Evan Buckley’s Character Arc in 9-1-1, Explained
9-1-1 is filled to the brim with dramatic storylines and charming characters, making it one of the best procedurals on air. One thing this show does spectacularly well is explore the backstories of its leading characters. Therefore, the cast of 9-1-1 are no longer seen as two-dimensional firefighters but as complex individuals, each with their own stories to share.
Evan Buckley has been a leading character on the show since the very beginning, making him a keen hit with the fans. However, since his character is so integral, the writers have developed his arc massively over the course of the show. But it’s Evan Buckley’s story that showcases the best of the series and why he is so beloved among an amazing cast of characters.
Buck’s Life Began on Immoral Foundations
Top 5 Most Popular Evan Buckley Episodes
- Season 1, Episode 9, “Trapped”
- Season 2, Episode 10, “Merry Ex-Mas”
- Season 4, Episode 5, “Buck Begins”
- Season 4, Episode 7, “There Goes the Neighborhood”
- Season 7, Episode 3, “Capsized”
Evan Buckley, better known as Buck, is Station 118’s resident heartthrob. Alongside his infectious charm and good looks, Buck is also well-recognized for his adventurous attitude. Since joining the team, Buck has been at the center of some outrageous cases, showing that he’s willing to show up to every job, regardless of the risks. He has also managed to create a collection of fond friendships while working at the fire station, most notably with Eddie Diaz. Thus, even though he gives the impression that he’s a headstrong, tough guy who doesn’t need anyone else, Buck has made an incredible impact on Station 118 and the audience.
Despite his over-confident exterior, Buck didn’t exactly have the ideal upbringing. In Season 4, Episode 5, “Buck Begins,” the audience learns that the only reason Evan was brought into this world was so that he could be a suitable organ donor, Daniel. Buck’s older brother struggled with an aggressive form of cancer, and despite the family’s best efforts, he passed away a short while after Buck was born. Not only was this a massive shock to him, but he also discovered that the rest of his family vowed never to speak of Daniel or his condition ever again. As such, Buck was forced to learn that he wasn’t planned and was only created to serve the needs of his sick brother. This is a crucial piece of Evan’s backstory because it explains why he gets so attached to the people he loves. Though Buck gives off the impression that he only acts on impulse, his childhood evokes the idea that he cannot cope with the idea of losing someone else, so he goes out of his way to save others. As such, Buck’s caring attitude may be a consequence of the trauma he experienced as a child.
This episode also showcases what Buck was like as a teenager, elucidating when he developed his bad-boy attitude and driven mindset. As a growing man, Evan would recklessly ride his motorcycle around Pennsylvania, collecting a series of cuts and bruises as he went along. His sister, Maddie, would always be there to patch up his injuries, showing that Buck may have been overly incautious in order to gain more attention from his sister. This need for attention and validation certainly followed him into his adult life, transforming him into an egregious flirt and womanizer. But, despite Buck’s rocky origin story, fans quickly fell in love with him. Though Buck can, at times, be a little self-assured, he always wears his heart on his sleeve. As such, it’s evident that the writers of 9-1-1 were keen to make their leading man a complex and three-dimensional character.
Despite His Admirable Work, He Quickly Set Out for Revenge
Nicknames for Evan Buckley
- Buck
- Buckaroo
- Blood Thinner Boy
- Cowboy
In season 3, fans saw a darker and more spiteful side to their favorite firefighter. Yet, at first, Buck seemed to be his normal self. In Season 3, Episode 2, “Sink or Swim,” Buck strove to save Christopher Diaz as well as many other civilians in a tsunami, even while on blood thinners. This is a prime example of Evan’s brave and dedicated mindset, showing that he is more than willing to risk his own life in order to save those less fortunate than him. At first, audiences believe that Buck is still his same old self, ready to jump in to help his teammates at any point.
Yet, Buck develops a more vengeful side just a few episodes later, leaving many fans in a state of shock and disappointment. In Season 3, Episode 4, “Triggers,” Buck attends a quaint dinner at Bobby and Athena’s house. But, the tone quickly shifts when Bobby tells Buck that he is responsible for informing his superiors that Evan is not fully ready to get back to work. Despite building a strong relationship with Bobby over the years, Buck becomes immensely offended and later files a lawsuit against the LAFD for back benching him unfairly. This is a very unusual move from Evan as he previously saw the Station 118 crew as family. Thus, the fact that Buck was willing to go against them shows that he’s not as devoted to his line of work as the audience once believed.
Though Buck is a very well-written and secure character, his change in season 3 is exactly what fans needed. Every popular procedural needs a little bit of drama to keep things interesting, and sometimes, even roaring fires are not enough to keep audiences engaged. Thus, by twisting one of the audience’s favorite characters, fans quickly learn that the joyful nature of Station 118 is simply a farce. Buck’s drive for revenge shows that the crew isn’t as sweet and loving as they seem and emphasizes the idea that every character has a collection of skeletons in their closets.
Buck Has Finally Made Peace With His True Self
Notable Members of Evan Buckley’s Family
| Name | Relation |
|---|---|
| Phillip Buckley | Father |
| Margaret Buckley | Mother |
| Maddie Han | Sister |
| Daniel Buckley | Brother |
| Jee-Yun Buckley Han | Niece |
| Howard Han | Brother in Law |
Despite the city offering him a large sum of money to never work with the LAFD ever again, Buck decided that losing his colleagues wasn’t worth it. As such, he was reinstated on Halloween and began rebuilding a collection of broken relationships. But that’s not all that’s changed. In the latest season of 9-1-1, Buck has a surprising revelation about his sexuality. In Season 7, Episode 4, “Buck, Bothered, and Bewildered,” Buck kisses his co-worker Tommy, securing his new identity as a bisexual man. Although many fans were shocked to discover this, the vast majority of viewers were pleased to learn that Buck was ready to settle down with a man he really liked. Previously, Buck had dalliances with many women, as well as a relationship with Abby Clark that eventually ended. So, by giving Buck’s love life a new twist, audiences can finally forget about his obnoxious past and start enjoying more intimate storylines.
Buck also shared his newfound sexuality with his 118 family, emphasizing the fact that he is a brand new man. In Season 7, Episode 6, “There Goes the Groom,” Buck invites Tommy to his sister’s wedding. Although this may seem like a small gesture, it indicates that Buck is going through another transformation, this time for the better. He’s no longer concerned about fighting back or charming the ladies but is eager to become the man he’s always wanted to be. Plus, it also indicates that Buck is not ashamed of his sexuality and wants to include his new partner in his family’s milestones.
During his time on the show, it’s fair to say that Buck has been on a rollercoaster of emotions. From discovering that he was a savior sibling for his older brother Daniel to risking everything to get back at Bobby, Evan Buckley is a prime example of a multifaceted character. As fans prepare for Season 8 of 9-1-1, it seems that the writers are eager to expand Evan’s Queer storyline even further, giving the audience a whole host of new plot points and relationships to enjoy.
