Ever had a character in a show that just makes you scream, “Why are you even here?”

Plot twist: It’s all about Buddie. 

Tommy Kinard is the ultimate MacGuffin of the 9-1-1 universe, and we’re going to hold your hand while we break down this plot device! In this week’s episode, Han, Cil, and Rachel explore the intricacies of narrative devices through the lens of Tommy’s character – or lack thereof. With less depth than a kiddie pool, Tommy’s role is to showcase Buck's journey of self-discovery and his coming to terms with his bisexuality. 

We delve into why Tommy’s presence is never really acknowledged as substantial, but merely raises some serious questions about Buck’s feelings for Eddie, Eddie’s sexuality, and basically anything other than Tommy himself. 

From bully to misdirected love interest, Tommy’s journey is like a roller coaster that never quite leaves the station. Navigating through his brief moments of impact we see how Tommy’s more of a stepping stone than a destination for Buck, with a big fat nothingburger for his own storyline. Join us as we analyze the echoing themes of relationship dynamics, character replacements, and the undeniable fact that sometimes, characters just exist to make the main ones look better. 

We tackle everything from the awkward love triangle to the emotional fallout of Buck’s first queer relationship and how Tommy’s exit finally sets the stage for Buck to realize his feelings about Eddie. 

Buck-le up for some laughs, some eye rolls, and a whole lot of “That’s crazy work,” as we shine a light on Tommy’s “questionable” relevance! 

Chapters

(00:00:00)-Intro

(00:01:16)-What is a Plot Device?

(00:05:30)-Tommy’s a Bully Stock Character

(00:15:28)-Just a Co-Worker

(00:24:21)-It Was Supposed to Be Lucy

(00:34:06)-Buck, Bothered and Bewildered

(00:49:07)-Tommy is a Mirror for Eddie

(00:53:37)-Buck Confides in Maddie About Eddie and Tommy

(01:01:30)-Tommy Shows Up at Buck’s Loft

(01:09:46)-Love Triangle Blocking Metaphor

(01:13:37)-Buck’s Coming Out Tour

(01:26:03)-We Were On a Date, Is That Weird?

(01:32:48)-Jealousy, Jealousy at the Bachelor Party

(01:43:51)-Tommy’s Just There, But He Doesn’t Belong

(02:00:19)-Help, Buck’s Still at the Restaurant

(02:05:51)-How Did It End? Where it Began.

(02:15:29)-The Proof is in the Press Interviews

(02:27:45)-The Breakup Was Premature On Purpose

(02:31:18)-In Conclusion: We’re Correct

(02:34:42)-Outro and Take a Buddie with You

📔 Articles Mentioned:

📰 What is a Plot Device? Definitions and Examples, Studio Binder

→ Oliver Stark Interviews

📰 ‘9-1-1’ Star Oliver Stark on That Ex Twist, Tommy’s Choice and Why Buck Went to Eddie for Comfort, Variety

📰  9-1-1's Oliver Stark on Buck and Tommy's shocking breakup by Patrick Gomez, Entertainment Weekly

→ Tim Minear Interviews

📰 ‘9-1-1’ Creator Says Buck’s Big Romantic Moment Has Been in the Works ‘A Long Time’, The Wrap

📰 ‘9-1-1’ Boss: Exploring Buck’s New Sexual Awakening “Felt Like It Was the Right Time”, The Hollywood Reporter

📰 ‘9-1-1’ Boss on Tommy’s Wild Revelation, Buck & Eddie Figuring Themselves Out , TV Insider

📰 9-1-1 Showrunner Tim Minear Talks Athena’s Rookie, Bobby’s Hotshots Return, Buck’s Heartache & Teases Midseason Finale, TV Fanatic

📰 ‘9-1-1’ Boss Tim Minear Unpacks The Midseason Finale And Shares His Season 8 Goal: “To Blow It All The Hell Apart”, Decider 

→ Lou Ferrigno Jr. Interviews

📰 9-1-1’s Lou Ferrigno Jr. Reflects On Tommy And Buck’s “Heart-Wrenching” Breakup And Why The Role Was A “True Blessing, Decider

📰 Lou Ferrigno Jr. on Returning to ‘9-1-1’ for Buck’s Bisexual Awakening, The Hollywood Reporter

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