Hello, I don't get the "couch theory is a deeply buried fandom thing" going on ? I rewatched the beginning of season 6 just yesterday and it's a completely canon theory that Buck exposes to Eddie then to Bobby in those exact words, so I'm confused at the freak out ?

Hey Nonnie

Sooooooo Couch theory actually goes back to pre season 6 times and there is a difference between couch theory and couch meta - I shall attempt to explain!

So there have been jokes bouncing around fandom since fairly early on about Buck and couches - partly because they've always been a low key thing on the show (Buck and Eddie helping Maddie move her couch, Buck sleeping on Maddies/Chims couches when he moved out of Abbys, his comment about sleeping on the couch after the truck bombing etc) but some time mid way through s4 (I think - someone can correct me if I'm wrong) it was mentioned that Buck rarely interacts with anyone on a couch except Eddie and Chris - especially as time has gone on. it didn't really go anywhere aside from being a fun observation. It picked up a bit when we had Buck sleeping on the Diaz couch after the shooting - but it really was a fandom thing that we had a bit of fun with - and it becae a staple of fanfic.

Fast forward to season 5 and suddenly Bucks couch became a real thing - especially when Taylor moved into Bucks loft - I made an off hand comment at some point (I can't find the post) about how Taylors couch being blue and brought in by the two guys was a metaphor for Eddie during the shooting - how Eddie was always the thing between them in their relationship, not Lucy. Anyway things spiralled from there and there were many conversations happening about the couch being used as a metaphor for Buck's relationships etc - most of this was during the hiatus between seasons 5 and 6.

Then when season 6 started and Buck hadn't gotten a new couch, and he acknowledged why he hadn't got a new couch - the very thing we had been discussing over hiatus - and Oliver and Kristen Reidel mentioned it in an interview as well.

So now we're in a situation where the character has attached his own meaning to his couch, while we in fandom have out own thing going on with the couch of it all, essentially creating two different theories. Well a theory and a metaphor. I have recently reblogged a lot of hte couch theory posts should anyone want to read them for the full theory and exploration of the subject, but what it essentially boil down to is the following;

Couch theory is the fandom theory about Buck and his relationship with couches and encompasses the fact that its far more tied to the Diaz boys - such as the fact that post coma, Buck can only find the peace to sleep on the Diaz couch and not on his own - the one his mother had brought him. the theory posts explore the fact that we see Buck on the Diaz couch far more than anyone elses couch (in fact irc, other than his own couch, we rarely see Buck actually on a couch - chairs or armchairs yes but rarely couches - in other peoples houses!)

Then there is the couch metaphor - which is the symbolism Buck himself placed on his couch - it is the part of the theory that has crossed over as the character has become self aware of this specific aspect of the couch of it all - it is him recognising that he hasn't actually been the one to chose his couch - that his girlfriends have chosen them for him - and within that that he didn't have much agency in choosing the relationships either (this is not to say he didn't want to be in those relationships or that he was forced into them, it is him acknowledging that he has essentially been chased/ pursued and then gone along blindly, rather than the other way round, or an equal pursue/ pursued situation.) so like his needing to choose a new couch, he is going to take his time choosing his next partner.

Now we have a situation where Buck was seemingly going to pick out a new couch with Natalia at the end of s6 - which should, by implication of the weight Buck placed on the choosing of a new couch, mean that Natalia was the one - that Buck himself felt he had agency in his choice of relationship - and that he could stop placing so much weight on the couch and its symbolism.

Only we're in season 7 now, Buck didn't last very long with Natalia (a few weeks at most as the season is meant to more or lest pick up where s6 left off) and we haven't seen (properly) the new couch in the loft. In Bucks head he may no longer be placing any importance on the metaphor of the couch, however, the shows reluctance to give us little more than a glimpse through the stairs of a couch existing in the space, despite the fact we've had a couple of scenes in the loft now, is suggestive that there might in fact be more to the couch theory still to play out. Thats not the part the character is aware of (the metaphor) its the part he is un aware of - the part the audience is aware of - the theory that shows the Diaz boys as being central to the couch and Bucks search for happiness.

So couch theory lives on (it never died) and we wait to see how things play out with Buck getting (already having) a new couch, the fact that he already has one and where things head in relation to the diaz boys and Eddies couch - because Chris is the only one who has sat on it so far this season!

I hope this helps clear things up a little Nonnie but feel free to come back with more questions if you have them.

Oooh what if (when) Buck Tommy break up …

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Tommy says “I see the way Eddie sees you.” Or even “Evan I see the way you look at Eddie.” And Buck laughs it off. But then has flashbacks (we get to see too) of like a Buddie fan music video edit show all the ‘oh moments.’ And Buck goes “Oh sh t.” and Tommy smiles. “Hey it’s okay I been there too being in love with a with a best friend.. I’m not mad Evan. You are a great guy. Remember how I said I couldn’t replace you or Chris would hate me? I see the love you all have. It’s beautiful.” And Buck smiles and hugs Tommy. “I’m sorry. I .. shouldn’t led you on.” Tommy hugs back and stands up from Buck’s couch. “You good. You didn’t. But call Eddie and tell him before it’s to late. You never know with our job right?” Buck stands up from couch and agrees.

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That night he calls Eddie over for beer and Buck hasn’t drank his much but plays with label. “Buck why you so quiet? You okay? Something happen to Tommy?” “Uh no.. uh.. so Eddie.. I have something to tell you.” Eddie sets his beer down like Buck did and Buck turns on his couch and looks at him. “Tommy and I broke up.” Eddie goes to speak but Buck keeps talking. “Uh remember how you said I needed a new couch? Well I think I found it… or hope I did. You.. it’s you. I .. am in love with you Eddie. Like I’ve tried figuring out how or why.. and it just clicks. I don’t want to ruin our friendship so if you don’t feel same way I under—“ Eddie leans over pulling Buck gently by the shirt and kisses him. They both smile in the kiss. They don’t know who pulls away first but both do for air. Eddie speaks first and slowly let’s go of Buck’s shirt. “I..love you too Buck… I know I said I was happy for you and Tommy but.. honestly? I felt jealous that he was with you. I know you looked happy but wished it was me..” Buck smiles and moves close to Eddie again and kisses him. When they pull apart again and cuddle on the couch. “God it took us what six years? I wonder if they have a bet going at the firehouse.” Eddie laughs at Buck’s comment. “Oh they totally do. We did the same when Chimney and Maddie got together remember?” Buck laughs and looks up at Eddie with smile. “True.” Buck pecks Eddie’s lips and moves back down. Closes his eyes as he feels happy.

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So just an idea I had thinking of how Buddie will happen. Like I don’t want them to cheat on who they are with (even if Marisol is bleh and Tommy is cool I do like him.) I hope he sticks around and maybe gets with Josh? And we can still see his pov of helping people. Cuz that’s cool job too. Plus Josh deserves a good guy too. So hope and when (and if) Buck Tommy breakup it’s on good terms and Tommy is still around.

i know all about couch theory, but can some PLEASE explain to me what magnet theory is??? i feel like i’m being left out of something here 😂

I mean... regardless of what the convo's gonna be like we all know that Buck still does not have a couch. so there's that.

me: couch theory is textbook symbolism idk why people call it theory

also me when oliver confirms said theory: why is everyone so calm about this!!!!

They all have their own spots on the couch! Buck on the left, Chris in the middle, and Eddie on the right. They’re a family!

We’re gonna see them all together on the couch in the finale, right?

this is actually how the scene went

Buck and Eddie in 6x01 | Let the Games Begin

All I can say is this must be a very comfortable couch...

almost like it's the right one...

found out one of my friends watches 911, but in the way that straight people watch criminal minds and was shocked and horrified. she had never heard of couch theory.

Annnd we also have a couch sighting in Bucks loft- after thinking there wasn’t one- there is now in fact a couch!!

It looks to me (through the stairs and behind the weights) like it’s the same couch his mother brought him which has me thinking a lot of thoughts

Because if that is in fact the same couch - why isn’t he changed it? I need the backstory on what happened to buying a couch with Natalia (my headcanon remains valid at this point) is he just waiting for delivery of a new couch and for the old one to be taken away?!!

So many questions!!!

Couch Theory that Tommy buys Buck a new couch because he breaks Buck’s bed

NO COUCH???

Do y’all remember a few weeks before the finale, where we thought the emergency was another big earth quake and the couch being in danger was Buck’s apartment collapsing.

I really miss that time period and theories that came with it.

still think 6x18 should've ended with a parallel to the scene of buck sitting contentedly in his armchair in 6x01 where instead he's sitting on his new couch that he'd picked out on his own to signify that he's finally learned how to be At Ease by himself and thus, is now ready to open himself up to love again