A Lost Ranger: Jericho Fans Mourn the Loss of GaTravelGal

Amongst tight-knit internet communities, the real identities of the people involved are often shrouded by the user names or avatars that they use to identify themselves. And yet, within certain communities, the passing of one of their members does not go unnoticed. You hear stories regarding funerals in World of Warcraft, and I’m sure the same can be said for Second Life. And, this week, a similar blow struck the Jericho community, as news reached fans that user GaTravelGal passed away unexpectedly.

In my interaction with this fan community, GaTravelGal was best known for starting the Jeriatric Boomers Ward, the lengthy thread that inspired my most professional piece of journalism written at Cultural Learnings. She was a facilitator of memories, discussion and a fantastic fan environment in which older fans overcame any computer issues they had to reminisce about the good ol’ days in a wonderful new medium.

I think that the outpouring of love and support in response to her passing reflects how close this Jericho community has become: there is not a scent of cynicism or jaded perspectives amongst their ranks, and I envy them for the relationships they’ve created. They really do serve as a family, and one that they should all be proud to be part of.

There are currently efforts being made to reflect GaTravelGal’s contribution by dedicating a second season episode of the series to her memory. I fully support this idea, as abstract as it may sound to those not part of the community, and would like to offer my own memorial of sorts. In writing that Boomer article, GaTravelGal (A 56 year old boomer from Georgia) filled out a set of questions. Here are her answers, inspiring words that mean no less following her passing.

a) How did you become a fan of Jericho?
I had seen a promo for the show and made a mental note to watch the pilot. Since it aired on Wednesday nights, I had been at church and almost forgot to turn it on that first week. In fact, I missed the first 30 minutes. But even only watching the second half, I was immediately hooked. I then began to tape it on my DVR in case I got in after 8 pm the following weeks!

b) How did you come across this internet community?

I did a Yahoo search for “Jericho” because I was so hungry for more information on the show, cast, story lines, etc. I came across this board and started reading some of the posts that interested me. When the show was cancelled, this board helped me deal with my anger and frustation because I felt helpless and just thought Jericho was gone forever.

c) In what ways did you contribute to the campaign to save the show?

I acted upon some of the great suggestions posted on this board by others. I immediately started emailing CBS; I wrote many, many letters to CBS executives; I sent nuts several times; I telephoned CBS several times; plus, I started telling everyone I knew about the “Nuts” campaign to save Jericho.

d) Do you feel that your viewership is valued by CBS?

Quite honestly, at first, no. I’m not in the demographic age group of 18-49, so in my many letters to CBS, I stressed the fact that I felt my age group (baby boomers) was being overlooked and what we wanted to see on television just didn’t matter. I hope that is not the case any more!

e) In what ways do you feel that the Boomer viewership could be leveraging itself further with this or any other show?

I started this thread because I felt like my voice and other’s my age should be heard, that what we wanted SHOULD matter. I think we all need to keep reminding, not only CBS but all the networks, that we are a force to be reckoned with and that we are a very large group of intelligent, successful, and loyal viewers and want to be recognized and accounted for.

There is no question in my mind that, in the end, GaTravelGal’s efforts have been recognized and accounted for by Jericho fans. She did the Boomers proud, and her contribution will certainly be missed.

*****