An Idea for revisiting an old favorite

Nickelodeon used to have a very good lineup of animated programs that were entertaining and told an engaging story.  This was especially true in their Nick Toons era of 1991-1998.  One of their greatest accomplishments was initially distributing an animated series created and co-written by Jim Jenkins named Doug. 

Doug began in 1991, and ended in 1999 after six seasons, one movie, and Doug being shown on ABC and distributed by The Walt Disney Company; this occurred after Jenkins' company, Jumbo Pictures (now Cartoon Pizza), was acquired by Disney in 1996.  Both eras of Doug were quite good; although the earlier Nickelodeon/Viacom era of Doug (better known as the Billy West era) were more acclaimed and liked by many.  I had always wondered what would be like to revisit Doug after some 16 years when it ended.  I remember it ended when the father of Patty Mayonnaise got married to Doug's English teacher in BeBe Bluff Junior High; along with Doug Funnie's older sister, Judy, going to university.  Of course, the shows were presented in a journal entry format.  So what would happen if we revisit the town of Bluffington and its inhabitants today?  Here is what I think would occur.

In 2015, Doug Funnie is now a noted writer, web personality, and comic book creator.  In this world, some years after high school or college graduation, Doug finally is able to get published his super hero alter ego, Quail Man.  Quail Man becomes a big part of the Marvel Universe; and by extension gets talked about over the web, in the trades, and becomes a part of the popular culture.  The notoriety and importance of Doug Funnie and Quail Man has only been expanded when it is announced that Quail Man is getting his own movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

All should be okay for Doug, right?  Well, there are some concerns about the timing of releasing the movie; it plans to come out only a week or so after the new Man O Steel Man movie is released.  Also, Doug jotted down a screenplay which is constantly being tweaked to fit the needs of a movie-going public; particularly of concern is how to address Quail Man's origins.  Another thing; Marvel/Disney are interested in shooting some on location scenes in Bluffington. 

The latter concern is more problematic for Doug; he has not been back home for at least a year plus after getting his own home out of state.  What will it be like to return to where it all began?  Did leaving create a void in some respects in the Funnie household?  Does Patty Mayonnaise still have feelings for Doug?  How do the townsfolk fel about exaggerated versions of themselves being portrayed in Quail Man? Is Roger Klotz still kind of a prick? And are the rumors true that the creature at Lucky Duck Lake has returned? 

I seem to have an idea of where this may be going.  Yet, like all ideas, it takes some time and refine to make it presentable.  Every so often, I will reveal an idea or section of a proposed new Doug movie that will detail more on the Doug universe and how I see it playing out.  Perhaps as this comes along others will join in the creative process.  Maybe people from Disney or Cartoon Pizza or even Viacom/CBS.  I will say; if a new Doug movie ever gets made, Billy West has to return as Doug and Roger.  The other guy, Thomas McHugh, was mediocre at best. 

So I will have more as time goes on.  And there will be more to come on so many other matters and different ideas of social media to come.  Do feel free to join me in this conversation by commenting on this and other posts.  I end this with a montage of every time in old school Doug Fred Newman would use the Beeyou sound.  This happened when embarrassing stuff went down.

Talk to you all later,

Robert