CBS Network Fires Actor Charlie Sheen Just as Compromise Seemed Certain for "Two and a Half Men"

Amidst rumors of reconciliation and compromise, CBS Network opted to flex its muscle this afternoon by firing actor Charlie Sheen. The fate of his show "Two and a Half Men" remains uncertain at this time.

Just days ago, it appeared the show was finished for the season if not permanently. Rumors earlier today; however, indicated that the show might still return in the fall with Sheen again at the helm. Now it appears that Warner Brothers and CBS have had enough of Sheen's antics and bizarre behavior.

Perhaps Sheen's demand for a huge raise to continue the show was the last straw. Sources had leaked that Sheen might be willing to drop that particular demand if other concessions were made. Unfortunately, it appears CBS and Warner Brothers wasn't in the mood to reward bad behavior with compromise.

Sheen's substance abuse had put a strain on the sitcom for quite some time. Earlier this year, when the powers-that-be demanded he seek help, Sheen agreed. However, he insisted that his recovery time would be short and that he'd be back quickly.

Although Sheen attempted to return to the show within a few weeks, roadblocks were put in his way. The show was shut down temporarily. That set off a hailstorm of negative comments directed at virtually everyone who had connections to the show but focused heavily at Chuck Lore, the show's creator.

Anti-semantic slurs and unfiltered rants left the world wondering if Sheen was more ill than first anticipated. Speculation arose that the actor might be bi-polar, a fact he denied on more than one occasion.

After several outbursts and disclosure that an ex-porn star was helping to raise his two boys, along with another live-in woman, Sheen was asked to relinquish custody of his children to his soon to be ex, Brooke Mueller.

So far Sheen seems barely phased by the firing. He had already filed suit against Warner Brothers and CBS on several grounds. It is expected those might be altered to include unlawful termination. However, only time will tell.

Sheen broke the Guinness Book of World Records recently for recording a record number of Tweets within a 24-hour period. He recorded more than one million followers within that time period. Earlier today, it was also reported that he'd started his own website.

While it may seem, on the surface, that the situation is finally closed, it is far from it. Sheen isn't finished expressing his anger anymore than CBS is willing to turn loose of its high-rated show. All that is really left to find out who will ultimately come out on top.

RESOURCES:

ABC TV News, 6:00 p.m., 3/7/11

Entertainment Weekly (.com)

TMZ (.com)