Dave Lifton | Ultimate Classic Rock

The eighth season of ‘Gene Simmons Family Jewels’ kicked off with flames tonight (May 28) on the A&E Network, as the Demon’s new wife, Shannon Tweed, set his prized photo collection of previous sexual conquests on fire.

The episode centered on Simmons and Tweed adjusting to their new life as a married couple. In the opening scene, the couple are in one-on-one sessions with their therapist, Dr. Ann Wexler. Simmons tells her that married life is “wonderful.” Tweed says that Simmons is acting differently, but still has a lot to learn. She still doesn’t trust her new husband, even though he is making strides, which Gene admits is a struggle. “There are cloudy days and there are sunshine days, but every day is a good day,” he says.

Following the session, the Simmons family, including their children, Nick and Sophie, discuss the changes in their relationship, with Nick and Sophie describing their parents’ sex life in awkward detail. Still, their public displays of affection surprises Nick, who makes several smart-aleck remarks about how they’re behaving in the reverse of other couples, who begin hating each other after the marriage.

Simmons brings in a giant blow-up of the photo of the family at their wedding, much to the surprise of the other three. Although they are happy that Gene is showing a commitment to the family like never before, the size of the photo is embarrassing to them and Shannon says that it will not be displayed in the house.

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Mechele Dillard | Huliq

When parents grow older, their children grow older, as well. And, many parents—tho’ they love their children with all their hearts—cannot wait until that day when their kids are grown, hopefully self-sufficient and, one assumes, on their own. Some parents, however, find that they have “empty nest syndrome,” and start to crave the company of another child.

But, what if only one parent of two wants another child at this late stage of the game?

Gene and Shannon Simmons, formerly “happily unmarried” pair on the hit A&E reality show, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, are facing this dilemma: Shannon wants to adopt, Gene has no desire for more children. With such a serious disagreement, who is “right?”

It seems that this is something where there is no “right” answer—it’s just tough. But, someone has to give in, someone has to compromise—and they both have to ultimately be happy.

It is nice, sweet, that Shannon feels she has so much to give to a child—and, on the surface it seems that it is true. But, is it fair to bring a child into an environment of outright hostility to the idea?

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