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TJ, aka Traction Jackson, with his dog, Bernie
Traction Jackson, aka TJ, is a wheelchair-bound African-American boy who appears in computer animated segments on Sesame Street, beginning in Season 35. TJ, whose real name is Tyrone Jackson, is an energetic boy who enjoys basketball and whose best friend is his dog, Bernie. TJ's chair features unique, colored swirls on the wheels.
TJ made his debut in the 35th season opener/special The Street We Live On. New segments were added beginning in Season 36. Reminiscent of previous Sesame Street characters like street-scene regular Tarah, TJ was introduced as part of Sesame Workshop's curriculum to teach children that people are the same beneath physical differences.
Production Background
The Traction Jackson shorts are produced by the Tennessee-based studio Magnetic Dreams. The studio's creative director is Muppet performer Rickey Boyd, who used his friendship with Kevin Clash to arrange for his company to win the assignment. According to articles about the series, Boyd said the character of TJ was inspired by child in a wheelchair he met while working as a puppeteer on Animal Jam. "Everyone was just amazed at what a great attitude he had," Boyd recalled.
Individual Sketches
Me and My Chair- A remake of an earlier live-action song, TJ sings about how his chair enables him to move faster than he could with shoes. (First: Episode 4057)
14 Baskets- In this counting short, TJ attempts to make fourteen consecutive baskets, while Bernie cheers from the sidelines. (EKA: Episode 4125)
Fruit Snack Samba- TJ corrects Bernie about his junkfood habits, singing a lively tribute to fruit. (EKA: Episode 4115)
Unknown Title- TJ and Bernie encounter Margarita, a neighborhood kid who initially refuses to let TJ use the court, believing his wheelchair prevents him from playing. TJ proves her wrong, and the two become friends.
Unknown Title - TJ and Margarita play "Follow Me" with TJ's grandfather. (EKA: Episode 4130)
Credits
- Creative Director/Storyboards: Rickey Boyd
- Associate Producer for Sesame Workshop: Rebecca Rosa
- Character Modeling: Jeff Gruelich
- 3D Backgrounds and Sets: Gruelich, Rainey Kirk
- Animators: James Coakley Jr., Todd Smith
- Technical Director: Steven Alley
- Lighting & Composition: Don Culwell