The 118 is in need of a new Captain in 911 season 9, and it’s pretty clear that Chimney is sure to be the one to step up into that role. However, there’s another member of the 118 who has wanted to be Captain in the past. It’s all about Buck.
We all know that Buck isn’t quite ready to be Captain just yet. While he has done great at stepping up to support people where he can, he just doesn’t quite have the experience or the maturity to take on that role.
That’s not the biggest reason for Oliver Stark to think that Buck isn’t ready to be Captain yet, though. It’s all to do with the tasks of the job, according to TV Insider.
When Buck first came into the series, he had a daredevil way about him. He was ready to jump into hair-raising situations, putting his life on the line to save others. However, he didn’t always do it with thoughts of his own safety, something that Bobby helped him find a balance with.
It’s the love of the job that is likely to stop Buck from becoming Captain just yet. Oliver Stark shares that Buck would need to step back from all the main action in the saves, as the Captain has to stand back and give orders in the majority of situations. Of course, every now and then, we have seen Bobby go into the burning buildings, but he often stood outside, just like some of the other Captains in the series.
“I think the thing that he would struggle with the most being captain is not being the one that does the cool stuff, right? As captain, you’re not necessarily the one that’s meant to do the rope rescue or running first to the fire, and I think we’ve seen that that is very much Buck’s nature. So I see some difficulties if he ever went down that route in that sense.”
That’s something Buck wouldn’t be okay doing just yet. He wants to be in the action and do the fun stuff, so it’s not surprising that he’s not looking to be Captain just yet.
Eventually, Buck is sure to realize that being Captain is what he wants more than being in the action, and that means he needs to figure out the type of Captain he wants to be. Bobby’s memory is going to influence Buck, as Bobby had such a huge influence on him in the first place.
Stark shared that he will take a lot from Bobby in terms of how to be a good Captain, which means being caring and empathetic. He needs to listen to his team, but he also needs to be an authority at the right time.
“But in terms of a leader, I would think he’s very much in kind of the same vein as Bobby because that’s who he’s learned so much from. So, caring, listening, and authoritative when needed. So yeah, if he ever gets there, I think that’s what we could expect.”
There is still plenty of time to see Buck grow as a firefighter and into the person who will make a great Captain. In 911 season 9, the real focus is going to be on Chimney getting that job.
911 will return on Thursdays at 8/7c on ABC in fall 2025.
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