Alec Baldwin Locked Into "30 Rock"

Alec Baldwin feels terrible about yelling at his daughter. So terrible that he needs time off from 30 Rock to patch things up. Baldwin has asked NBC if he might be released from his contract with 30 Rock so he might devote himself to the issue of "parental alienation." "If I never acted again, I couldn't care less," he said in a pre-taped interview for The View. The interview will be aired on Friday.

Baldwin was also thinking of others when he made his request. Apparently, this was also a magnanimous gesture toward 30 Rock and its cast and crew. The actor wouldn't want his own poor manners to hurt his co-workers or the show. NBC, however, sees the situation differently, and was disinclined to grant Baldwin's request.

Baldwin's character, a network executive who is oily yet charming, has stolen the show. "Alec Baldwin remains an important part of 30 Rock. We look forward to having him continue his role in the show," NBC said in a statement on Wednesday. Baldwin, denied his request, is intent on fulfilling his obligation to the show.