Why Are We Ignoring Tommy’s Dark Past in 9-1-1?

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In the series 9-1-1, Tommy Kinard was a significant figure, yet his past indiscretions cannot be ignored. Lou Ferrigno Jr.’s character gained prominence during season 7 of the show and continued as a recurring role into season 8. Initially, Tommy appeared as a useful resource amidst the chaotic disasters on 9-1-1, but his character was later developed and integrated, albeit temporarily, with LAFD Station 118. Interestingly, Tommy had strained relationships with many of the firefighters, including Henrietta “Hen” Wilson (Aisha Hinds), Howard “Chimney” Han (Kenneth Choi), and Evan “Buck” Buckley (Oliver Stark).

In essence, most of the core characters on the show “9-1-1” were represented by the number 118, and the strong camaraderie among the coworkers was a central theme throughout the series. Captain Bobby Nash (played by Peter Krause) played a significant role in fostering the nurturing, family-like environment at the fire station, which contrasted with his predecessors like Vincent Gerrard (portrayed by Brian Thompson). Although Tommy worked with newer members of the 118 such as Eddie Diaz (Ryan Guzman) and Ravi Panikkar (Anirudh Pisharody), his past connections within the department ran deep. Regrettably, Tommy’s history with the 118 was significantly different from how his character was depicted in later seasons of the show.

Tommy’s History With The 118 In 9-1-1 Explained

The Background Character Appeared Long Before Season 7

In the second season of “9-1-1,” Tommy Kinard was introduced for the first time in the episode titled “Hen Begins.” He portrayed a rude coworker who added to the unhealthy work atmosphere of the former 118 team. Upon Hen’s arrival at LAFD, she faced an unpleasant surprise with her predominantly white male firehouse, who showed little regard for her. Throughout the episode, Tommy actively undermines and belittles Hen, reaching a climax in a scene where Hen takes control of an engine to express her commitment to the station and call out for them to respect her presence. The character of Hen on “9-1-1” has often been disregarded and overlooked, and it started from her very first day with the 118.

Regrettably, Tommy’s actions in the episode “Chimney Begins”, considered one of the finest in 9-1-1, showed a worsening behavior. When Chimney first joined the 118 team, Tommy made a racist comment about Chimney being there to deliver food. Until the probie (probationary firefighter) saved his life, Tommy overlooked Chimney. It wasn’t until then that Tommy acknowledged Chimney, albeit with a chilly welcome. Throughout the episodes focusing on Hen and Chimney’s backstory, Tommy was never a good person; he was simply the least bad among the worst.

In time, it becomes clear that Tommy chose to align with Captain Gerrard on the show “9-1-1” out of fear and a need to survive. Tommy was leading a facade, hiding his true identity as a gay man and attempting to fit in. A couple of years before the series began, Tommy was even engaged to Abby Clark (played by Abigail Britton). Balancing his own identity crisis and feeling alienated at work was challenging enough, but Tommy actually fostered the discriminatory work environment that Gerrard prospered in. Although Tommy’s past doesn’t justify the hurt he caused to the two most marginalized characters on “9-1-1”, the show overlooked his actions entirely during season 7.

Tommy’s Relationship With Buck & New Perspective Shouldn’t Be Used As A Pass For His Past Sins

Tommy Can’t Make Amends By Ignoring His Past

Initially, Tommy was not gradually reintroduced in season 7 of 9-1-1, but instead, he unexpectedly appeared as an LAFD Air Operations pilot during the opening emergency. After assisting Hen in a mission to rescue Bobby and Athena (Angela Bassett) from a sinking ship, Tommy quickly became one of Buck’s love interests, sparking a brief storyline about Buck acknowledging his bisexuality. However, instead of delving deep into this aspect of Buck’s character or its impact, the show hastily moved on and had Buck and Tommy start dating without further exploration, eventually fading into the background.

Regrettably, Tommy was never given a chance to make amends by 9-1-1; instead, they chose to brush past his prejudices and portray him as a character devoid of emotions. Despite words being powerful, nothing in Tommy’s actions suggested remorse or an acknowledgment of the harm he inflicted on Hen and Chimney. Instead, Tommy exploited Gerrard as a scapegoat for his behavior, when what was really needed was for him to own up to his discrimination without seeking compassion for his circumstances. Ultimately, Tommy’s presence merely served to enhance Buck’s narrative.

During their separation, it’s important to note that Tommy didn’t bring anything significant to the storyline on his own. Buck and Tommy may not have been ideal for the role of the best couple in 9-1-1, but during their dates, Tommy did contribute to a broader narrative (by helping Buck explore his bisexuality). However, as a character, Tommy was essentially a one-dimensional love interest with a troubled past involving discrimination and bigotry. The show seemed intent on keeping them as distinct characters. But by ignoring Tommy’s background, his 9-1-1 character becomes even less appealing.

How 9-1-1 Season 9 Can Properly Redeem Tommy

Confrontation Is The First Step

As a fan of 9-1-1, I believe there’s still hope for Tommy’s redemption, even though some may argue that the show dropped the ball when reintroducing him. After all, the show frequently gives second chances to wayward parents, regardless of their deservingness. If the writers decide to make Tommy a recurring character instead of a main one, there are opportunities to flesh out his role without erasing his past mistakes.

If the writers want to develop Tommy into a side character, it’s crucial that he acknowledges his wrongdoings and offers an on-screen apology to Hen and Chimney. The show shouldn’t rush to forgive him simply because they want a resolution. Instead, 9-1-1 should hold Tommy accountable for his actions, allowing the audience to witness his journey towards redemption over time.

Although integrating Tommy into heartfelt scenes of 9-1-1 might make audiences warm up to his presence, there will always be those who hold a grudge against him due to his past actions of bigotry without showing genuine remorse. Unlike Gerrard, who was given a chance at redemption in season 8 after helping Bobby regain his position as the 118’s captain, Tommy’s “redemption” is problematic because it seems that the show assumes that being gay would automatically absolve him of his past transgressions.

The question still lingers as to whether the show, 9-1-1, should give Tommy a chance at redemption. At this stage, he has been accepted back into the group, being in a relationship with Buck and later splitting up from him. Despite this, he has yet to apologize to Hen and Chimney for his past actions. The show could potentially introduce a ret-con flashback showing that he did apologize, but it might feel forced. Instead, Tommy must acknowledge his mistakes and accept responsibility, while also demonstrating that he’s truly changed. Regardless, it’s clear that 9-1-1 can’t just brush over the issue of Tommy without addressing it.

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2025-06-07 23:28