How Do You Subtract a Man From 'Two and a Half Men'? The Charlie Sheen Debate

By Jo Piazza Posted Apr 2nd 2010 01:45PM

Word on the street is that Charlie Sheen doesn't want to play his onscreen alter ego Charlie Harper on 'Two and a Half Men' any longer, even though it banks him huge bucks.

PopEater's Naughty But Nice Columnist Rob Shuter reports that CBS is already on the lookout for a replacement for Sheen.

So what does this mean for the tremendously popular series? Can the show survive a Charlie exit?

Sometimes leading characters leave shows. It can happen for any number of reasons, and surely no one would blame Sheen for wanting to take some time off, given his personal drama as of late.

"It's understandable that Charlie would want out. Who knows how long 'Celebrity Rehab' is gonna be on the air? He's gotta get on that show before it's over," says Ronnie Karam, Senior Editor of TvGasm.com. "If we as a country would just let our celebs live in private, they wouldn't feel the need to quit multi-million jobs to hide from our prying eyes. Can't a man get wasted and hold a knife to his wife's throat in private? We should all be ashamed of ourselves."

Sheen was arrested in Aspen on Christmas after he allegedly assaulted his wife. (Reports suggest a knife was involved.) The actor has been charged with misdemeanor assault and felony menacing.

The problem with Sheen's exit from 'Men' is that he truly does carry that show, much as Hugh Laurie carries 'House' and Kiefer Sutherland carries '24.'

'Men' isn't an ensemble like 'The Office' or '30 Rock.' Jon Cryer is at his best when he's playing the straight man to Sheen's bad boy -- and not to be harsh about it, but Angus T. Jones sinks deeper into his awkward stage with each season.

"They can't recast him, that's for sure. I don't think the whole 'two Darrens' [a la 'Bewitched'] would work on 'Two and a Half Men.' No two STDs are created equal. You can change a man's face, but you can't change his herpes. The audience won't stand for it! If Charlie leaves, the show is over," Karam says. "Unless the kid becomes the bad boy, which America might just find hilarious, but 'One and a Half Men' sounds like a dude with a little person fetish and 'Two Men' sounds like one long, gay argument."

But some folks argue that the popularity of 'Two and a Half Men' mandates that it remain on the air.

"They should not call it quits and leave so many people bereft of this great American institution," says television writer and comedienne Caroline Waxler. "I think they should take a page from Aaron Spelling's playbook and bring in Heather Locklear. Not only can she play the hot lead, but she'll bring in the lesbian angle. I know doing a lesbian stunt is a hard sell to TV execs, but they should make an exception just this once!"

There is a certain irony to Sheen's being replaced since Sheen was the television replacement for the beloved Michael J. Fox on 'Spin City' before the fast and steep decline of the series. Sheen's character on 'Men' works so well because Sheen essentially plays himself. Therefore any replacement would have to be equally as bad as Charlie is in real life, which makes this a particularly tough casting call. All the good drunks in Hollywood have hit rehab. There genuinely isn't anyone like Charlie left.

With Charlie so goes the show. Let's hope the network doesn't struggle to keep the show alive with a weak replacement and an even weaker story line about Charlie Harper being sent out to pasture.

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Tags: charlie sheen, hugh laurie, Kiefer Sutherland, michael j. fox, two and a half men

Comments

(73)

Saturday 03 April

By Diana

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Just like charlie, to put him self first, and everyone ellse last. He dont care if the other cast members are out of work or not. As long as charlie gets what he wants, or needs. Now that he and his wife has made idiots out of their selves, he wants to run and hide. Not even considering what it would do to others if he quits his job. Putting the rest out of work dont fase charlie, something his father would have never done to anyone.
If it wasnt for Martin Sheen, charlie would be flipping burgers at burger king right now, and not even doing it right.

By Diane

Two and Half Men has run its course The characters need to evovle Especially Jakes character I truly thought they would make his chacter this season more I love the show But the story line is getting old quick As Jake character matures makeing him a teen idiot is annoying

Monday 05 April

By jayjj5

I love Charlie Sheen & I think that is an incrdible funny actor but if he decides to leave then I think that Ryan Reynolds or Dane Cook has a really good chance of keeping the show a huge success since they pocess many of the same qualities that his part requires.

By Mary

Charlie Sheen makes this show. I don't think the show will be the same if he quits. CBS should make a spinoff series with Jon Cryer and Angus T Jones. The pilot should be written as Alan and Jake move out of Charlie's pad and start fresh.

Friday 16 April

By Kyla

My mom said the same thing! :D

By maryncland

Show is not funny...

I love this show and would miss it terribly if it got cancelled! My mom and I were talking about it one night (while watching the show on channel 7!) and she said that if Charlie would leave, they could then make Alan the lead character. Like Alan could get his own place and then maybe work from there. Just a thought.
I LOVE TWO AND A HALF MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

By jjac0116

Let Charlie go, but Alan gets the house. Herb and Judith split and Herb can move in with Alan. Herb is great on the show. Remains two and half men and a daughter. LOL

By Sammiie

lmao that makes a lot of sence. It keeps the show going and its really funny.

By Jeanie

Oh, please, Charlie. Don't leave the show. I look forward to that show and love it. You are tremendous on that show. Please don't leave it. It will never be the same without you.
So you've had some personal problems. SO WHAT! So have many others. PLEASE STAY ON THAT TERRIFIC SHOW.
Jeanie, Mission, TX

By Penelope

Great show. Charlie is the show. Alan and the kid are okay, but Charlie makes the show. Please CHARLIE don't quit.
Good luck whatever you decide. We, your fans support your
decision. We hope you decide to continue Good Luck.

Sunday 15 May

By karen abott

I want the writers of this show to see this

By Karen Abbott

Have charlie die on the show either by car crash or heart attach by sex then have allen take the house over and have to get a new room mate you can not have anyone replace charlie he has to die so everyone can put him inthe past on move on I think aston would be a good choice

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