Douglas "Doug" is a recurring character in the Nickelodeon Canadian puppet series Mr. Meaty. He is a security guard at the Scaunchboro Mall, who frequently interacts with the show's protagonists, Josh Redgrove and Parker Dinkleman. The character is voiced by Todd Doldersum.
Background[]
Doug's primary role is to maintain order within the mall, a task he approaches with the utmost seriousness. He often interacts with Josh and Parker during their bizarre and supernatural adventures, sometimes acting as an ally and other times as an obstacle. His first appearance was in the short Pigeon Beak. In this short, Doug informs Josh and Parker that he purchased a Mr. Meaty burger from a near location and discovered a pigeon's beak inside it.
Throughout the series, Doug's role expands beyond that of a simple security guard. In the episode "Doug of the Dead," he takes on a heroic role, saving Josh and Parker from a horde of meat-frenzied zombies. He often acts as a mentor figure to the boys, albeit one with a unique and sometimes questionable approach to guidance. In one instance, he even hosts a face-off to determine who is the "real" Josh when Parker begins to mimic him.
Fate[]
A significant glimpse into Doug's future is provided in the episode Geezers. When future versions of Josh and Parker travel back in time, they encounter Doug and address him as "Mr. President", suggesting a successful political career for the security guard in the years to come.
The series finale, Dream of the Dead, sees Josh and Parker hiring Doug to act in their zombie movie. The episode's conclusion, however, presents a grim fate for many of the inhabitants of Scaunchboro, as the reanimated zombie actor, Karlon Bugosi, is said to have eaten the brains of half the town's population. While it is not explicitly stated whether Doug was among his victims, this turn of events leaves his ultimate fate, and its reconciliation with his presidential destiny, ambiguous.
Appearance[]
Doug is a man with a overweight build and a large, round head with a buzzcut. His eyes are perpetually hidden behind a pair of small, black sunglasses. One of his most prominent features is his large, protruding lower lip, which is often curled, giving him a constant tough-guy expression. His uniform consists of a light blue button-down shirt, a black security vest, a black tie.
Personality[]
Doug possesses a macho attitude and is deeply dedicated to his job as a security guard, though his competence can vary. He can be both friendly and helpful towards the mall's patrons, particularly Josh and Parker, but is quick to adopt an aggressive and authoritative stance when dealing with perceived troublemakers. He has a flair for the dramatic and occasionally channels the persona of Elvis Presley. Despite his tough exterior, he has a noted fear of zombies.
Interactions[]
- Parker Dinkleman: Doug's relationship with Parker is generally one of tolerant authority. He often finds himself drawn into Parker and Josh's schemes. In Insecurity Guard, after Doug is injured, Parker takes over his job and quickly becomes a power-tripping tyrant, enforcing nonsensical rules. Doug eventually recovers and advises Parker that gaining respect is more important than wielding power.
- Josh Redgrove: Doug often acts as a somewhat bumbling but well-meaning mentor to Josh. He is frequently the person Josh turns to when things get out of hand, such as when Parker's antics escalate. In "Josh-Off," Doug facilitates the competition between Josh and a Parker who is imitating him, showing a willingness to engage with their strange predicaments.
Trivia[]
- He is known to occasionally mimic the speech and mannerisms of Elvis Presley.
- In the episode Geezers it is revealed that Doug will one day become the President.
- Doug's voice actor, Todd Doldersum, is also a comedian and puppeteer.