David Caruso's departure from "NYPD Blue" occurred four episodes into Season 2, leading to speculation about his exit. Co-creator Steven Bochco described Caruso's behavior as "cancerous," noting he was emotionally unavailable and volatile. Caruso sought a salary increase to $100,000 per episode, alongside substantial demands such as a 38-foot trailer and hotel suites during location shoots. Bochco suggested that Caruso aimed to alienate those on set, believing he was above the constraints of television, which ultimately affected his ongoing role in the series.
Caruso reportedly wanted his salary bumped from $40,000 to $100,000 per episode, and that was just the first of many demands his lawyer made during a heated meeting.
Steven Bochco called Caruso's on-set behavior "cancerous," stating that he was "emotionally unavailable to everyone, and he was volatile, moody or sullen, depending on the day."
Bochco theorized that Caruso felt he was too good for television, and so his plan was to alienate the writers, producers and his fellow castmates.
Caruso had many demands during negotiation, including two hotel suites in New York, additional security, and a 38-foot trailer.
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