At a Glance
- Hen gets benched by new chief Chimney after hiding her mystery illness
- Buck’s bisexual dating life takes an unexpected turn with a married couple
- Oliver Stark teases more personal doubt storylines ahead this season
- Why it matters: The 118’s tight-knit dynamic faces major upheaval as secrets unravel
The 118 firehouse faces internal turmoil in the midseason premiere “Secrets” as Hen’s hidden illness forces Chimney to make a tough call, while Buck navigates modern dating after coming out as bisexual.
Hen’s Health Crisis
After collapsing post-rescue, Hen’s undisclosed illness becomes impossible to ignore when Chimney benches her for safety. The decision weighs heavily on the new chief, who realizes his best friend’s secrecy could’ve endangered lives.
Oliver Stark explains the crew’s reaction:
> “We’re a tight-knit group at the 118, and so anytime one of us is down and out, it is pretty impactful to the whole group.”
Hen’s reluctance to share her diagnosis stems from fear of consequences, though Stark notes that hiding such secrets “is often more damaging than just confronting them head on.”
Buck’s Dating Dilemma
Meanwhile, Buck explores dating for the first time since coming out as bisexual. His romantic prospects seem promising until the twist: the man and woman he’s seeing are actually married and seeking a third partner for their ethically non-monogamous relationship.
The proposition leaves Buck flattered but uninterested in their arrangement. According to Stark, this experience effectively scares him off dating for the remainder of the season.
> “He kind of goes back to… he’s focusing on the job, and he’s focusing on his friends and his family.”
What’s Next for Buck
Despite stepping back from romance, Buck’s storylines intensify. Stark reveals a relatable upcoming arc where the character faces existential questions about identity and future direction as age prompts self-reflection.
The actor also confirms he’ll guest-star on 9-1-1: Nashville alongside Ryan Guzman in coming weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Hen’s medical benching creates tension within the 118
- Buck’s dating experiment ends with an unexpected polyamorous proposal
- No more romance for Buck this season as he refocuses on work
- Personal growth storyline ahead as Buck questions his life path
The midseason premiere sets up emotional challenges for both characters as secrets and self-discovery reshape the 118’s dynamics. New episodes air Thursdays at 8:00 EST on ABC.
