Eddie (Ryan Guzman) and Buck (Oliver Stark) from 9-1-1 recently paid a special, albeit perhaps unintended, tribute to the beloved series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its iconic couple, Tara (Amber Benson) and Willow (Alyson Hannigan). Though the two shows are worlds apart in content and tone, both have earned devoted followings within the LGBTQ+ community, thanks to their nuanced portrayals of diverse relationships and characters.

While Eddie and Buck are not romantically involved in 9-1-1, their deep bond has captured the imagination of fans who are eager to see their relationship evolve into something more. This is reminiscent of how Buffy the Vampire Slayer was celebrated for being ahead of its time with LGBTQ+ representation, although one particular storyline involving Tara and Willow left fans feeling a mix of emotions.

A fan on Tumblr recently highlighted an intriguing connection between two of the most emotional scenes from these shows. In Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 6, Episode 20, “Villains,” Tara is tragically killed by a stray bullet, with blood splattering onto her girlfriend Willow’s shirt, leaving Willow devastated as she holds Tara in her arms. This heartbreaking moment became a landmark—though controversial—scene in LGBTQ+ television history. Meanwhile, in 9-1-1 Season 4, Episode 13, “Suspicion,” Eddie is shot by a sniper right in front of Buck, with blood splattering on Buck’s shirt. However, unlike in Buffy, Buck is able to save Eddie, pulling him to safety and getting him the medical help he needs. The visual parallels between these two scenes are striking, and while it’s unclear if the nod to Tara and Willow was intentional, it certainly resonates as a potential tribute and a chance at healing, presenting a different outcome where two characters who care deeply for each other are not torn apart.

Tara and Willow’s relationship broke ground as the first recurring depiction of a lesbian couple on primetime U.S. television. Despite pressure from network executives to limit displays of affection between the two, the writers of Buffy cleverly navigated these restrictions, allowing Tara and Willow’s love to blossom in a genuine and meaningful way. This is part of why Tara’s sudden death by a random bullet, originally intended for Buffy, felt like such a gut punch to fans who had grown invested in their story.

In contrast, the relationship between Eddie and Buck, while not yet confirmed as romantic, is built on deep emotional trust and chemistry that has not gone unnoticed by fans. When Eddie is shot in 9-1-1, Buck faces a critical choice: let his friend die or risk his own safety to save him. Buck chooses the latter, symbolizing a moment of redemption that offers a stark difference from the tragedy seen in Buffy. Whether or not the writers of 9-1-1 meant for this parallel to emerge, the connection is significant. In examining such scenes within LGBTQ+ storytelling, it’s crucial to delve into the subtext and understand the impact these moments have on the community.

This reimagined narrative, where the characters are given a second chance, might just be a small but meaningful step towards more positive representation and storytelling in modern television.