9-1-1 guest star Lou Ferrigno Jr. reveals that his return as Tommy Kinard may depend on another series. It’s in the sixth episode of 9-1-1 season 8 that Tommy and Buck (Oliver Stark) break up. Ferrigno’s character decides to end the relationship, gently, essentially believing that Buck is moving too fast and putting too much stock in a relationship that isn’t built to last. The episode, “Confessions,” ends with Buck sharing a beer with his best friend Eddie (Ryan Guzman) on the couch.
In an interview with Fangirlish, Ferrigno addressed whether the couch scene meant that Eddie and Buck would finally be getting together. Although the actor doesn’t answer that question directly, he talks about how his 9-1-1 return depends on his involvement with the CBS action drama S.W.A.T. since he’s been recurring on that series since the beginning as Donovan Rocker. In the quote below, Ferrigno adds that he’d love to return to 9-1-1:
I won’t tell you, unfortunately [if Tommy’s breakup leads to Buck and Eddie dating]. If I knew. Then I’d have to kill you. You’d have to disappear, that’s for sure. I’ll be doing S.W.A.T., so I’m back on S.W.A.T., which is a nice reprieve. Two of the biggest shows filmed in Los Angeles, I’m just going from one to the other end and, I get to now be Rocker. Very different. The six-year-old boy that just wants to run into walls and shoot things, who’s grown up. I would absolutely love to come back, but I do need to continue on my journey here. I have a number of things now that are going on that may or may not happen, and I hope that there’s no conflict if it were to be the case. I’ve never had the type of experience artistically, professionally, as I’ve had with 9-1-1. I love this set. I love this show. I love the higher-ups. I love the crew. It has been so fun.
What Ferrigno’s Comments Mean For 9-1-1
9-1-1 stays true to Buck’s character. Near the start of the “Confessions” episode, which was written by Andrew Meyers and directed by Chad Lowe, he’s unsure whether he wants to continue his six-month relationship with Tommy. By the end, he’s asking Tommy to move in with him. Tommy calls out the lack of longevity in the relationship and decides to end it. But that shouldn’t be the last time viewers see Tommy.
Even though his relationship with Buck ended poorly, he has other connections in the 118. He’s friendly with Chimney (Kenneth Choi) and pals with Eddie. The latter bond may prove especially important if, as speculated, the close bond between Buck and Eddie evolves.
Our Thoughts On Tommy’s Future With 9-1-1
For an episode that’s so heavy on Tommy and Buck, it ends with Eddie and Buck. Buck is devastated after being politely rebuffed by Tommy. He shows up to find comfort on Eddie’s couch, which is a recurring theme in the first responder drama. The whole scene plays like a romantic comedy, with Eddie answering the door in his underwear and Buck knowing Eddie well enough that he isn’t the least bit surprised. If it’s the case that 9-1-1 season 9 happens, then Tommy makes sense as someone to react to the potential Buck and Eddie relationship.
