Oh my Gotti

Typical as teenage brothers are, physical fights and screaming matches echo the hallways of their home. During a battle over who used his bottle of gel, Carmine accuses Frankie who replies, "I swear to Grandpa I didn't use your gel." Oh, for Gotti sakes.

The previews for the series feature a slow-motion stroll of Victoria Gotti, to a rendition of "These Boots Were Made for Walking." Soundbites feature Victoria asking her blind date, "you don't think I look like a hit woman?," or "take him to a ditch somewhere and roll him in." While Gotti claims they are not who the public thinks they are, the family certainly plays it up; whether it is simply for the cameras remains to be seen. Gotti is intent on getting her children and herself off the list of comparisons to the TV Mafioso family, the Sopranos, and be rid herself of the reputation as "The Godmother." Of course ... Gotti wants the world to see the real her in her multi-million dollar mansion, under her blonde extensions and through her layers of Chanel make-up.

In all fairness to Gotti and Co., their credentials elude to them as a fairly intelligent crew (at least according to the A&E Web site). Beyond the gold chains, tinted sunglasses and gel-perfect hair, the Gotti boys range in achievements from honor roll to class vice president, straight As and sketch artists and the youngest is known for his outstanding athletic ability in lacrosse, soccer and basketball. According to the Hollywood Reporter, and me, after watching portions of the first episode, the boys are "obnoxious, loud brats who are out of control most of the time."

Ms. Gotti's bio reads equally impressive, as she entered St. John's University at age 15 and is a successful commercial fiction author, having penned five novels. She is a former columnist for the New York Post and is now editor of tabloid STAR magazine. She has been named "Woman of the Year" by several humanitarian organizations for her work in heart health. She will be the editor of the new magazine, Red Carpet, after it is launched in 2005.

As one of four children herself, Victoria has proven to be the most involved in her family's legal battles from representing her brother, Junior, in court (who is due to be released in September but as of July 22, now faces 100 years in jail for additional charges) or battling to keep her ex-husband, mobster Carmine Agnello, out of jail - unsuccessfully. That's right, for 15 years, the Hotti Gotti's had a father and, as one might assume, a different last name.

Whether for the sake of the show, added hype or their youthful, immature mindset that goes along with being a relative of a not-so-far off historical mobster, the boys are clearly marked by fame, money and intimidation. As for Victoria trying to dodge the bullets of accusations towards her father and his family values while she was growing up, his smoking gun has clearly become her diamonds and pearls.