9-1-1 Season 8: Buck’s Gerrard Problem (& Its Consequences) Previewed By Oliver Stark

9-1-1 star Oliver Stark opens up about the consequences of Gerrard replacing Bobby and becoming captain. In an eventful 9-1-1 season 7 finale, Bobby (Brian Krause) has to go through with his plans to retire as leader of the 118. He’s replaced by Gerrard (Brian Thompson), a recurring character largely seen in flashbacks up to this point. Gerrard made life especially difficult for a few characters during his last run as the 118’s commander, and it seems he’ll be doing the same for Buck.

Ahead of the 9-1-1 season 8 debut, which debuts Thursday, September 26 at 8 PM EST on ABC, the main cast gathered as part of the PaleyFest Fall TV Preview to discuss the upcoming episodes. Stark, who plays Evan ‘Buck’ Buckley, talked about how his character struggles to accept Gerrard’s new leadership role. Stark says that Buck is likely struggling with the change most of all. The actor mentions how Buck had an issue accepting authority in the early seasons, revealing that the problem will resurface. The quote is included below, via Collider:

Buck is maybe struggling with Gerrard, or at least struggling with the change the most. He is quite set in his ways, and I think he feels very loyal to Bobby, and he certainly butts heads with Gerrard in the first episode. Buck is someone who, you know, in the early seasons, we saw him have some issue with authority and knowing his place, and that certainly kind of rears its head again.

He was somewhat settled, you know, in his role with Bobby as captain. But a change in leadership has brought that old self out again. And he’s rebelling a little bit as we move into this season and not very successfully. Cleaning a lot of toilets; getting really good at it.

What Could Buck’s Gerrard Problem Mean For 9-1-1 Season 8?

It Will Affect Those Around Him

The return of Gerrard makes for an interesting situation. Howard (Kenneth Choi) and Henrietta (Aisha Hinds) have already dealt with Gerrard, as seen in flashbacks, and they’re no longer too bothered by him. Buck is the only one who has never served under Gerrard since he arrived at the 118 with Bobby already in charge. Considering what Stark says about Bobby being a surrogate father to Buck, there’s intriguing conflict ahead for 9-1-1 season 8.

Buck and Gerrard will likely have to arrive at some kind of understanding. However, considering that Gerrard is a comparatively minor recurring character, his involvement is likely less important than what the consequences mean for Buck. Stark’s character has wanted to be the 118’s leader at different points during the series. That storyline now has the potential to resurface.

Our Take On The Buck & Gerrard Conflict

It Could Have An Impact On Buck’s Personal Life

There is also the question of how Gerrard’s presence might impact the relationship between Buck and Tommy (Lou Ferrigno Jr.) because Tommy was there the first time Gerrard was in a leadership role. There will likely need to be a scene where Tommy addresses Gerrard’s racism and sexism. While it’s implied that Tommy disapproves of Gerrard, there hasn’t been examined in detail. It could make for a meaningful moment in 9-1-1 season 8, which streams on Hulu.

9-1-1 star Oliver Stark opens up about the consequences of Gerrard replacing Bobby and becoming captain. In an eventful 9-1-1 season 7 finale, Bobby (Brian Krause) has to go through with his plans to retire as leader of the 118. He’s replaced by Gerrard (Brian Thompson), a recurring character largely seen in flashbacks up to this point. Gerrard made…