Angela Bassett‘s Athena Grant is once again boarding a cruise ship, in a 9-1-1 and Doctor Odyssey crossover airing on the latter with the March 20 episode. She’s the only one from 9-1-1 heading over, Oliver Stark believes, but when TV Insider spoke with him about the midseason premiere, we had to find out on which ABC show he thinks Buck would have the most fun.
“So I’ve never seen it, but I just saw a trailer for Will Trent. That thing looks really fun. I think I could see Buck running around with him getting into some chaos and exploring Buck’s crime-fighting side hobby,” Stark said. “So yeah, as I say, I haven’t actually watched the show, but the new trailer for their season makes the show look really great and fun. So send me over there.”
Stark was part of 9-1-1‘s previous crossovers, with The Bachelor in Season 7 and, along with Aisha Hinds (Hen) and Ryan Guzman (Eddie), over on the spinoff Lone Star in its second season. Bassett heads to Doctor Odyssey for its March 20 episode, and it’s Casino Week aboard the ship. The logline teases, “Unexpected guest Athena Grant suspects two passengers are targeting the ship’s vault. Enlisting Max’s [Joshua Jackson] help, Athena raises the stakes in a dangerous game where not everyone will end up with a winning hand.”Related
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Crossovers in TV shows have become a fan-favorite trend, and Oliver Stark, who plays Evan “Buck” Buckley in Fox’s hit drama 9-1-1, seems to have a unique vision for his character. The British actor has expressed a strong desire for Buck to make an appearance in ABC’s crime drama Will Trent. But why? And how would that even work? Let’s dive into Stark’s reasoning, what fans think, and whether this crossover could actually happen.
Who Is Oliver Stark?
Before we get into the crossover talk, let’s take a moment to appreciate Oliver Stark. Known for his portrayal of Buck, the charming and brave firefighter on 9-1-1, Stark has won over audiences with his emotional depth and action-packed performances. But it seems he’s got bigger plans for his character beyond fire rescues and high-stakes emergencies.
What Is ‘9-1-1’ About?
For those unfamiliar, 9-1-1 follows first responders—firefighters, paramedics, and police officers—as they navigate intense emergencies and their own personal lives. Buck, played by Stark, has been a fan-favorite since the show’s inception due to his growth from a reckless rookie to a mature and dependable firefighter.
What Is ‘Will Trent’ About?
Will Trent is a gripping crime procedural based on Karin Slaughter’s book series. It follows Will Trent, a special agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, who has a troubled past but an exceptional ability to solve crimes. The show has been praised for its compelling storytelling and character-driven drama.
Why Does Oliver Stark Want a Crossover?
Stark recently mentioned in an interview that he’d love to see Buck interact with Will Trent’s team. His reasoning? Buck’s background and personality would add an interesting dynamic to the crime-solving world of Will Trent.
1. Buck’s Experience with Emergencies
Buck’s ability to remain calm under pressure would be a valuable asset to any investigative team. His firsthand experience dealing with disasters and reading situations quickly could complement Will Trent’s detective skills.
2. Buck’s Personality Would Shake Things Up
Will Trent is known for its serious tone, but Buck’s charm and humor could provide some much-needed comic relief. His energetic nature might clash with Trent’s more analytical approach, leading to entertaining interactions.
3. The Crossover Potential
TV networks love crossovers—they boost ratings and bring in new audiences. A 9-1-1 and Will Trent crossover could introduce fans of one show to the other, creating a win-win scenario for both series.
How Would a Crossover Work?
If Buck were to cross over into Will Trent, it would need a plausible reason. Here are a few potential storylines:
1. Buck as a Witness in a Major Crime Case
Imagine Buck witnessing a high-profile crime while on vacation in Atlanta (where Will Trent is set). As a first responder, his detailed recall of the event could be crucial to solving the case.
2. A Joint Task Force Between LAFD and GBI
A massive disaster requiring cooperation between multiple agencies could bring Buck and Will Trent together. Maybe a large-scale fire leads to an arson investigation that intertwines both their expertise.
3. Buck’s Family Connection to a Case
What if a long-lost relative of Buck’s is tied to a case Will Trent is investigating? This would create a personal stake for Buck, pulling him into the story organically.
What Do Fans Think?
The idea of Buck joining Will Trent has already sparked excitement among fans. Many believe that Buck’s character arc has room for expansion and that seeing him in a different setting could offer fresh storytelling opportunities.
Challenges of a Crossover
While the idea is thrilling, there are some hurdles:
- Different Networks: 9-1-1 is on Fox, while Will Trent airs on ABC. Network rivalries could complicate things.
- Tone Differences: 9-1-1 is fast-paced and dramatic, while Will Trent has a more investigative, slow-burn feel.
- Scheduling Conflicts: Oliver Stark’s commitments to 9-1-1 could make it difficult to appear on another show.
Would It Actually Happen?
While there’s no official confirmation, the idea isn’t entirely out of reach. TV networks have made unexpected crossovers happen before (Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19, for example). If enough fans rally behind the concept, there’s a chance we could see Buck and Will Trent share the screen.
Conclusion
Oliver Stark’s vision for Buck crossing over into Will Trent is an exciting prospect that could bring fresh energy to both shows. Whether as a witness, a joint investigator, or someone personally tied to a case, Buck’s involvement in a crime procedural would showcase his versatility beyond firefighting. While challenges exist, TV crossovers have defied expectations before. Could this be the next great TV event? Only time will tell.
It’s going to be Athena’s second time involved in an investigation on a cruise ship in as many years; in 9-1-1 Season 7, the first on ABC after moving over from Fox, her and Bobby’s (Peter Krause) honeymoon was anything but relaxing. Instead, it involved pirates, a bomb, and the ship capsizing, all while the couple had to save themselves, each other, and other passengers.
