few pictures?" Buck asked.

"Yeah, I did. I just sent them to you both." Carla whispered.

"So, cute." Eddie chuckled, taking a seat, watching the two sleep.

Buck grabbed a drink from his fridge. "Glad to see them both resting." He laughed quietly.

[ellelans]

I absolutely need your opinion. So after the synopsis of 5x10 I’ve seen a lot of people saying that they see the b/t break up in 5b, and I don’t? I mean it would not make sense to drag a relationship already dead in 5b for making them break up in 5x13. Then if the Arkansas thing wasn’t important, and they wanted to keep the reporter around more, they could have explained her past in 5b, and making the case in LA. I think 5b’ll be when buck starts healing from the sadness of this season

Tbh I haven't seen any of this,especially the 5x13 breakup?Why 5x13-to match eddieana or because of crossover episodes? I am now very curious about ow far these speculations go.The thing is nonnie-noone knows when it's going to happen.We are all just guessing.One thing for sure is that this breakup is def a done deal and will happen eventually,5x09,5x10 or even 5b.

Now Arkansas thing is DEFINITELY important-but we don't know what it is yet.Is it a part of a tragic past or a case she is going to investigate?If that's the reason she leaves it is going to be awesome because that means we will see her gone sooner than later.We will find out soon imo,because they are well aware how little the audiences cares about that character or her backstory and besides her few stans - noone is waiting for that particular reveal.We just all want writers to be done with it,the day she goes away we will forget about her the same way we forgot about Ana.They know it.

The reason they are dragging that relationship out tho might have nothing to do with relationship itself-but writers need to cover screen time with something.I already explained that earlier today,but what we are dealing with rn is 3 leads away.JLH is on maternity leave,Keneth is somewhere doing something (where is he really?) and Rockmond left.Maddie and Chim,two key characters that have major storylines with significant connection to Buck and important first responders storylines-they have some serious screentime and since they are missing,writers need to fill that time with someone else.May and Linda has been given bigger roles which is pretty awesome,they brought in another completely useless character-Collete and that's just to cover Maddie's absence in call center.Buck's relationship with Taylor being dragged out because his usual relationships are kinda on pause right now-since Chim and Maddie left,we only saw him hanging out once with Eddie and that is only because Eddie was taking care of his black eye and giving advice.Since then?If we see Buck outside 118-he is with Taylor and is pretty isolated.Chim's absence is more than noticeable too,Ravi is sweet but he is not Chim and they basically have no idea what to do with Hen-I am still waiting for them to give her an actual storyline.I am not sure if I am making sense,but the short version is - until we restore the balance with Chim and Maddie back?We will have to deal with other characters.I am more than sure we will find out where they are in 5x10,maybe even see them soon and they are definitely gonna be here in 5B.So Buck will have actual important relationships to deal with-his sister and his brother in law.Taylor will be gone soon enough.

As for 5b being the season that will cure Buck's sadness-possibly yes.I mean I hope we will see that in 5x10,he has a Santa Hat and he was actually SMILING so maybe one of the parts that caused sadness is over already?Anyways that breakup is coming.

[buddiebeginz]

you know, the way people are acting like Tommy is the second coming of gay Jesus is actually making me hate him as a character. (Which isn't fair but it's how I'm feeling.) They're acting like he's this well established character when he's had what six episodes across the run of the show. For me it just shows, despite what they've said for years, it was never about telling a good love story. It was never about getting to see a slow burn done with two queer characters where they and the relationship was treated with the same care as the hetero slow burns. It very much feels like it's exactly what M/M shippers have been accused of for years, just wanting to watch two guys kiss.

I don't personally hate Tommy but I have issues with him both from how he was in previous seasons and some stuff he's done since he's been back. The show has this problem where it thinks that if a character has been gone for a bit and they come back and everyone is cool with them then it's fine. They did it with Taylor and also kind of did it with Buck and Chim's parents to some extent. They never really hold characters accountable for their actions. Like with Taylor we should have gotten some kind of scene when she and Buck were together where she says to him or to Bobby hey I'm sorry I was so focused on getting the story that I didn't care about saving your life. But we never had that.

Similarly with Tommy I think we should have gotten a scene with him and Chim and Hen where he said look I was struggling back then I'm sorry I was a dick. And I know they basically made it seem like he made friends with them all before he left the 118 but it would just be nice if 911 would have their characters acknowledge mistreatment more.

I honestly feel like the show and fandom try and hold Buck and Eddie to higher standards than they do to everyone else. Like I can't tell you the amount of posts I saw after Chim punched Buck where people were defending Chim yet we never a scene with Chim apologizing. Also I've seen tons of posts about how wrong Buck was on the basketball court or how wrong Eddie was in the grocery store but they never go as hard at other characters when they mess up. And back to Tommy I've only seen a handful of people even call out what he did on the date. Making that joke about closets when he knew Buck was on his first date with a guy and not out and just really panicking in that moment. I just found it really crass of him on top of him just kind of ditching Buck like he should have at least made sure he got home alright.

I'm happy that we finally got Buck's bi awakening storyline and I'm okay with that being with T*mmy even if I'm not crazy about him. My biggest issue is with B/T shippers and how insufferable some of them have been. Talking about how Buddie doesn't matter and how B/T should be endgame when they've barely known one another makes me want to scream. And it's mostly coming from former Buddie shippers.

And you're right some of these people are really proving the whole fetishizing queer couples argument correct (and I'm not saying this about everyone who likes B/T) but I think for some they just like that it's two hot guys making out and it doesn't really matter who it is. Which I hate to even say that because any time I've liked any queer couple I've had people say that stuff to me when it's always been because I've been invested in the storyline. But there isn't even any storyline yet to be invested in with B/T they kissed once and went on 1 1/2 dates and some people are talking about them getting married at some point >_<

Sorry for the long rant anon. Thanks for the message btw. ❤️Message anytime.

[piccolina-mina]

No doubt, Rob Lowe brings the star power (he's an EP too). So he was always going to get more screentime. The rest of the cast are small time or relative unknowns. I don't expect it to be equal across the board, but it could have been better distributed.

Liv Tyler is also the reason it was greenlit. It still speaks to the issue that his specific star power is what gets it greenlit.

Ironically, Angela Bassett has the most star power of the original, (instead they pushed Connie Britton as their powerhouse even though she didn't plan on staying past a season) but as you pointed out, it still took her time to get fleshed out.

In comparison, she still worked police cases, Carlos is her equivalent and we only see him in relation to Michelle's investigation.

My issue too, is them taking for granted that it's going to get another season. It wasn't a guarantee. It definitely will, but they couldn't anticipate that prior to filming. They could only hope. Even Lowe couldn't keep Code Black from being cancelled.

It's seven episodes when the first season is only 10. Structurally, they could've rounded the season out more where the other characters aren't splitting B and C personal storylines an episode a piece.

Case in point, time spent on Owen having a dream about losing his hair where we actually had to watch his dream, or him going on about his libido while they cut scenes like him telling the rest of his team that he has cancer is just poor management.

911 still balanced it out with their team scenes more. And the issue is they introduced us to each team member with the reason they were "different" making their personality essentially revolve around their identity first before developing them. It's what Jack is getting at about token representation (although I disagree in implying that it isn't good).

We know their diversity rank in the first episode. That's something we could see or glean on our own, though.

But the original, also didn't set out to throw diversity on the table like a gauntlet out the gate even though they too are diverse. They didn't bother broadcasting it. It just existed.

Unfortunately, by doing so, and then only giving namely three of their characters the white and most recognizable ones actual story arcs that weave through the entire season rather than a one-off, it does make you scrutinize them more.

Because they didn't need to advertise it with the self aware opening of Owen bringing up that they put the white guy from New York in charge of a station in Texas and diversifying it (with people outside of Texas on top of that), and then carry on with this particular direction.

And the original didn't make everyone's primary storyline out the gate about said diversity. Hen happened to be a black lesbian. It wasn't the first thing we had to learn about her before she developed more. Chim's first storyline was about getting injured on the job and his sucky gf, it wasn't about the racism he experienced on the squad. Etc. And we didn't get the extent of Bobby's issues until later, but it was subtle stuff built along the way.

We had Owen. Judd (who on paper should have been the primary character we followed, but that pesky star power thing) could have had his storyline with a more balanced approach to how they handle Grace. Not just showing her as the support to him but also her developing on her own.

We didn't need more than those two major arcs (didn't need the missing sister bit) and not so much of it at once, and the rest of the time could have been about laying down foundation with the others with a more balanced approach even if it meant we got small bits of eveyone across the board instead of unevenly distributing it. That's why the first season of the original still kind of worked even if it was way too much Abby.

But when you start a show with that diversity premise and announce it loudly, it's reasonable to expect a bit more from those characters.

We have Owen's cancer worked throughout the entire season so far, and that's fair. We have Judd's battle with PTSD threaded throughout the entire season. And I love that. He's actually my favorite character. And we have Michelle trying to find her sister carrying its way through the season.

Fine. Even though it's the least appealing.

But when you compare that to:

Carlos' only time shown doing his job serving Michelle as a supportive character and the closest personal thing we know is that he likes TK.

Grace's primary storyline is being supportive of Judd (and I love them to death, but still). And being religous.

Mateo, Marjan, and Paul battling it out because there can only be one at a time while juggling the other three's storylines prominently. And TK who is a relapsed addict but hasn't had follow up with that it's a bit ... grr.

Lowe is the star power, but that also means the characters who can associate with his character most benefit just by proximity.

Michelle- his casual work confidant

Judd - his confidant and sineater

TK-- his son.

The others don't have the same interactions or accessibility to him in that way.

Compared to 911 where Bobby regularly interacted with Hen who he was close to, Buck, and Chim. And Buck had Bobby, Abby, Hen, Chimney etc.

It's not just about background or foundation. It's about distribution and interactions too.

Most prominent friendship is Owen and Judd.

Most prominent romantic relationship is Judd and Grace (Grace is my girl but she can't even pass the bechdel test)

Most screentime is Owen

Most consistent character arcs are Owen , Michelle, and Judd. They're the ones we know most about and the ones we follow home too with the most balanced work-personal life.

Characters with the most authority: Owen as captain, Michelle who runs Ambo, and Judd the authority on all things Texan and Owen's secondhand.

My point being, you don't start a show being this self-congratulatory about your diversity if you inadvertently or not still sideline or don't adequately distribute screentime, plots and development with those diverse characters. Because it does come across as tokenism regardless of how well intended it is.

If you do, you switch up some of the dynamics. You don't for example have two white guys having a dick measuring contest over leading the house of mostly diverse people who relocated and not tell them any of the details.

Because the found family element is cute af, however when Owen is the head of it and only confides in Judd about matters that affect everyone, it's 😬. When both Judd and Owen are friends with a filterless redneck who takes potshots at their diverse team... it's 😬. When they do the macho let bygones be bygones after all of the white dudes start ish and toy and gamble with everyone else's livelihood and then move on like it's all good and never communicate with anyone else who it may not be good with at all it's 😬. And the only real response to that is the others having to point out that it's some good ole boy BS ... but that's the way the dynamics still play out all the time without when meaning to.

My saying this doesn't mean I don't enjoy the show. I like it a lot. It has boatloads of potential. I like the characters and want to spend more time with them.

Judd has my heart. Judd and Grace are goals. Grace is a queen. I would die for Paul Strickland. Mateo needs to be protected at all costs. Marjan is life. And so forth.

I love the wacky cases. They are close to on par with the original with their first season, and I watched that when it first aired, so I remember how people eviscerated it back then.

I think people compare it to the original too much. They're too hard on it in general. The Tarlos expectations are predictably too high. The cast has great chemistry. I'm particularly proud of Natascha who I loved on The Brave and Brian who was amazing on Queen Sugar.

Personal politics aside, I actually do like Lowe, and I don't have an actual problem with Owen as a character.

But I also see that there is room for improvement next season, and yes, with Lowe leading and EP'ing it, it being part of a franchise, and its ratings that placed them in the number one spot of new shows in 2020, it's getting renewed, no question.

These are just observations and grievances. They don't make the show unwatchable for me. I can still thoroughly enjoy something even when I'm critical of it.

But interestingly, it's also one of those shows I would bring up when saying "thank you for the diversity. This is a really good attempt, a decent enough start. Now let me explain how you improve it to avoid falling into common pitfalls." Because as enjoyable as it is and as thrilled as I am with this cast, it really has been like ticking off boxes. They damn near said it themselves in the pilot.

I really, really like 911 Lone Star, but it also really, really drives me crazy with certain things and gah!

Like, I promise you, I PROMISE YOU we can survive an episode without Owen at the center. I swear!

I love Mateo, and Paul, and Grace, and Marjan, and Carlos so much, I could just eat them up. *grits teeth* Please. Give me more than crumbs, just give me a little more.

What. If. The. Women. Actually. Shared. Screentime. What if they like, just talked to each other. Just a little bit. Or hung out. Hmm? HMM????!

Why when given the option do white dudes still flock to each other as best dude bros and no one else? Owen and Judd are cool, I dig it, I dig it, but gahh.

What if, what if we actually followed Carlos on a real cop case? Hm?

OK Ok, and like, what if Grace had like an actual storyline of her own?

Imagine for a second we followed Marjan home? Or Paul? Or Mateo?

Okay okay and like, what if the fire kids had individual storylines of their own that were a season arc instead of battling it out for more screentime in a barely there centric episode where they were the B or C storyline?

I... loveyousomuchbutyourekilllingme. I just was want to squeeze you and slap you c'mon.