Colin probably wouldn’t get fired but that doesn’t mean ABC doesn’thave other ways to punish “bad behavior.” I’m not justifying Colin or JMo but we do hear stories all the time from, say, the music industry about producers holding on to the reigns of the singer; they may not lose their contract but the producer/company can threaten everything else—family, money, tour dates, ect.
This is where their unions should step in. Is there such a thing as an actors’ union? Also, are you serious about their family being threatened?!!
While actors probably get threatened on all-too-frequent basis, I agree that there must be some limit. There is such a thing as actors’ unions (e.g. Actors’ Equity Association for stage performers or the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists for other TV and radio artists). I also seriously doubt Colin’s pay or family would be threatened by ABC if he just refused to play along with JMo to such an extent. There is legal action that could be taken if ever he felt his family were being extorted. There must be some CA state law about actors’ rights not to be exploited by their company. Even though I haven’t researched this issue, I wouldn’t be surprised if actors had filed and won law suits over this very issue. Also, if Colin just refused, I think ABC would listen, especially if Colin has a competent agent who can negotiate his contract. While he didn’t have a household name like Robert Carlyle prior to the show, he has developed a large following; he must know he brings in a large number of eyeballs each week. At the same time, he might feel stuck between a rock and hard place, since it’s those same fans whom he’s likely playing it up for some.
"That’s how you know you’ve really got a home. When you leave it, there’s this feeling that you can’t shake. You just miss it." Neal Cassidy