Warning! Spoilers ahead for 9-1-1 season 8, episode 17.9-1-1 season 8 has had its ups and downs for the ensemble cast, but Buck and Eddie’s bond has never been stronger— even after their argument in episode 17. Ever since Ryan Guzman’s Eddie Diaz ed the cast in 9-1-1 season 2, he has been a major figure in Evan “Buck” Buckley’s life (Oliver Stark). Likewise, aside from his son, Christopher (Gavin McHugh), Buck has been the most important person to Eddie for years. What makes their connection so special is that Buck and Eddie’s implicit trust allows them to share the good, the bad, and the ugly without discrimination.

This vulnerability results in Eddie seeing the worst parts of Eddie and Christopher’s plot in 9-1-1 season 8. However, not every moment the two characters share is heartwarming.

Eddie And Buck’s Intense Argument In 9-1-1 Season 8, Episode 17 Stems From A Place Of Concern

Buck's Grief Over Bobby's Death Has Been Complex

Although the aftermath of 9-1-1 season 8, episode 17, Buck avoids his feelings by fixating on everyone else. As Eddie shares with Karen (Tracie Thoms) and Henrietta “Hen” Wilson (Aisha Hinds), Buck makes himself a caretaker for others in order to ignore his needs. The tension builds until the two have an explosive argument in their kitchen, Buck angry that Eddie didn’t mention his job offer in El Paso and Eddie is upset that Buck is silently shouldering his grief.

Naturally, a consequence of knowing someone so intimately is that you know exactly how to hurt them. Eddie tells Buck he’s making everything about himself. Meanwhile, Buck tells Eddie that he doesn’t know anything, and the two trade cheap shots before parting ways. On the surface, the fight may seem cruel and unnecessary, but it actually proves how much Eddie understands and respects Buck. As he mentions during their confrontation, nobody in the 118 knows how to talk to Buck. Though his own unresolved guilt creeps in, Eddie calling Buck out is the tough love the 9-1-1 mainstay needs.

Eddie Bringing Christopher Back To LA Proves He Understands Exactly How To Help Buck

All Buck Has Ever Wanted Was A Family

Despite his intention, Eddie doesn’t ignore how he hurt Buck during their fight. Initially, Buck thinks Eddie snuck out to fly back to Texas, but 9-1-1 season 8, episode 17 instead ends with a peace offering: Eddie went to the airport to pick up Christopher. Buck is thrilled, and any lingering bad blood is forgotten after Eddie’s aunt Pepa (Terri Hoyos) appears to give him a pep talk. As Eddie watches on, Buck cracks his first real smile since Bobby’s burial in 9-1-1 season 8, episode 16.

Throughout 9-1-1, Buck has constantly yearned for connection...

Eddie, Buck, and Christopher have always been a found family in 9-1-1, with each season exponentially building on their connection. Immediately, Buck helped Eddie navigate red tape for Christopher in 9-1-1 season 2. Subsequently, Buck was added to Eddie’s will as a legal guardian for Christopher in season 4, and Christopher independently sought out Buck for help in seasons 4, 5, and beyond. Throughout 9-1-1, Buck has constantly yearned for connection, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Buck’s well-documented abandonment issues may occasionally cause him to lash out, but Eddie has always accepted Buck as a true member of his family.

With Only 1 Episode Left, Can 9-1-1 Season 8 Make Buck & Eddie's Romance Happen?

The Slow-Burn Will Likely Continue Into 9-1-1 Season 9

There have been a million clues in 9-1-1 season 8 that point towards Eddie and Buck’s friendship taking a romantic turn, but the first-responder drama may delay the inevitable a little longer. 9-1-1 season 8, episode 18 will undoubtedly set the tone for Eddie and Buck’s relationship in season 9, but their slow-burn likely isn’t done yet. First and foremost, Eddie needs to decide to move back to LA— an announcement that Eddie will presumably make by the end of the 9-1-1 season 8 finale.

All episodes of 9-1-1 are streaming on Hulu.

Still, I wouldn’t count anything out quite yet. The hit ABC procedural has proven that there’s no predicting what’s next, so it’s entirely possible that Eddie and Buck could realize their feelings or even confess them in 9-1-1 season 8, episode 18. Yet, given how long their potential relationship has been developing, “Buddie” becoming canon in the 9-1-1 season 8 finale would feel rushed, especially considering how the beginning of their relationship would be lost in the time-jump between seasons. Even if Buck and Eddie never date, their 9-1-1 season 8 fight proves they’re a perfect match, platonic or otherwise.

Enjoy ScreenRant's primetime coverage? Click below to sign up for our weekly Network TV newsletter (make sure to check "Network TV" in your preferences) and get the inside scoop from actors and showrunners on your favorite series.

SIGN UP NOW!