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Baldwin Wants Off of "30 Rock," NBC Balks

Say it's not so. Could Jack Donaghy want off of 30 Rock?

Actor Alec Baldwin, currently embroiled in the controversy stemming from his voicemail-heard-round-the-world in which he allegedly verbally abuses his daughter Ireland, has asked NBC to release him from his contract on the comedy series, which was recently picked up for a second season (and which wraps its freshman season tomorrow night).

NBC has publicly denied the request, stating that Baldwin, along with the rest of the cast, will be returning for Season Two of 30 Rock.

Baldwin meanwhile, wants off the series so he can spend time dealing with his "parental alienation" and with his ongoing legal battles with ex-wife Kim Basinger. Furthermore, Baldwin reportedly wanted to leave 30 Rock so that the cast and crew of the comedy would not "be hurt by the situation." He'll appear in a pre-taped segment on this Friday's edition of The View (set your TiVos now!) talking about the voicemail message and his behavior.

It's hard to imagine the brilliant 30 Rock without Baldwin or the loopy Donaghy. But I also worry how his performance on the series will suffer in the long run if his heart just isn't in what he's doing.

Is there a future for 30 Rock without Alec Baldwin? Discuss.

Comments

rockauteur said…
Doesn't Alec Baldwin really drive the show? Losing him would definitely kill the series. But then again, NBC ain't giving him up and I think he is ok with that. Contract shmontract.
Anonymous said…
If he goes, I go. The rest of the cast is not strong enough on its own to sustain the show or its premise.
Anonymous said…
Bring Will Arnet in for a season as Donaghy's successor. I think it could work. Arnet was brilliant in his guest role recently and the rivalry with Donaghy already exists. I think the show could survive until Baldwin settles his personal problems. Then Donaghy could return to his position after a power struggle with Arnet. It's perfect!
Bill said…
Creatively, it'd be a challenge. Will Arnett's a good idea, and Rip Torn might work too. Or they could come up with someone new. It's something I think they could handle.

But commercially? Alec Baldwin's name and his Golden Globe clout are probably 90% of what got it a renewal, and if he left, some of the already meager audience would go too.
McGone said…
I hate to say it, but losing Baldwin would be a definite show killer, even though I feel the rest of the cast is worthy. Arnett as his replacement would be brilliant, but that would seal the show's fate as going the way of the unjustly cancelled "Arrested Development."
Anonymous said…
If he doesn't want to hurt the cast and crew of the show then he should most definitely NOT leave. His departure would really injure the show as he's one of the main reasons that people tune in.

I think that, creatively, Will Arnett would be perfect to take over in that role. He would be hilarious. But, unfortunately, that's not always enough. The show is struggling as it is and I think Baldwin leaving would be the beginning of the end.
Anonymous said…
Mr. Baldwin is human, I’m Human, and if you’re reading this you’re most likely human! People get over it, it was a personal message for his daughter, whom over time must and done something to cause the level of anguish and rage in this man.

He should not leave the show.

His soon to be Ex-wife is a little loopy, we’ve all seen her on talk shows, she seem drunk, on drugs, basically wacko. She the hottest ding-bat I've ever seen, but a loopy ding-bat none the less!

Be afraid Alec, be very afraid!

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