"The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty"
Two and a half stars
8 p.m. Sunday on A&E
The timing is certainly interesting. Last January, four of the Jackson 5 - Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon - started filming a reality series that would document the 40th reunion album for the Jackson 5.
Was Michael Jackson on board? Presumably, although he's never on camera and seemed to have plenty going on with his own concert tour. Then again, he came through in 1984 for his brothers with the Victory tour, even recruiting Mick Jagger for their hit "State of Shock." (I still have my single.)
But on June 25, everything changed when Michael died. We don't see any of the family learning of the news, or exclusive footage from the memorial, or the brothers at all until they've had a month to mourn.
And that's the frustrating part of this six-episode series. It just scratches at the surface of an epic story. I am as fascinated by anything Jackson as I am with anything Kennedy - or Baldwin, when it comes down to it. For better or worse, these are our royal families. And the Jacksons certainly think of themselves as royalty; Michael named TWO of his kids Prince, Jermaine named his son Jermajesty, and it's the rare jacket or hat that doesn't bear a royal crest.
There are so many intriguing places a series like this could go. In one powerful scene, Jermaine opens up about staying with Motown in 1976 when the rest of his brothers jumped to CBS Records for a fairer contract. Jermaine, who was married to Berry Gordy's daughter at the time, says that he stayed out of loyalty. "Do you know what it is to be alone? Just to be alone?" says Jermaine, choking up. "I'm out in the streets and kids are saying, 'We don't want your autograph, 'cause you're the one that broke the group up.'"
And then: group hug.
Wait - did Gordy pressure Jermaine to stay? Was Jermaine jealous of all the attention Michael was getting? Did he regret staying? How did his parents react? Was brother Randy resentful about filling in for Jermaine as a second choice? What was Christmas like that year?
There's another opportunity for insight when a few of the brothers go home to Gary, Ind., at the behest of Queen Mother Katherine. As they walk through the tiny rooms of 2300 Jackson Street, they point out the window where neighborhood kids would fight to watch them rehearse, and the closet where Marlon would hide for hours to avoid school.
Tito does an excellent impression of his dad, who by almost all accounts was a brutal manager. But instead of expressing any anger about abuse, or loss of childhood, or pressure, Marlon just says of his father, "I understand now why he did certain things."
Tito excuses Joe, too. "Since it was a success, how wrong could it be?" he asks.
Oh, Tito.
There are some real moments that shed a little light on the family's dynamics. Even after Michael's death, spotlight-lusting Jermaine is determined to put a tribute together on his own. When Jermaine skips a photo shoot for the four brothers, he claims a case of pink eye. "I'll give you a black eye," mutters Tito.
We are introduced to the next generation of Jacksons, although Michael's kids will apparently not be on camera. All the kids are rambunctious, gorgeous, and aspiring singers. Tito's boys, known as T3, have already had a string of hits in Europe.
But I'm only awarding the show two-and-a-half stars because watching the show is probably as frustrating as being in the family. There are too many things this series doesn't have:
*Behind-the-scenes stories about vintage performances.
*Sister Janet, talking about her weight fluctuations.
*Sister LaToya, acting crazy.
*All the daughters-in-law intereracting with mama Katherine.
*All the kids running away from Joseph.
*Anyone's thoughts on Michael's drug use, genius, shyness, work ethic, determination to look like Diana Ross . . .
Most of all, I'm aching to watch the brothers perform together again, even if it's just the four of them, even if it's not one of the old hits.
I'm guessing that's all they want, too.
Your guide to the Jackson brothers:
Jackie, 58, vocals
His real name is Sigmund. He originally hoped to be a professional baseball player, but now he runs the rescord company Jesco. Father of Siggy (who performs as DealZ) and Brandi.
Tito, 56, lead guitar, vocals
By far the coolest Jackson, recognized by his signature bowler hat. The only brother not to have put out a solo album. Father of Taj, Taryll and TJ, known as the group T3.
Jermaine, 55, bass guitar, vocals
The most ambitious Jackson. A convert to Islam, he's starred in the U.K.'s "Celebrity Big Brother," and roomed with Sebastian Bach in "Gone Country." He's rumored to be a contender for "Dancing With the Stars." Father of Jeremy, Jourdynn, Jaffar and Jermajesty. His taste in clothes runs to latter-day Elvis.
Marlon, 52, vocals
His twin brother, Brandon, was stillborn. Marlon never divorced wife Carol Ann, a girl he knew since 1968 and corresponded with during his rise to fame. He's recognized by his mustache, and part owner of the Black Family Channel. Father of Valencia, Brittany and Marlon Jr.
Don't forget about Rebbie. She's the main one helping Mrs. Katherine with Michael's kids. Since she's the oldest and the most quiet of all the siblings and dealing with Michael's kids on a daily basis, I think Michael's death hit her hard too.
I was going to comment on this but I see someone else beat me to it.
Michael Jackson's sons were named after their grandfather, Prince Albert Scruse. He was honoring his grandfather in giving them that name, not trying to perpetuate his family as "royalty." (Jermaine may be a different story...lol).
Really, though, there's no excuse for this kind of knee-jerk journalism. The facts are well-documented enough. As many books and documentaries as there have been chronicling The Jacksons and their family history, most people should be aware of this.
Stop bashing the brothers!!! They have been working on getting a reality show for years. The fact that it was picked up now, after Michael's death is not their fault. It's the networks who are now cashing in on MJ's death by airing this now.
I totally agree with everything you are saying. I am in utter disgust with this show. Joe Jackson is such a horrible person. evil. i feel so bad for katherine. Nothing bad is ever said about her. Her & Janet are the only two who seem to care about Michael's death. because everyone else is just like.."Oh michael's dead-now we can be famous." that is just how i look at it. I think that show is so ridiculous. They are nobody's. The only interest in that show is to maybe catch a glimpse of the kids or see anything with Michael.
But i agree that is it strange on the timing. & again ridiculous.
I'm just so pissed off by the whole thing. I lost all respect for the brothers and latoya.
Please get your facts straight before starting with the innuendo. Michael's maternal grandfathers for 3 generations were named Prince Scruse, something the media always neglects to mention in their haste to relate his "freakiness". The man was a phenomenal entertainer and a genius. The best. Let him rest now. As for Jermajesty... yeah, you can have that one.