Evan Buckley will face a new challenge at work in 911 season 8

Fall television is coming back and we're looking forward to seeing what is on the docket for our favorite shows. This is the case with 911 season 8, which we know very little about. In particular, we have some idea of what will happen with Evan "Buck" Buckley, whose season 7 story was pivotal for the character and the show.

During season 7 of ABC’s 911, Evan Buckley (Oliver Stark) began exploring his sexuality after sharing a kiss with firefighter and pilot Tommy Kinard (Lou Ferrigno Jr.). Now in season 8, he will face a new challenge after his former captain, Bobby Nash (Peter Krause) is replaced by Captain Vincent Gerrard. What do know about what’s next for Buck?

Buck will likely face discrimination in the wake of a homophobic captain at the 118 in 911 season 8

Throughout his life, Buck has never had to face the kind of adversity that has befallen his friends and colleagues. Now that he has come out as a bisexual man, it will be the first time he has to deal with a homophobic boss. While Chimney and Hen have experience with Gerrard, who was their captain before Bobby came into the picture, this is new territory for Buck to explore.

Since his friends are going through their troubles, Buck will likely turn to his boyfriend, Tommy, who also understands Gerrard’s character. Tommy also worked under Gerrard, but he wasn’t out at the 118 yet so he often fell in line with Gerrard out of self-preservation. Unfortunately, this was also detrimental to Hen and Chimney, thus creating guilt that Tommy still feels. He alluded to Buck in the season 7 finale that working under Gerrard did not make “[Tommy] a better person.”

What will we see develop between Buck and his new boyfriend, Tommy?

Season 8 could explore this further, showing how Tommy has grown and how his own experiences could shape what Buck decides to do about Gerrard. They haven’t been dating long, although the timeline makes it iffy on exactly how long, but they are still getting to know one another, according to a preview of the new season. So we could see potential conflict and resolution as Buck turns to Tommy for guidance on how to deal with Gerrard at work, which used to be a safe place for him.

We’re also interested in seeing how Buck’s dynamic with Bobby will change in the wake of him leaving the 118. They have always had a bond akin to father-and-son. So how will this change with Bobby no longer being there?

Buck’s storyline is so important for many reasons and we’re looking forward to following his journey through the new season!

911 season 8 premieres on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 8/7c. The episodes will be available the following day on Hulu.