What About Brian? – “What About What Was Supposed to Be…” Episode
Let’s take a trip back to 2006 when everyone was wondering, What About Brian?. This romantic dramedy, created by Dana Stevens, aired on ABC and captured hearts with its quirky take on friendship, love, and all the complicated things in between. In the episode, “What About What Was Supposed to Be…” we see things take a dramatic and emotional turn for our beloved characters, with the introduction of Gary Barnes, played by none other than the amazing D.C. Douglas, as Brian’s new boss. But we’ll get to him shortly.
The Setup
Our central character, Brian Davis (played by Barry Watson), continues to navigate the ups and downs of relationships. Brian is the last single guy in his group of friends, and he’s surrounded by couples—each dealing with their own relationship drama. Naturally, this episode takes the usual rom-com formula, flips it upside down, and lets the characters trip over their own messes, making for an episode filled with delightful chaos.
As the title suggests, “What About What Was Supposed to Be…” explores the “what ifs” of relationships. Everyone is asking themselves questions about love, destiny, and whether they’re with the right person. Spoiler alert: no one really knows, and that’s what makes this show so deliciously entertaining.
Gary Barnes: The New Boss
Ah, Gary Barnes. Played by the incredibly versatile D.C. Douglas, Gary steps into the storyline as Brian’s new boss. While most of Brian’s life seems to revolve around relationship chaos, the introduction of Gary adds a new dimension—workplace tension. Not only does Gary shake things up at the office, but his interactions with Brian also bring some much-needed comic relief to the episode.
Gary is a no-nonsense guy who knows how to run a business, but he’s not without a sense of humor. D.C. Douglas brings a perfect balance of authority and wit to the character, making Gary both someone you want to impress and someone you don’t want to cross. The office scenes in this episode are lighthearted, but they also serve as a counterbalance to the heavier emotional arcs playing out in Brian’s personal life.
The Plot Thickens
As the episode unfolds, we find Brian continuing to wrestle with his feelings for Marjorie (Sarah Lancaster), who, by the way, is engaged to Brian’s best friend, Adam (Matthew Davis). Awkward, right? The entire episode is essentially one long exercise in Brian trying to figure out how to act like a normal person around Marjorie, while also wrestling with the fact that he might still be in love with her.
Meanwhile, Adam is blissfully unaware of Brian’s internal conflict, which makes things even more cringe-worthy. Adam and Marjorie are busy planning their wedding, but let’s be real—everyone knows Brian is the elephant in the room. This episode does a brilliant job of ramping up the tension, leaving viewers wondering when and if Brian is finally going to explode (spoiler: not yet, but he’s getting there).
Other Relationships on the Brink
It’s not just Brian who’s going through it. Dave (Rick Gomez) and Deena (Amanda Detmer) are having marital problems of their own. The pair have been trying out an open marriage, but as you might expect, things are getting complicated. In “What About What Was Supposed to Be…,” the tension between Dave and Deena hits a high point, as they realize that their experiment might be causing more harm than good.
Also, Nicole (Rosanna Arquette) and Angelo (Raoul Bova) are dealing with the struggles of new parenthood. Spoiler alert: babies are hard work, and Nicole is exhausted. Angelo, of course, is doing his best, but Nicole is feeling the strain. Their storyline brings a bit of realism to the show—parenting isn’t always pretty, but it sure makes for some funny and heartfelt moments.
What About The Wedding?
Let’s get back to that impending wedding, shall we? As the episode progresses, we’re all waiting for that inevitable “does anyone object?” moment that seems like it could happen at any second. Brian’s feelings for Marjorie keep bubbling up, and it’s clear to everyone (except Adam) that something’s gotta give.
Marjorie, for her part, is also struggling. She clearly has some unresolved feelings for Brian, and while she’s trying to make things work with Adam, the cracks are starting to show. This episode lays the groundwork for future drama, leaving viewers wondering how this love triangle is going to resolve—or implode.
Gary’s Impact
Back in the office, Gary Barnes is making waves. As Brian’s new boss, Gary challenges Brian to step up his game at work, pushing him to focus more on his career instead of his messy personal life. D.C. Douglas brings a sharp, witty edge to Gary, who seems to have a knack for calling Brian out when he’s distracted (which, let’s face it, is pretty much all the time in this episode).
Gary’s leadership style might be no-nonsense, but he’s also the guy who can crack a joke at just the right moment. His interactions with Brian serve as a reminder that sometimes, work can be a distraction from personal chaos—and that might not be a bad thing. Plus, it’s refreshing to see Brian have to answer to someone who doesn’t let him get away with his usual self-doubt and procrastination.
The Cast and Creators
What About Brian? boasted a talented cast that brought this complex web of relationships to life. Leading the charge was Barry Watson as the titular Brian Davis, with Sarah Lancaster as Marjorie, Matthew Davis as Adam, and Rick Gomez as Dave. Supporting them were Amanda Detmer as Deena, Rosanna Arquette as Nicole, Raoul Bova as Angelo, and of course, D.C. Douglas as Gary Barnes.
The show was created by Dana Stevens, who also served as an executive producer alongside heavy-hitters like J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk. The combination of heartfelt storytelling and witty humor was a hallmark of the show, and “What About What Was Supposed to Be…” is a perfect example of this balance. The episode was directed by Daniel Attias, known for his work on shows like The Wire and The Sopranos, which helps explain the expert pacing and nuanced character moments.
Why This Episode Stands Out
“What About What Was Supposed to Be…” is one of those episodes that captures the essence of What About Brian?. It’s a perfect mix of humor, heartbreak, and moments of genuine human connection. The love triangle between Brian, Marjorie, and Adam is front and center, but it’s the side stories—like Gary’s witty jabs and Deena and Dave’s marital issues—that give the episode its heart.
D.C. Douglas’s portrayal of Gary Barnes adds that extra layer of wit and charm, making the episode feel complete. While Brian is wrestling with his emotions, Gary’s dry observations offer the audience a breather, reminding us that sometimes, you just need to laugh at life’s absurdities. And in this case, having a boss like Gary makes even the most awkward moments feel a little more bearable.
The Verdict
If you’re a fan of romantic dramedies with a dash of humor and a whole lot of heart, What About Brian? is a must-watch. “What About What Was Supposed to Be…” exemplifies everything that made the show special, from its relatable characters to its sharp writing.
And let’s not forget the contributions of D.C. Douglas as Gary Barnes. While he may not be embroiled in the main drama, his presence in this episode is undeniable, giving us those much-needed laughs and a fresh perspective on love, work, and relationships.
So, if you haven’t watched this episode yet—or if it’s been a while since you did—now’s the perfect time to revisit it. Trust me, Gary Barnes will not disappoint.
