Evan “Buck” Buckley (Oliver Stark) made a shocking decision on Monday’s episode of the Fox smash series “9-1-1,” even for a firefighter as empathetic as he is. He consented to be a sperm donor for his college friend Connor and Connor’s wife, despite the fact that they had not been in contact for a number of years.
Stark spoke with Insider about his immediate response to Buck’s decision, if his character is truly on the way to happiness, and what he would do in Buck’s situation.
Oliver Stark in “9-1-1.”
Jack Zeman /FOX
Insider: What was your immediate reaction to Buck’s plan to give Connor and his wife sperm?
I believe it was initially almost overwhelming. It’s such a monumental choice, especially for a guy like Buck, who, when we consider his origins and recall the fourth-season episode “Buck Begins,” was essentially brought into the world for the purpose of assisting another youngster.
Now that he is in a position where he is once again being requested to assist in the conception of a kid, his backstory has almost come full circle. But I’m delighted for him because I believe that’s a burden he’s always carried, and it provides him the opportunity to determine whether or not he is receptive to “The Age of Absolutely,” the book he’s reading in the episode.
Buck takes some time to deliberate, but ultimately decides to donate rather swiftly. What factors do you believe he may have neglected to consider?
Stark: There are hints of that in the dialogue with Hen regarding the walking away component, which is, for the most part, a sperm donor’s responsibility. Case-by-case and relationship-by-relationship, I believe the role varies, but in general, you contribute the sperm and the baby is not regarded yours, despite the biological tie.
And then there’s Buck, who obviously wears his emotions on his sleeve and is entirely governed by them. If they ever reach the finish line and a healthy, happy baby is born, I believe the impact of knowing there is a child with his DNA and his blood will weigh harder on him than it does on other people.
Oliver Stark in “9-1-1.”
FOX Images via Getty
Do you believe he is prepared to become a donor, or is he relying too heavily on what he read in “The Age of Absolutely?”
Stark: I believe it’s the kind of choice where you never know until the moment arrives. You may plan for it, and you can have notions about how you’re going to feel once it occurs, but I don’t believe he’ll know how he’s going to deal with it until the moment arrives, if (and only if) he actually goes through with it. I have no doubt that it is well-intended. And we have always known Buck to put himself out there and be willing to assist not only his friends and family, but even strangers in the course of his work.
Let’s change gears for a moment. Can you walk me through the filming of the moment where Buck chases the car to prevent the kidnapping of Chimney (Kenneth Choi) by the intoxicated driver? You performed your own stunts?
It is a combination, to put it bluntly Like when Buck rides down the stairs, I can tell it is not me and never will be me, because I believe that would have resulted in broken ankles. However, I was quite excited when I read it. And I am aware that there was dispute as to whether it would be a bicycle or a motorcycle at one point.
I wanted to emphasize that if we put this on a bicycle, I can accomplish the most of it. I don’t ride motorcycles. Therefore, I believe that was a factor in the decision-making process. Thus, the most of it is attributed to me. In addition, I have a stunt duplicate for the scenes that were too intense for my poor, delicate soul.
Why does Buck seek advise from Hen, other than the fact that she is absent that day?
Stark: The primary reason is that Hen and Karen have personally undergone the donation process. I believe that is a major influence. Since the decision was made for Hen to serve as interim captain this season, there has been a recurring theme of Buck looking to her to learn.
He is simply gazing at her with an entirely new level of awe and saying, “What am I able to gain from you? Because I am clearly behind you in this field.”
“9-1-1” stars Ryan Guzman, Aisha Hinds, and Oliver Stark.
Jack Zeman /FOX
Regarding Hen in this episode, what is it like to film drunken moments with Buck?
Stark: This is so much fun. I don’t know what it is, but eventually you begin to feel a little tipsy. There is a recurring state of elation. Suddenly, I and Aisha [Hinds, who portrays Hen] are giggling between takes at things that are not even really amusing. You acquire a general sense of intoxication.
Do you believe Buck is lost or is he genuinely on the road to self-discovery?
Stark:
I am unsure if he has lost so much. I believe he is on a route, albeit he may not be totally clear of its destination. He is only entering his 30s, a new decade with the possibility of new responsibilities. I believe he is currently in a place where he is questioning himself and searching for something, but he is unsure of what it is. I do not believe he is lost because he is aware that he is heading in the correct way.
“9-1-1” stars Aisha Hinds and Oliver Stark.
FOX Images via Getty
If you were in Buck’s position, would you agree to be your friend’s sperm donor?
Stark: Wow. I believe I could do that. Over the years, the distinctions between myself and Buck have been increasingly blurred. I was about to respond similarly to what I had said about him, namely, if you can help someone you care about, why wouldn’t you? So, yes, I could see myself doing it if the right person and circumstances were present.
What can you tell me about Buck’s future and how this decision will impact his season-long performance?
This plotline doesn’t return until episode seven, so we’re without it for a few of weeks, but we’re beginning to realize the challenges it brings. It will not be as uncomplicated as he may have anticipated at the end of episode four. It will present him with some new challenges to overcome.
Fox airs “9-1-1” on Mondays at 8 p.m. ET.