Warning: this article contains SPOILERS for 9-1-1 season 8, episode 8.In the midst of all the action expected for the second half of 9-1-1 season 9 to reunite Buck and Bobby might be too late.

9-1-1 season 8 already hasn’t been kind to Buck, from developing rare boils on his face in episode 5 (“Masks”) to being dumped by his boyfriend in episode 6 (“Confessions”). While fans of the ABC procedural are anxiously awaiting 9-1-1 season 8's episode 9, there’s no telling how much harder Buck’s storyline will get before it gets better. The key to him healing from his current wounds is reintroducing Bobby as his go-to confidant both on and off the clock.

Bobby And Buck's Relationship Has Been On The Backburner In 9-1-1

Their Bond Was Fortified And Then Forgotten

For long-time viewers of 9-1-1, a Buck and Bobby heart-to-heart wouldn’t be unprecedented. The two characters have been linked since before the show even started, with Bobby reminiscing on the pair seeing Bruce Springsteen together back in season 1, episode 1 (“Pilot”). As both characters underwent independent development and big life changes, they'd always end up back together to talk it through. After Bobby marries Athena (Angela Bassett), his step-daughter even tells him, “Mom brought two kids into the marriage, you brought one,” in reference to Buck. Found family relationships in TV shows are common, but 9-1-1 used to go all-in on this trope.

Even during Bobby’s 9-1-1 season 7 near-death experience, Buck doesn’t get a scene by his side— a sharp departure from Bobby praying next to Buck’s hospital bed while he’s in a coma (season 6, episode 11, “In Another Life”).

However, despite Buck still referring to Bobby as a father figure, 9-1-1 rarely gives them screen time together. Even during Bobby’s 9-1-1 season 7 near-death experience, Buck doesn’t get a scene by his side— a sharp departure from Bobby praying next to Buck’s hospital bed while he’s in a coma (season 6, episode 11, “In Another Life”). Both characters have been given major storylines in season 8, but 9-1-1 has abandoned the formulaic element of them leaning on each other afterwards. Buck jarringly went from canonically being Bobby’s found son to being largely absent in his character arc.

How Buck Reconnecting With Bobby Can Help Him Move Forward In Season 8

Bobby Can Be Buck's Guide Again

Maddie’s fate in 9-1-1 season 8 seems exceedingly precarious. With loved ones either in danger or in need of a moving truck, Buck needs Bobby now more than ever.

Just like earlier seasons, 9-1-1 can have Bobby steer Buck in the right direction and comfort him during difficult times. Buck’s character will need to talk to someone during such emotional storylines, and there’s no chance Bobby won’t take notice and be concerned. Considering his best friend is one of his major stressors, Buck won’t have many people to turn to besides his fire captain. When 9-1-1 season 8 returns, Bobby and Buck don’t just deserve a scene together– they’ll need one for Buck to navigate the second half of the season.

9-1-1 returns Thursday, March 6, 2025 on ABC.