The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty - the 'not quite a review' continues

It's been a bit of time since I commented on The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty - maninly because nothing really of note has happened.

Jermaine annoyed me before the reality show - and clearly, the tradition continues. Naturally, I'm still pissed about how the media allows him to blow smoke up their @$$ with regards to his 'closeness' to Michael, but his ego is really the big problem. Last week's episode ended with him whining about how he felt like the brothers didn't support the Austria tribute for MJ, for which the brothers replied that they weren't even aware of his plans until they saw him on TV. Huh? As I recall, Michael had 4 other brothers and 3 sisters - if a tribute was being put on, they should've been notified before the press. And Jermaine snapping that the brothers' 'support' of the tribute need not have been in the form of them actually participating in it? What? Again, what makes Jermaine so fcuking special? As far as I know, the 4 other brothers haven't made any diss records about him and 2 out the 3 sisters always had his back. What Jermaine fails to realize is that although fans are emotional wrung out by Michael's unexpected loss, they are not totally desensatized by his obvious attention grab. The tribute concert was way too soon and stunk of opportunistism and desperation; when fans are ready for a tribute, they will likely make their own, or head to authentic MJ fansites and message boards and detail what they would like to see. And I can only speak for myself, but I sure as $h*t don't want to see Jermaine.

As for the rest of the brothers... I still have some affection for them, but it is obvious that their hearts and heads aren't into commemorating the 40th anniversary of the J5. And really, can anyone really blame them? They are in serious denial if they thought that they could pull together a stage show and write new music, while trying to juggle side projects. The 'lockdown', while a sound idea, was doomed from the start, mainly because of ego. First of all, why was it necessary to rent such a palacial place to 'work'? If anything, they needed to find a bare bones place, like their childhood home, to work. Large kitchens, sprawling grounds, swimming pools, etc. are distractions, period. And it served less as a place to create but more like a visual reminder to the audience and the brothers of their former glory. This was the time to really think about where the Jackson brothers are going to go, creativity-wise. Because, again, J5 is over - Michael was the sound and signature of the group. They need to reconfigure and reconfigure realistically. And sorry, but isn't it wholly inconsistent to include 'The Jacksons' song during a J5 tribute show? They are seperate entities.

Now for the good:

Marlon's grandkids... so adorable. And funny thing... they're as light or lighter than MJ's kids. Will day late and a dime short White people decide that they were the result of donor sperm?

Jackie hanging with Siggy... again, I kinda like Siggy. He seems to be able to bring perspective to things, although, IMO, his dad Jackie don't need to be brought down to Earth... much.

And I did like the music Jackie composed. First of all, it sounded awesome, and second, he actually did some work... expressed some thought and creativity, instead of telling a producer to 'make hits'. What Jackie has is promising, but the lyrics sucked balls. Why travel into the same territory as 2300 Jackson Street? Why make the track a reclamation of their 'lost' glory? This could be a golden opportunity to create an actual R & B track that has the 'J5 magic', because the J5 wasn't about 5 little boys patting themselves on the back or bragging on themselves. The 'J5 magic' was about capturing and communicating universal feelings and experiences that had nothing to do with age, race, economics, etc. It was about energy and optimism. And if the brothers are still reeling from MJ's death, they shouldn't take out their denials and desperation on this potentially good track. I hope Jackie make it known that he doesn't want Jermaine to 'borrow' it, because I think that whatever this song could be should be left in Jackie's hands - as long as if he doesn't keep those whack-@$$ed lyrics.

And as for Jackie, as an individual... hello, Jackie...

Dude is too old for me (22 years, I think) but he was so inclined, I could possibly be so inclined. Dude is cool. A cool old dude, and I really don't mean old as a slam either. You can see the big, dirty dog that was there in his youth, but age, seemingly, has slowed the urge down; however, I suspect the dog would emerge, if properly motivated. Actually, calling him a 'dog' is wrong - dude is a Mack... on hiatus. But I wouldn't mind seeing him in action. Woof!!!

As for the recording session... pathetic. Here I go, envoking MJ again, but it was absolute chaos and not the kind condusive to creating something brilliant. MJ, with all of the things going on during the last months of his life, was still focused, professional, and awe-inspiring. The brothers have their health and some relative peace, and yet... pantload!! Get it together, brothers!