I'm gonna say it here first cause I know I'm gonna get bonked when I put it on Twitter but listening to the Tommy Evan and Buckleyplease on tiktok about misalignment of they're not right for each other, I think Tommy and Buck are a repeat of the Ana relationship.
The name calling that implies a closeness or intimacy without the work and slight disaknowledgement of their current/preferred or commonly known identity of Buck/Eddie. That's more casual but still personal when needed.
Add it with the episode You Don't Know Me, and the cafe being the one where Ana and Eddie started dating or kind of reflects how their relationship will end up.
Two people who simply doesn't work out due to wanting different things/compatibility or being in different parts of their lives.
I can add that Buck has been hinted at wanting a family/kid so that's to be seen if Tommy may not want that/doesn't know how invested he is.
Now all we need is a queer club scene a la lone Star.
Buck would absolutely flourish, henren would be flirting, Eddie would be sitting at the bar doing a beer watching Buck like a hawk and sometimes smiling, Tommy would be in the void floating (sorry babe I'm a Buddie 4 lifer), and for a lil pizzazz Maddie and Chimney also go.
(it evolved into a tiny fic 🥺if you wanna read you can🥺)
ao3 link :
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Ravi is probably there somewhere with someone in the VIP section looking down at them both happy but also a bit worried to see them.
(he's been working with them for a while now he knows the rumors of that many collective jinx powers they hold)
He sends them drinks periodically and they all wonder if someone is about to get a sugar daddy and then realize they're all couples so who's the couple who's getting a third?
Hen has her hands permanently glued to her wife's side and her head in her neck. She's murmuring sweet nothings and Karen giggles it away as she rubs any part of her that's closest to her and sips her drink.
Chimney and Maddie chat as they become a two-headed, four-limbed creation that smells of tequila, love, and laughter.
Maddie is constantly getting compliments on her shiny outfit and nails and ends up beside Buck periodically through the night, both of them like radiant sunlight to others.
Chimney also magically appears next to her almost instantaneously but vanishes and returns with drinks for his friends eventually chatting up the biggest guys he can on their gym regimen and suggesting they buy a calendar to support the new Asian Sex Symbol.
Of course, they sell a few copies.
Buck is the crown Jewel of the drag queens who are all shapes, sizes, and identities getting off of a show to have a nice night out.
He's marvelous and praises their outfits before quickly getting sucked into impromptu makeup and drag lessons, cards for shows, drunken histories, sexuality stories, and good ole fun lip-syncing.
And of course, since he's a bright star who everyone loves, many people begin their hunt.
A quick wink, a lingering smile, a hand on his lower back that lingers as long as a guy slides past him.
Okay, that's it.
Eddie orders another two beers, checking his phone for the babysitter's update before pocketing it.
He slides up behind Buck sliding a beer in his hand and resting his head on his shoulder his hand coming up to his waist.
The girls immediately gush about the two saying there are Two Hot Firefighters ready to put out their fire and Eddie bursts out in laughter.
They begin to fawn over him next complimenting his jawline and face suggesting he go into modelling or movies.
One of them says it's a waste but they'd be all fired up if they see him covered in soot. Another asks if he's on the same calendar as the sexy Asian guy.
Buck pouts telling them no and he's the focus again.
The drag queens then launch into a spiel about fire safety and if they could do a lecture at a show or help them.
Buck ends up video calling Bobby at the request and he and Athena are laying in bed amused as they watch him stumble through his words before a crowd of colorful queens squeeze into the frame.
He assumes them he'll think about it and the comment on Athena's beauty before the call is cut.
Bobby turns to Athena after the call and she laughs. "Your boy is always getting into trouble." He kisses her forehead softly. "We should go next time." "Let's."
Later that night as Christopher's finally dozing off, his phone slipping out of his hand he jolts at the sound of the front door bursting open.
Harry and Denny freeze on the phone, their faces both lit up by their computer screen, "What was that?"
Chris reaches for his glasses and slips them on staying quiet.
He listens again and relaxes as he hears giggles and shushes.
He rolls his eyes and pulls his covers over his head. "It's my dads."
The shuffling gets louder and he groans softly as his door is knocked on before it's pushed open.
Eddie grins down at his son's lying form and stumbles over as gracefully as he can. Buck is in the kitchen filling two (plastic) cups with water and shakily walking to his room.
Eddie walks to the left of his bed and kneels down resting his head on his arm.
He pats his head suddenly emotional, "I love you so much you know that?"
Chris frowns at his distressed tone but also notices the softness in his touch.
They watch him and Buck tiptoe in to hand Eddie a cup and rest his on a nightstand.
"We should probably let him sleep, okay babe?"
Eddie drinks from his cup smiling and pats Chris' head one last time. "Okay. Night son."
As they're leaving Buck sticks his head back in, "By the way your phone light is still asking through the blanket. Go to bed, Chris."
Harry and Denny burst out laughing and Chris promptly hangs up. He closes his eyes with a smile on his face as his dads fall into bed sloppily in the next room, leaving their problems for themselves tomorrow.
I was writing a dissertation of Buck's relationship (if you follow me and accidentally saw it my bad idk what happened) right after the finale but I've decided to dip my toe back in.
I was actually cooking. Go past me. My feelings haven't changed.
I didn't like the dinner scene... Or the progression of Buck's relationship.
Let's talk about it!
I've been lurking and waiting to form my full opinion (away from my buddie mind) and I will compare the two.
I came in the fandom rather late and before season 7 aired. Buddie had been the consensus ship let's say.
I want to talk about these things
Bi buck
Bi buck episode
The aftermath
The rise of tommy
The fall of tommy
Buddie and BuckTommy relationship
The wheel
As a fan and a writer I recently started doing in depth analysis for my favorite TV shows to challenge myself and learn the trade I'm eventually going to work with.
I'll start with my problem/observation with the hamsterwheel --> bucktommy relationship --> separation of Buddie --> differences between the relationship.
First the hamster wheel I truly believed that when he mentioned having to work hard and it being new and different I really expected something special.
Now as a Buddie before this happened I was like OMG its happening. All the way up until the last part of 7x04 (where i promptly blacked all the way out) and that Buck was going to work for Eddie.
In the case of the preview and marketing they did in fact put a beautiful buddie shaped blanket over the whole thing and pulled it away for a new ship.
Now it would make sense some fans would be mad. Most people have an otp. That doesn't change with anything.
Buddie was still very prominent with all the female love intrests so it became confusing to me with the response but I'll get back to that in a minute.
The kiss (which he didn't ask before and it was really sudden / can argue Buck was okay with it cause hot guy duh but still a lil mehh) was quick. It felt very hamster wheel like he's jumping into something new.
Then subsequently in the other episode called you don't know me aka the BUCK!! date where a closeted joke was made (funny in tv but not in real life).
Granted Buck could've handled it better but he literally brain melted. Your straight (?) friend catches you on your literal first date with a man in secluded past of town. Yeah I'm taking myself outside for a sec.
The Evan thing also applies. On screen we haven't gotten a denounc
ement of the name Buck and what it means. I don't know it feels like two separate lives if I think about it.
He's Evan with him but Buck with everyone else (this is very convoluted).
That name thing has been and will continue to be debated. 🤷🏾♀️
The hamster wheel sped up expeditiously when he invited him to his sister's wedding. Right after Eddie stated he is rushing too fast.
(Which Buck also does due to ✨abandonment issues✨)
Then the bachelor party where he didn't dress up.
I know people made real life excuses but the things is I'm a canon more than a fanon person.
(yes buddie isn't canon hypocrisy ik but WAIT)
What I mean by that is that I take what characters say and do at face value. That information forms my opinions of them.
Unfortunately there's been about 7 years and all couple parallels with Buddie so my brain was like yep, that's canon.
When Tommy was being discussed at first (and now) I'm still saying as that he's a blank sheet that the fans who've wanted Buck to be in a loving reciprocal relationship so that's being projected on him.
So that equates to him being a let's say "out of character" personality in the online space.
I said in an episode analysis that Tommy's interested and not invested and I stand by that until the show proves other wise or writes their relationship on a deeper level.
Fanon Tommy's character would've worn a costume, hell they might've been the ones matching.
Because he's that dedicated and invested.
In canon, he didn't even come up with a simple enough reason and just brished it aside.
Now once again the you don't know me and writing wise it's significant that Buck's not acknowledged as Buck, and his lover isn't allowed to call him that. They're cooking something.
Idk what it is or if it's burning or not. But it's cooking regardless.
Deep conversations. Honesty with Eddie.
Tommy. Redirection and minimization. (and a smidgen of jealousy)
I also had some qualms about the sexualization of Buck's character or the minimization or common theme of Buck being used/useful.
They make it a poetic irony that the man who failed to be useful in saving/being savior baby then be used throughout his adult life.
Whether that be a substitute/donor for his older brother, a fantasy or story for some, or a quick fling/easy relationship the writers haven't fully gotten him out of the hamster wheel.
(but they're cooking ik it. Im praying. Im hoping. Please be cooking!!)
The writing of the relationship is failing it. Unless it should be like that.
For the rest of the topics I was talking about the bi buck episode and how much it meant to TV.
As we still know, Hollywood/American TV is a global thermometer let's say and tends to be discussed/acknowledged/distributed worldwide. As a result when certain things are done in the shows it can be a milestone.
I can admit I overlooked some things (as I am an avid hunter of media especially HAPPY! queer stories being told of POC and otherwise) so I can sometimes forget how impactful/important certain things are for the American/world audience to see.
Like henren, a black lesbian couple with a kid! Married! Both incredibly successful in their respective jobs.
Like that alone could be a TV show honestly.
That's why when Bi Buck happened I was happy. (I legitimately blacked out because I didn't see or hear the preview right after 🤣🤣 I was distressed when I came to)
But honestly I am still happy and proud that it happened.
I didn't get the significant of the extent of visibility of having a male (later in life is important!) come out or be acknowledged as bisexual.
Granted in cannon the word hasn't been uttered or expanded on but they head a rough 10 episodes so I'll give em some slack.
But as a viewer and a writer I see how important it is to have it happen and the significance of it through real life stories and anecdotes and for that I am happy for that party of the relationship. 🥺
I won't take that moment away from them. Was it perfect (including all the other stuff afterwards?) No.
But was it necessary and messy and awkward like real life? Absolutely yes and I love it.
This is peak TV I tell you. (I've never blacked out like that to TV before so that was a first🤣)
But on a real note I was excited (and neutral towards Buck and Tommy being together).
I still ride the Buddie ship all start for to the context clues (slutty dangerous barbell scene anyone??) that it may be confusion on his part or at least leaving the door partly open for Buddie.
(it really could be just gauging the audience reaction)
I won't really talk about the second half of Buddie sexual identity because that either deserves it own post and has to be expanded on.
(Eddie i beg. The women of the world DON'T need you right now. Be a beautiful centerpiece. Do not traumatize the women of la no more. Take care of your son. Don't go through treacherous roads. Take the journey elsewhere. I beg!!!)
But on a serious note I noticed the quick turn I would say on the characterization/head canon of Buck's love interest.
I find it interesting that for female counterparts there hasn't been such a response. (I have heard about Buck Taylor riders though)
(this is my inner thoughts. Very hot. 10/10. My soul was pleased. Couple? Awful. Friends? Brilliant. Taylor motives? Nah you can't be round me with all that sneaky stuff)
But her character was the most expanded on.
But with Tommy, most of what's stated about the relationship at the beginning was headcanon.
I think where the shows heading is to show the incompatibility between them.
Tommy's scenes so far have been casual, smooth and easy.
He doesn't mind a quick date. He doesn't want to dress up for the theme. He'll be there but it's not too important to fuss about it.
The deleted scene is avoidant (which may become a character trait about emotions) to deeper conversations. We see this reflected as well when they're at the dinner after Bobby's finally pulled through (and Buck lost his son😭😭 I'm not even on no shipper shit that's his baby😭😭) and he starts to be vulnerable.
I expected it to lean more towards a heartwarming or honest conversation but one again he shuts it down.
What I think they're going to do with his character/have been doing is show that he's avoidant to confrontation.
(i could argue that for his friend he might do more because the Eddie flying things still throws me for a loop in comparison to how they're portraying their relationship)
But I stick by the interested not invested point.
With the little screen time they've had to develop his character they've shown that it's not really endgame they're just incompatible. 🤷🏾♀️
Comparing the Buddie and Tommy relationship the investment/support becomes a bit evident.
Not matching with Tommy. Incompatible.
Matching with Eddie. Compatible.
Deep conversations. Honesty with Eddie.
Tommy. Redirection and minimization. (and a smidgen of jealousy)
Now you can argue (as a writer in gritting my teeth as I type this) if they do go down the route of his love "changed" me, it it's a possibility to write him becoming a better partner through love or sum.
As Buck is very emotional and he can get him to open up be more serious as he sees him taking it seriously.
As a buddie that killed me!!!!! but as a writer i had to speak up.
Anyways... If it goes that route I'll hate it a little. Hare it and like it seesaw kind of (look ik potential when i see it)
The hate part is that once again it'll be uaed/hamster wheel/i have to prove or gain your love or show that you appreciate me.
Like it cause who doesn't like a good you changed me by being yourself?
I'm a hater through and through. 😤
Tommy as a character I was neutral on at first. I'm still lukewarm about the relationship itself but the character is falling into the same old box all love interests get.
Not enough character but more than enough sex.
Regarding Buck's relationship they're always a give and take, Buck ending up being more of a giver (I'm not defending no white man for his mistakes though he do be doing some things side eye worthy).
But because the love interests are just that and not fleshed out characters, they end up not being able to stand on their own and be interesting enough outside of the one off appearances.
With the exception of Karen my love, my sweetness.
But most of Buck and Eddie's love interests can sometimes be reduced to props to move plot along/give character development.
(which as a writer i didn't hate as it's a multi lead drama series but..... If they want a long term partner to be introduced they can write it like Karen)
I can think of many scenarios and ways to actually make the character less off-putting to some.
Examples: more enthusiasm/effort actually being put in (or maybe that's where the statement Buck had to work for it applies? That Buck had to work for his love ??? I'm speculating now), being more straightforward, the jealously not being brought up like twice now.
Sirens are blasting with that one 🚨🚨
(The characters actions being vetoed off screen doesn't help either. It also applies to a lot of problematic things that sweep under the rug. Only the queer characters cheating? Violence against each other? Goading into drinks? Kissing/cheating? Manipulation?.... Eh it's drama but the cheating storylines and the characters it happens to makes me a lil 👀...)
All in all me and my homegirls not pleased.
I ain't been swayed anywhere and the way the wind in this writing ain't blowing nowhere.
As an ace person it's kind of a comforting ship because it's not overly physical/sexual.
(the whole show is squeaky clean cause of guidelines but we ball)
I'm thinking and I don't think I've seen any sort of oversexualization of Buddie.
(Unless you're looking for it 👹)
But for real before this season (and subsequently bi buck) their relationship could've qualified as queer platonic if you do wish to see it that way.
I do not. I am ace not aro. I yearn to see the married couples! Demi life forever!
Cause I'm demi I love a good friend to lovers so in this case (very very rare I may have seen it okay out in a few gay shows from Asia like veryy few) it's like finding hold honestly.
But I dunno it's not often that you can get a queer (romantic!) relationship (especially with two men) that's not over sexualized but rather based/celebrated in their friendship.
Most same sex relationships in TV are portrayed as friends and idk I'd like to see more friends to lovers with same sex pairings.
It's be interesting and fresh because there's always that line of there's no way.
But I think its be cool to explore sexuality as a spectrum and also push the boundaries a bit of what a family could look like and finding (romantic!) love in a gender you didn't expect.
Even having unlabeled or queer identities on TV normalized could mean a lot in taking the pressure off having rigid gender roles in relationships in real life.
I think more freedom in expression is needed across all boards. Gender, religions, sexual identity etc.
I'm thinking about it and I wonder if the reason Buddie is so compelling (aside from the parallels) is the fact that they're one of the few couples on the show that has storylines getting together within the show.
Madney is a popular one (what the hell they all are🤷🏾♀️), but that developed over the seasons giving fans an (adorable) anchor to rest on.
So did Buddie.
For Bathena, it was a speed run but it made so much sense. They were both older and had established lives before meeting each other and when they decided they were it for each other they were it. (I'm gonna make myself cry 😭)
And HenRen, oh my beautiful henren, their relationship was told backwards and forwards if that makes sense.
They were already established as a complete family who worked together. The storyline who shall not be named was wild and I don't even wanna say it asked commitment to each other after “challenges “ (made of ones volition but i digress) is one that they're dedicated to.
that's so ironic
(I'm low-key heated but I'll talk about that in another post)
But as I was saying about the Buddie of it all, it logistically and thematically it makes sense.
Two friends whose bond grows over time eventually start to see each other in a new light as they go through life and death together.
Sounds great right? A perfect love story?
BAM, they're men!
Ooooh how about bromance and call or a day.
Yes we know they're coparents but *whispers* we may have accidentally given ammo to the lughtuhbuh squad
Ignore me i be joking to much 😔🤣
But truly once you remove gender and focus only on the emotional beats they share, they mirror any and all romantic paintings from this show and various others. (I'm looking at the rookie fans who i now my head in mourning with you through this tough time rn *I've not seen a minute of the show*)
It's not a crime to see it as romantic when evidently it's written as one.
I've seen many fan edits paralleling their emotional hits (hell the cell block gunshot episode and bathena's final arc about the missing girl is a recycled mini plot/scene *very effective*)
But honestly if you look at it as a love story it will become apparent.
And as the show goes on the more they begin to parallel and blur into something of a blatant pairing.
Now less objective more emotional personal, as a panromantic (taking love is love to a next level amirite?) I literally don't see the problem with a lot of same sex ships and this is a really great example.
If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck it's a fuckin duck to me. (Excuse my French teehee🤗 just had to get the point across)
But forreal though.... Who was messing with my ship?! We gotta talk!
Open up Fox! I gotta talk to you! 🤗🗣️🔊🔊📢
I've had them less than a few months but Imma protect them until the day i die! (Unless of course morals and all that)
