Charlie Sheen -- Half a Man?

It finally happened. CBS cancelled the multi-million-dollar franchise called "Two and a Half Men" for the rest of the season. It is likely this cancellation is a death knell for the show.

The popular mantra was that, no matter what he did when "on break," lead actor Charlie Sheen was a good workman like star. As a result, the cancellation in the face of all his public misbehavior was a long time coming.

From a legal perspective, the liability risks inherent in his behavior to himself and others began to outweigh the financial benefits to the network. The end, when it finally came, was promptly turned around by Charlie Sheen into a pity party for himself and how he had been wronged.

Sheen claims to be a fully recovered alcoholic without the help of any groups or long-term therapy, and to be "high" on his own drug of choice...being Charlie Sheen! He has publicly declared war on the show's creator and on the network, and has additionally attacked the institution of Alcoholics Anonymous and, by extension, those who advocate for or participate in it.

In real life, many recovering addicts are much nicer and humbler than Charlie Sheen. They are grateful to the people who have confronted them about their issues, supportive of the organizations and institutions which helped them recover, and humble in their acknowledgement that one really cannot defeat the addiction demons without informed help, therapy and time.

Those men and women who are in recovery with grace, dignity and humility are really worth twice, if not two and a half times, the half man that Charlie Sheen is currently being. For his sake, for the sake of his family and friends, and for all who would see him as a mentor, may he eventually recover in full and for real.

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Gemma Allen is a partner in Ladden & Allen, Chartered, and has practiced family law for most of her career. Ms. Allen has written more than 50 articles and lectured on topics that include divorce, child support, maintenance, mediation, cohabitation, women and money, and reconciliation. She helps you navigate modern relationships in “Relationship Gems.”