9-1-1's Most Underrated Character Deserves More Fan Love, Here's Why

Summary

• 9-1-1 has explored the stories of many characters over its seven seasons.
• One character is largely seen by viewers as an addition to another character's story.
• Her story is as nuanced and complicated as any of the other main characters.

Like many procedural dramas, Ryan Murphy's 9-1-1 features an ensemble cast. Following various Los Angeles police officers, firefighters and paramedics, the show explores their professional and personal lives filled with danger and difficulty.

Over the course of 9-1-1's seven-season run, the show has told the stories of many characters, some of whom have left the show during that time and some of whom have just come to prominence. In Season 7, for example, Evan Buckley, known to his friends as Buck, took the stage with his coming-out story, long awaited by fans who were frankly disappointed that Buck's electrifying and affectionate friendship with Eddie Diaz didn't lead to anything romantic.

Buck's arc also allowed another character often overlooked by viewers to enjoy the spotlight. His older sister Maddie was better explored through her relationship with him and their shared past. But the problem is, Maddie is a more nuanced character than that, and she deserves some long-overdue recognition.

More Than Just an Older Sister

Throughout the seven seasons of 9-1-1, Maddie was seen solely as Buck's older sister, an addition to his story. As a result, the problems she faced were perceived as a continuation of Buck's problems or a glimpse into their troubled past.

Sure, Maddie was a great older sister to him. When they were growing up, she was like a parent to Buck, taking care of him and giving him her love when their parents were too neglectful to bother. And even in her adult life, Maddie continues to provide Buck with family support, helping him solve his problems like a mother would. But Maddie also has a fascinating story to tell.

Those neglectful parents were hers, too. She didn't know their love, care, or support. But unlike Buck, she also had the burden of caring for a younger sibling. She had to provide him with things she didn't have or know. And she did it perfectly well.

Maddie's Complicated Story

On 9-1-1, we often see how Buck's childhood continues to affect his life, neglecting the fact that Maddie's story is also rooted in that time. Her relationship with Doug, full of drama, tragedy and pain, was possible because she didn't know what love was and mistook what Doug offered her for it, despite his abuse. It ended badly for both of them, but it just goes to show how complicated a character Maddie is, and that she's not just an appendix to Buck's story.

Maddie's emotionality, her struggle with mental health, all prove that she is full of facets and nuances that few other 9-1-1 characters, however prominent, have. Hopefully, Season 8 will explore Maddie's arc more fully.