DAVE ITZKOFF SEATED alongside the other surviving members of the original lineup of the Jackson 5,Marlon Jackson was explaining why he and his brothers felt compelled to participate in a reality show. He discussed how the TV series could provide a platform for the family to rebut what it feels are inaccurate reports about it. We wanted to show the world how human we are, Marlon Jackson said,since you guys write all these things about us thats not true. The JacksonsJackie,58; Tito,56; Jermaine,54; and Marlon,52had gathered to promote their new show,The Jack5ons: A Family Dynasty. Organised before their brother Michaels death in June,the six-part series was intended to be a glimpse inside the enigmatic clan. But the brothers seemed mostly unaware of the aura that surrounds their surname. They were a quartet of garrulous,goofy,occasionally cantankerous men who just happen to belong to one of popular cultures most captivating and scrutinised familiesand who are still coping with a devastating loss. They are perpetually playful,even at a time when one might expect them to be at their most closed off or evasive. The idea of a Jacksons reality series was first proposed more than a year ago by Point 7 Entertainment. The show will follow the brothers in preparation for a potential tour for the 40th anniversary of the Jackson 5. Production on the pilot episode of The Jack5ons took place from January to June,bringing the brothers together from their homes. When Michael Jackson went into cardiac arrest and died on June 25,The Jack5ons was already on a shooting breakthe events are related on the series using news footage of the 911 call and Jermaines announcement that Michael had diedand the reality shows cameras were not permitted to follow the brothers during Michaels public memorial or his funeral service. Thats our private,private side, Marlon Jackson said. Asked if the Jacksons considered scrapping the reality series altogether after Michaels death,Marlon said the brothers had already executed our agreement to do the show,adding: If we commit ourselves to something,we try to make sure that we continue doing it. If it hadnt been Michael,if it was a different brother in a different situation,we would have done the same thing. Jermaine explained that the brothers felt it was important to convey the message that the Jackson family keeps moving forward through adversity. Weve been good role models to others, he said. Though Michaels death cast a shadow over The Jack5ons,it did not fundamentally alter the tone or the trajectory of the series. By Episode 2,which takes place in the aftermath of his burial,his brothers are already contending with a concert promoter who expects them to honour a commitment for a reunion show.
