Deaf and Deaf Supporters United to Keep TV Series Afloat

From: Kristal Singletary - Dec 23, 2004

PRESS RELEASE: December 15, 2004

Deaf and Deaf Supporters United to Keep TV Series Afloat

For more than two years, PAX TV's Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye has offered quality family program integrating creative storylines, strong characters, and gripping suspense with spiritual encouragement and inspiration in the human spirit. Unfortunately, the tendency of the entertainment industry and their financial partners to cease production based on the misconception that an audience does not exist for faith-based, quality family programs may claim another casualty.

Premiering in October 2002, Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye is a groundbreaking, original drama inspired by the true story of Sue Thomas, who although profoundly deaf from the age of 18 months, overcame significant obstacles to work for surveillance for the F.B.I. In a history-making scenario, actress Deanne Bray, a deaf woman with life similarities of her newfound friend, the real-life Sue Thomas, plays Sue's role in this PAX TV original created by the creative writers of Dave Alan Johnson and Gary R. Johnson.

Winner of the Parents Television Council Seal of Approval, Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye has been recognized and honored for quality programming not just in the Deaf Community but also by many in the hearing public. Now, the show has been slated to end production at the end of January 2005, a full two and a half seasons before its contract with PAX TV and Pebblehut Productions expires.

The deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing/deaf supporting fans of Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye have launched a campaign to restore interest and revitalize the flickering spirit of the show. Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye may become part of television history unless the voices of the fans are heard. The fans of the show have united to revive interest from Network and Production Company as well as the much needed funding for the show.

A direct quote from Deanne Bray, who leads the cast of hearing and deaf actors playing the title role of Sue Thomas states, "Sue Thomas' story is one I deeply understand because like Sue, I'm deaf. My hope is that this show will not only entertain. I'm sure it will do that, but that it can also be a bridge between different worlds that it can help everyone understand that we are all more alike than we are different."

In regards to seeing her story brought to life on the screen, Sue Thomas herself asserts, "Finally, audiences will be able to gain a deeper understanding and respect for the individuals who walk the path of silence." Now a motivational speaker and author, who serves as a consultant on the show, Ms. Thomas adds, "I feel blessed that PAX will bring this message to television in such a powerful way."

The deaf and hard of hearing have been labeled as incompetent of intellectual comprehension throughout time, though it has not held true in many aspects. Now, there is a remarkable story that has brought this revelation out for the entire world to see - Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye. The cancellation of Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye would leave a void hard to fill.

The deaf and deaf supporters of the Sue's Crew website (the first fan site dedicated to deaf education uniting deaf and hearing fans of the show) do not believe the true spirit of Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye has to be snuffed out. Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye, the true story of the FBI's first Deaf Agent, has inspired many to learn more about Deaf Culture, American Sign Language or in some instances other countries Sign Languages, along with helping in the effort of bridging the gap between the deaf and hearing worlds. Though we realize this will not happen overnight, it definitely is a step in the right direction, since the show does not focus on the differences people have, but on the similarities. Since its US debut on October 13, 2002, Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of deaf and hearing viewers around the world.

Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye, fine drama that holds true to family values, brings a touch of satirical humor, a bit of honesty, and a lot of humility to the screen that is refreshing and something seriously lacking in today's television programming. The deaf and deaf supporters of Sue's Crew have launched a campaign to save this show through its website at http://suescrew.zerolimit.net/?x=zap-op and welcome others to join them.

NOTE: The administrators and moderators of Sue's Crew website are a mix of deaf, hard of hearing and hearing individuals united to bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing worlds.

Kristal Singletary

Phone (706) 842-2806

Or (706) 863-5638

Singletary@augustaga.gov