Save Jericho Again | A message from Bob Stephenson about our ongoing fight! 6-25-08

A message from Bob Stephenson about our ongoing fight! 6-25-08

24 Jun, 2008 Uncategorized

As our fight continues, we’re hearing from many of our Jericho family behind the scenes. I wanted to share some of the inspiring words here on the blog over the coming days. I’m so excited about the first one.

My good buddy Shelby (www.jericho4kids.com) forwarded me a message today from our very own Bob Stephenson. He wanted to share some thoughts with us about what we’re all doing together as a fandom. I’ll let Bob’s words speak for themselves:

So here we are – another waiting game, another reality television season – UGH! I’m so tired of this stuff. I think it is important to let you all know how much it means to the cast that you keep hope alive. Not only for Jericho, but for television in general. When this fight began just after the first season, what struck me was how fed up everyone was – fed up with shows being pulled off the air for no reason. Sure, some shows fail, and those shows need to be pulled (they lose money and sponsorship), but many do well and are pulled just because the network doesn’t understand them and they don’t care about how you feel. To them, it’s just a widget that can be replaced – as if one painting can easily substitute another. Well, it can’t.

I am so happy to see/hear our fans scream “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!” The cast of the show watches television too, believe it or not, and we say the same things you guys are saying all the time – “I can’t believe they canceled this show or that show…” We hate it. As viewers, as actors, as a union…we hate it. We want to work. It’s a job to us – a job we love. We are hired to entertain and when a show comes along that we believe in, that we feel is worthy of 12- to 18-hour days, that we care about…it means something, something special and we don’t want it to go away – especially if the show’s FANS, in the millions, don’t want it to go away. “I’m mad as hell and I’m not gonna take it, anymore,” as the movie “Network” so brilliantly put it.

Anyway, thank you so much for fighting the good fight. I am hoping that someday soon we will all be back in Bailey’s drinking beer, resisting Jennings & Rall, and celebrating weddings. You guys are great!

Your friend,

Bob Stephenson
“Jimmy Taylor”

—

Thanks Bob! We want you back in Jericho ASAP!

-Rubberpoultry

45 Comments so far »

DenverDave said,

Wrote on June 24, 2008 @ 11:56 pm

It’s incredibly encouraging to see notes like this from the cast. Not only does Bob acknowledge the work done on behalf of Jericho, but he obviously understands the ‘big picture.’ His email, and others like it, go a long way toward boosting my spirits.

I’m a political professional, and I’d be called a genius if I was able to organize a grassroots campaign like this. The fans have the advantage of some really talented folks (like Rubberpoultry), but, honestly, it’s the tenacity and level of investment that are the stuff of *this* organizer’s dreams.

Thanks so much to everyone for not giving up. Regardless of the outcome, I’m proud to have done my (very small) part over this past year. Believe me, it’s not just the TV world that is watching!

Thanks, Bob, and thanks, RP!
welcome2cho said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 12:02 am

Here’s to another beer at Bailey’s, Bob! You, Jericho, and the rest of the folks associated with the show are as priceless as a Monet…and, no, you can’t be substituted nor replaced with a different painting of lesser quality. We miss all of you terribly, and we want you back!

Thanks for posting and staying in touch with us. And thanks to RP and my beautiful friend Shelby for providing us with your thoughts.
DennyWilson said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 12:17 am

Bob, I hear you! You “get it” 100%

…and it’s also great to see you pop up in alot of commercials!
xwarp said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 12:26 am

thanks for passing this on. We as viewers, are unfortunately under the mercy of “simple thinking” programming…..(I hate reality TV….)

Anyways…Thanks, and here’s a video to Jimmy and Bill…

http://digg.com/television/Cops_in_Jericho?OTC-em-sh2
Rangerette (Debbie) said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 2:38 am

Thanks Bob for the wonderful letter. We love all of you guys and want you all back in Jericho real soon!!! We miss each and every one of you. When we hear the announcement that Jericho is back the champagne will be flowing in Bailey’s and we will all be partying together.
skeetilicious said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 5:18 am

I’m in for that beer at Bailey’s! Thanks for posting this, RP. It’s so encouraging to hear those words; it makes the fight so much more powerful….And thank you, Bob, for “Jimmy,” a character who gives so much and whose humor rocks! We won’t stop fighting for Jericho, and it just means so much to know the cast is watching and acknowledging all the efforts. You all rock in every in language!

CANADA LOVES JERICHO ~ See you in Season 3 ~
gordon bull said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 5:26 am

You’re right, Bob! I’m mad as hell to have started to watch one on ABC, new season premiere. It was so stupid I lost it after 10 min. and can’t remember what it was called. Sure is nice to know you’re with us. You hang in there. We’re doing everything we can to bring you guys back.
Bearable1958 said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 5:58 am

It is so nice to hear from you, Mr. Stephenson. I love you on Jericho. Just recently my son and I were watching Transformers, and it blew my mind that you were the “X-Box Guy.” My son noticed right away that the X-Box came to life and attacked you. When he played it over, I noticed it was you, then I had to jump on IMDB to double check. I am glad when I see any of the cast in other shows, commericals or movies. It makes me feel better knowing you guys are working, but it also worries me you won’t be available when we bring Jericho back!

Thanks for the words of encouragement, and know we will be here fighting for quality television.
Bearable1958 said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 6:00 am

Oh, and by the way, my son wants to know why Bill lets Jimmy do all the work while he stands around talking. LOL. He asked me that when he saw you knocking the hole in the wall of the Med Center, adn then again while you all were digging Bonnie’s grave.
clandestine said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 6:06 am

Thanks for the message! Always great to see that the cast is still on the same page as we are.
Nipshot said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 6:24 am

Thanks so much for your letter, Bob………..we will fight hard for season three and never give up!! So happy to hear that you guys are behind us! When we get season 3, we’ll all meet at Baileys for a nice cold one!
jericho911 said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 6:28 am

Thanks, Bob, for the post. You have no idea just how uplifting it is to hear from Jericho folks. You added so much to Jericho and it would not have been the same without you. Cannot wait for your return as Jimmy!
lara aiken said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 6:36 am

Bob, you rule! Wow is all i can say!
I wish I could buy you a beer!
And shake your hand. Come to canada, and I will.

lara from canada

You are truly the best!
N2N2 said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 6:53 am

Thank YOU, Bob. Yes, yes, yes! That’s what it’s about – I will NOT “go gentle into that good night” !!!

Just like Bonnie, if we have to go down, it will be fighting all the way. It is so good to hear that you guys are with us. I just love this community and the way all ages and all backgrounds have come together for for one purpose — we have also partnered with another fandom because they “get it” too.

You betcha, we’re gonna make history again! And when we do, I’ll spot you that beer at Baileys and throw in a Jack!
Jeanine (jeanine123) said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 7:07 am

Thanks for taking the time to write to us!!! It means so much, and I hope that our voices are heard once more!!
foxgray1 said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 7:21 am

Dear Bob, I love you for being so considerate to the fans and posting to us. Hearing directly from you gives me added hope that we get Jericho back for a new season 3. I just love your portrayal of Jimmy.
nobodysbaby said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 7:39 am

We hear you, Bob! It is great to know that all of you who have given us a quality program. Know we want more!

Hearing from our beloved Deputy Jimmy is that nice little infusion of energy to keep us going…thanks a whole bunch!
AnaLucia815 said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 7:59 am

Bob, thank you for your message. Your continued support means a lot!

Thanks to Shelby and RP, too
Sherry said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 8:07 am

Bob, thank you so much for sending this message. Don’t worry! We will never give up the fight to save Jericho. The support of the cast and crew energizes us and make us more determined than ever to fight.
Darla (MissCincy) said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 8:17 am

It’s great to hear from you, Bob. Thank you for your continued support of the fans and the efforts to save Jericho. You have been a major supporter since the first campaign, and we’re not giving up anytime soon. Jericho deserves another season…there’s so much of the story yet to be told. We’re hoping to see you and the rest of the cast real soon on Season 3.
RobsoRocks said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 9:20 am

Hi Bob! It’s so great to hear from you, and you’re just so right too! I just love the character you created. Jimmy’s just the best, and every time I catch you on TV in a commercial, you make me laugh! Thanks!
Kathy said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 9:42 am

Thank you so much for the message, Bob!! It gives all of the Rangers a boost that the cast is so supportive and wants Jericho back as much as we do!!
MREinLa1 said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 10:10 am

Hearing from you, Bob, was a great inspiration to keep on fighting. Thank you for taking the time out to let us know that you feel the same that we do about what is going on in the tv industry.
I miss seeing you on Jericho and look forward to seeing you again in Season 3.
Remy said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 10:14 am

Bob, it’s great to hear from you. Thanks so much for taking the time to lend your support and encouragement.

We’ll definitely be keeping up the fight for Jericho AND for quality scripted television. All our best to you in every project you do!
Debby/dbalcer1 said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 10:15 am

Bob, thanks so much for the letter of support. I want to see Jericho back because it is quality television. Like you, I am tired of all the clones on television. I want shows with heart that are well- written. I hope that you can be back in Bailey’s soon sipping that beer but make sure Mimi is drinking ginger ale. I love watching you on all the commercials — you have a special way of making even them entertaining. Let’s hope after we get Jericho back that others will join our fight for quality programming.
Debby
Crystal/clmbelieves said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 10:49 am

Bob, thank you so much for keeping in touch with all of us. This has been such a long wait, and we need these “mood” boosters every now and then to keep us focused. Anyway, thanks for helping us to stay motivated. We truly miss Jericho and hope to see it and all of you absolutely wonderful cast members real soon!
Gwen said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 10:57 am

Hi Bob,

Thanks for the inspiring message.

It really boosts our morale to hear from the cast.

Gwen
Marlene/mpbnice said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 11:25 am

From your keyboard to God’s ear! And we sincerely, truly, desperately hope you’re back sooner rather than later.
Judith (artzylady) said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 1:27 pm

Hey there, Bob… so great to hear from you! We feel exactly the same, but what can you do? Waiting is always difficult but continue it we will as well as continue our work to bring Jericho back where it belongs…on the air!
Shelby said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 2:43 pm

Hi Bob!!

Thank you for being the kcoolest!!

Shelby
Anita said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 4:04 pm

Great to hear that there are many of us who are fighting to get Jericho back on the air!! Thanks, Bob, for the letter. As others have said, it brings hope to us all.
Sam said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 5:42 pm

Thanks for taking the time to get in touch, Bob. We appreciate hearing from you, and we appreciate your supportive words. Hope to hear some good news soon!

Thanks, Shelby and RP, for passing along the message!
Michelle said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 5:55 pm

It is good to know the cast is still with us. I am so much hoping for more Jericho. I miss it so much and watching the 2nd season DVD makes me miss all the more cause they talk about all the things that could be, if we can only get more. Thanks, Bob, for spending some time with us.
NorthernND said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 6:27 pm

Thanks for the post, Bob!

Looking forward to many more seasons of seeing you portray Jimmy.
spiritwind1 said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 6:51 pm

Hi Bob…….Thanks for keeping in touch. Love your commercials! Thank you also, RP and Shelby, for sharing.
NightShade10 said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 7:05 pm

First of all, a big thanks to Shelby for putting this together for us! This is a real treat to get and a much needed boost for all of us fans. Thank you so much

Now, to Bob…

Bob – thank you so much for talking via email to Shelby for her to share with us. You echo our own thoughts of frustration, disbelief that it was cancelled again, and despair over what we see currently on broadcast television.

Jericho is unique in entertainment history, not only for what the fans have done, but what the series evoked out of each fan who watched. We, as well as the writers, cast, crew, and producers all became a family united together under the same things that made Jericho a great series: love of family, love of community, and unity of purpose. From the writers to the actors…I’ve never seen such a flawless delivery. The cast took the writers’ words and delivered them timely, and with a passion that comes from inside each and every actor playing that character. As I re-watch these episodes (I will have all the lines for all parts memorized soon!), I am amazed at the skill each and every member of the crew of Jericho put into the series.

We’re in a very difficult time, all of us, waiting to hear what’s to become of the series we all love. We’re all out of control on this, and wish we had the answers yesterday. While we wait, cast members, producers, and the crew of Jericho have been generous in giving us messages of hope and thanks – trying to keep the communication going. I don’t know that I can express how very much this means to every one of us. Thank you so much, Bob. You’re my favorite Sheriff, and I’ll vote for you again! All the best to you, and your family. Here’s to Season 3 and beyond!
Okjayhawkgirl said,

Wrote on June 25, 2008 @ 11:33 pm

Bob,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and giving the Rangers a lift. We are right there with you, and will stay with Jericho, until we get you guys back.
We are going to “solider on” as Johnston would say : )

Thanks again, and the best to you and everyone connected with Jericho. We aren’t going anywhere until we have Jericho back on the air !!!!!!!
Linda Carr (aka CrochetLady2) said,

Wrote on June 26, 2008 @ 12:46 am

Hi Bob -
Thanks for the great thoughts. We sure appreciate you taking time out of your obviously busy schedule to write to us. (I’m thinking you’re pretty busy, because you keep showing up in different commercials, so that’s a good sign!)

Take care,
Linda
susan-gator said,

Wrote on June 26, 2008 @ 2:39 pm

Thanks for the eloquent words Bob. It is a pleasure to have you here with us. How right you are in decrying the state of US television today…..nothing but reality shows. You are a good man AND observant.

And when this reality fad fades, I’m sure CBS will be amongst the first to say “what went wrong, were did all the fans go?”. They have sealed their own fates by turning away 9 million of us. I now only watch CBS for NCIS, I’ve given up the rest.

But CBS isn’t the only one…..look at what has become of SciFi since getting rid of Stargate and Farscape and soon Battlestar; now they have crappy Eureka and wrestling? on SciFi! I hope they wise up, pick up Jericho, re-tool Eureka, and strengthen Atlantis and the new Caprica with appropriate advertising. Jericho could be an excellent fit there. But are the suits at SciFi smart enough to figure this out?

Oh well, at least you have plenty of cereal to munch on while contemplating Jericho’s fate (I hope) All the best to you Bob, and thanks again for making us aware that the acting community feels about television the way we all do.

Susan (Go Gators!)
Lauri said,

Wrote on June 26, 2008 @ 6:57 pm

Thanks for taking the time to write to us! It always helps to know that what we are doing is appreciated. I know that making a television show is a lot of hard work and i want you to know that we really do appreciate it when a great show like Jericho comes along! Hope to see you soon in season 3!
PV544 said,

Wrote on June 27, 2008 @ 9:34 am

I just adore Bob Stephenson. And I love Jimmy Taylor.
When the cast and crew of one’s favorite show is as devoted to it as you are, it’s easy to keep fighting.
Bring back quality television; bring back JERICHO!
Bob (Blackbird) said,

Wrote on June 27, 2008 @ 11:04 am

Thanks for taking the time to write! It really is unbelievable how open and accessible you guys are to us. I mean, really, no offense, but not a lot of shows/groups as a whole are this open. It really means a lot when the people we are fighting for are also kinda fighting with us. Granted, we understand that there is only so much you actually can do for us. But just knowing that you guys are standing behind us is a great encouragement.

I know what it’s like in entertainment to do 12-18 hour days. I’ve been in dance month(s) for 7 weeks now. I’ve been lucky to get days off, but haven’t had one in 3 weeks. It sucks sometimes, but…when you see the end product, you feel that it was worth it.

Thanks for the long tireless days. I just wish we had craft services!

Bob, aka, Blackbird.
Arwen said,

Wrote on June 27, 2008 @ 5:57 pm

Hey Bob,

Thanks for posting! It really does mean a lot to us that you’re conscious of what we’re doing. We really do want the show back and you’re right…..enough with the reality t.v.!!!

Arwen
Azlady4 said,

Wrote on June 28, 2008 @ 6:00 pm

Bob:

Thank you for taking time to send us these positive notes. Every time I see these notes from you and the Jericho crew it makes my whole day brighter. Your commercials are great. Not as great as having you back on Jericho, but still enjoy them.
HoustonGal7 said,

Wrote on June 28, 2008 @ 11:26 pm

Bob – You are da’bomb!! And did I mention that you look really hot in uniform!! Can’t wait to see you and the fantastic writers, cast and crew back for a Season 3!! Thank you for taking the time to send us some much needed energy to keep the fight going! This family in Texas loves ya!! Thanks!