Plot Summary of Boston Common â Featuring D.C. Douglas as “D.C.”
Set against the backdrop of a prestigious Boston university, Boston Common was a classic 90s sitcom that combined quirky humor with heartfelt moments. The show aired from 1996 to 1997 and revolved around a lovable yet eccentric Southern outsider, Boyd Pritchett, who finds himself in the bustling academic world of Boston. But waitâthereâs a familiar face in the halls! Among the cast of students was none other than D.C. Douglas, playing the aptly named “D.C.,” a recurring student who added his own flavor to the chaos of university life.
Meet the Main Characters
At the heart of Boston Common is Boyd Pritchett, played by the charming Anthony Clark. Boyd is a down-to-earth Southerner who moves to Boston to help his sister, Wyleen Pritchett (played by Hedy Burress), settle in as a student at the fictional Randolph Harrington College. However, Boyd ends up sticking around a lot longer than anyone anticipated, taking odd jobs at the university and getting entangled in the lives of both the students and the faculty.
D.C. Douglasâs character, also named D.C., is one of the universityâs students and brings a recurring presence to the halls of academia. His character, like many on the show, has his own set of quirks, giving the show its signature oddball humor. While not a central figure in the showâs storylines, D.C. adds color to the university environment, often found interacting with other students and professors in his own unique way.
The Plot Thickens: Boyd Navigates College Life
The premise of Boston Common is fairly straightforward: Boyd, a fish out of water in an academic setting, has to deal with the very different world of Boston’s intellectual elite. His laid-back Southern charm constantly clashes with the fast-paced, hyper-intellectual atmosphere of the university. In his efforts to protect his sister from the âbig cityâ life, he unintentionally becomes part of it himself.
One of the main sources of Boydâs tension is his unrequited crush on Joy Byrnes, played by Traylor Howard. Joy is a beautiful, ambitious student who is already involved with her pretentious boyfriend, Jack Reed (played by Vincent Ventresca), a fellow student who takes himself way too seriously. Boydâs down-home charm might not get him very far with Joy, but it certainly makes for entertaining interactions with Jack, who sees Boyd as a constant thorn in his academic and romantic side.
The Recurring Role of “D.C.”
D.C. Douglas, as D.C., appears throughout the series as one of the students navigating the bizarre day-to-day of university life. His character represents the student bodyâa mix of eccentricities and humor that blends well with Boydâs own antics. Whether heâs involved in campus hijinks or just providing some background humor in the universityâs hallowed halls, D.C. brings an extra layer of fun to the show.
While not the main focus, D.C. has memorable interactions with Boyd, as their personalities are just different enough to bounce off each other for comedic effect. You can imagine D.C. walking into the scene, delivering a dry remark, and walking out like nothing happened, leaving Boyd to puzzle over his odd yet amusing presence. The character of D.C. helps fill out the world of Boston Common, making the university feel like a lived-in space with a wide range of personalities.
Classroom Comedy and Campus Capers
Aside from the personal dramas of Boydâs life (and his hopeless attempts to woo Joy), Boston Common delivers plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, often poking fun at the absurdities of academic life. From over-the-top professors to hilariously awkward students, the show thrives on situational humor. The showâs creators, David Kohan and Max Mutchnick (who would later go on to create Will & Grace), made sure that each episode had a unique and memorable scenario.
Many episodes revolve around Boydâs attempts to make sense of his new worldâwhether itâs dealing with hyper-competitive students, navigating stuffy professors, or simply trying to find his place in an environment where he feels like an outsider. But, like all good sitcoms, Boydâs blunders are what make the show. You can always count on him to try his best, even if his best usually results in chaos.
The Cast: A Mix of Southern Charm and City Life
The ensemble cast of Boston Common is what made the show a hit (well, at least for two seasons!). Hereâs a rundown of the key players:
– Anthony Clark as Boyd Pritchett: The Southern protagonist with a heart of gold and a penchant for getting himself into awkward situations.
– Hedy Burress as Wyleen Pritchett: Boydâs younger sister, trying to make her own way in Boston and often serving as the straight woman to Boydâs antics.
– Traylor Howard as Joy Byrnes: Boydâs unrequited love interest, smart and ambitious, but always just out of his reach.
– Vincent Ventresca as Jack Reed: Joyâs pretentious boyfriend who sees Boyd as an ever-present nuisance.
– Roger Rees as Professor Norman Reed: Jackâs equally pretentious father, who shares his sonâs disdain for Boydâs lack of sophistication.
– D.C. Douglas as D.C.: The recurring student who, like the rest of the cast, is just a little bit odd in his own right.
Conclusion: Southern Humor Meets Northern Wit
Boston Common is a perfect example of a show that blends Southern charm with city life, and D.C. Douglas as “D.C.” plays a fun part in the ensemble. Though the series only lasted two seasons, it left a lasting impression on viewers, with its lovable characters and laughable moments. With a cast that brings both wit and warmth to the table, Boston Common is a show that makes you appreciate the humor in culture clashâwhether itâs Boston versus the South or Boyd versus academia.
Final lesson? Never underestimate the power of a Southern drawl in the land of intellectuals. Just ask D.C., if you can catch him between classes.
