Assured of its 100-episode future and ignored by press as it may have been, FX's Charlie Sheen-fronted 'Anger Management' still managed to make waves in the past few months with the abrupt and controversial dismissal of series star Selma Blair. Blair's episodes continue to air until replacement Laura Bell Bundy steps in, but what does Sheen have to say in finally opening up about Blair's departure?

Speaking to 'The Tonight Show''s Jay Leno, Sheen downplayed the more negative rumors surrounding Blair's dismissal, avoiding suggestions that issues with either's work ethic or derogatory texts exchanged led to the fallout. Instead, Sheen suggests that Blair's dismissal arose as an attempt to re-tool the show, and recall some of Sheen's more popular 'Two and a Half Men' characterization.

One of our primary characters, Selma Blair, who played Kate, was written out because [the show] was not about our relationship, and the problem was too many people were still excited about the Two and a Half [Men] character and thought the Anger Management character was a little dull.

So, um, that is not the case anymore. Her character leaves, and I start circling the drain. So it's really fun to watch and hella fun to play.

Though it remains to be seen when the character will debut, Bundy will take the role of Charlie’s new sex-study research partner Dr. Jordan Denby, described as a brilliant psychologist whose recent divorce, penchant for alcohol and mood swings turn Charlie’s life upside down on an emotional roller-coaster.

In addition to Blair’s departure, former ‘90210‘ star Green will go from recurring to regular in his role as Sean, now ex-boyfriend to Charlie’s ex-wife Jen (Shawnee Smith) and occasional nemesis to Charlie himself. The series remains some 40 episodes into its projected 100-episode run, though time will tell if ‘Anger Managment’ will endure any more major shakeups on the road to syndication.

You can preview the "new direction" of Charlie's 'Anger Management' character in the latest promo below, and tell us in the comments if you think Sheen is truthful about Blair's exit in the video above!

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