Contract killings

When TV contract negotiations turn deadly!

By Katherine Spiers, Special to Metromix

When a favorite character on a popular show dies, it’s always a shock—unless, of course, you’ve been reading the trades. See, it’s not always an artistic decision that leads to accidental death or murder in the television world, especially when actors start demanding more money or sleeping—or worse, not sleeping—with their colleagues.

With the season premiere of the murder-happy "Dexter" just around the corner, here's a macabre look at our favorite moments beloved TV characters have been axed due to killer contract negotiations, be they motivated by lust, ego or greed.