Release Date: June 12, 2012 Rated: NR Run Time: (PART 1) Approx. 8 hrs., 44 mins. + extras; (PART 2) Approx. 5 hrs., 50 mins. + extras
Legendary rock god and multi-hyphenate Gene Simmons returns with his unconventional family for an all-new season of A&E’s hit series GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS. And, SEASON SIX answers the sigular, lonmg-awaited question: will Gene, the God of Thunder, finally tie the knot with his beloved partner Shannon? GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS: SEASON 6, PARTS 1&2, are two new value-priced sets from the highest rated season in the show’s history; each is priced to collect at $19.95srp.
The longest-running celebrity family-based series on television begins with a shocking moment for America’s most traditional, non-traditional family. With Nick and Sophie away at college and Gene’s rock star ego at an all-time high, Shannon decides she needs to re-evaluate their relationship and leaves her longtime boyfriend. Now, they must decide if they want to movie on with the next phase of their lives together. In SEASON SIX, viewers will get a fly-on-the-wall look at the state of Gene and Shannon’s relationship and explore never-before-seen corners of their personal lives, including Gene’s emotional visit to Israel, a special visit to the troops and a relationship-telling trip to Belize. SEASON 6, PART 1 includes 9 episodes across 2 discs such as “KISS Your Family Goodbye”, “Blood is Thicker than Hummus” and “Mr. Tweed Goes to Canada”, as well as a bonus disc filled with 7 previously unreleased episodes from SEASON 5!
In SEASON 6, PART 2 viewers will see everything that leads up to Gene and Shannon’s big day – an engagement party, bachelor and bachelorette parties, wedding boot camp and, of course, an exclusive look at the nuptials few predicted would ever take place. Among episodes included on the 2-disc set are “The Answer”, “Tracy the Wedding Planner”, “The Demon Says I Do?” and the “Post Wedding Special”. The set also includes additional never-before-seen footage.
What fascinates me looking back at my review of Seasons 4 and 5 of Gene Simmons Family Jewels is my comment about a reality TV show following a functional family for once. Certainly they are the most functional that we have seen but there still was one major part about this family that kept them from truly being whole. That was commitment from Gene as a father and a husband. Season six follows Gene’s progression, transformation from a 60 something year old rock star with a family to a 60 something year old family man who happens to be a rock star. With Father’s Day coming up, something tells me that this year is going to be especially significant in the Simmons home. Following the journey, at least what the family and A&E chose to show us viewers brought on sleepless nights as I marathon-ed my way through. Shannon and Gene’s visits to their therapist moved me the most. The family’s visit to Israel (minus Sophie) and the then newly engaged couple’s trip to marriage boot camp were also some of the most heart tugging moments of the entire series.
“I’m a party animal.” – Shannon
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” – Nick
It is amazing the excuses people make, the self doubt and fear people have within themselves, the unforgiveness that is held for decades within a person. To watch those walls come down throughout a season makes this the most gratifying season of them all. Sure, this series is entertaining, as most reality TV is but on the other hand, this show goes there, goes where reality TV should go but is far too glamorized to do so. Props to the family for not completely closing us off here. They may have inspired some viewers to think twice and hard about certain decisions that they are making in their own lives. Who knows the many ways people can be inspired to make a change. People can get a breakthrough in the most unexpected way and boy oh boy, there are plenty here for people who fear marriage and responsibilities as a parent (because being a parent is not just about providing food, shelter, and clothing. It’s also about providing love). Even friends from out of town, at least Shannon’s sister, Tracy’s friend will open your eyes about what a married woman in a small town is capable of doing, how quickly she is capable of being swallowed up in Hollywood. But as we are reminded throughout the season, every decision you make is your choice. If you’ve never seen this show, you could jump into season six. But that wouldn’t be as fulfilling as if you started from the beginning. So I definitely recommend getting all of the seasons on DVD if you don’t have them already.
There really is no reason why Season Six needs to be sold in Parts. Especially since the Bonus Features consist of previously unreleased episodes on Part 1 and additional scenes (approx. 8 minutes) on Part 2. That’s it. No bloopers or anything. It is made plain and simple that the distributors just want your money, which we all know anyway, and you’ll just barely get more than what you paid for. But aside from that, there are no complaints here. So if you enjoy this show and don’t mind buying both parts of Season Six, be sure to pre-order your copies today!
Own Gene Simmons Family Jewels: Season 6 Part 1 and Part 2 on DVD June 12, 2012.