I'm among the handful of TV fans who fervently mourned the premature passing of "Andy Richter Controls the Universe" (born 2002, died 2003). Not only was it a delightfully offbeat twist on the tired sitcom, it proved that its star could shine without being joined at the hip with Conan O'Brien.

Ever since, we've been waiting for Richter to be rewarded with another TV vehicle worthy of his comedic talents. (Sorry, but "Quintuplets" didn't count). And thus, we celebrate the new "Andy Barker, P.I.," which debuted two weeks ago. It's a highly amusing series starring Richter that — wouldn't you know it? — has O'Brien's fingerprints all over it.

"Barker," co-created by NBC's late-night goofball and featuring his highly whimsical sensibilities, sets up Richter as a mild-mannered accountant who opens a new office in a strip mall only to see it quickly tank.

No worries. Andy, an affable schlub, eventually stumbles into a new line of work when a mysterious woman implores him to find her husband, whom she has accused of faking his death. Turns out she has mistaken Andy for a detective who previously occupied the office space.

With nothing better to do, Andy takes the case and winds up having a blast. Explaining the thrill of crime-solving to his syrupy-sweet wife (Clea Lewis), he says it gives him the same rush as "when I punch the 'equals' button and the number is the same as the number on the worksheet."

"Andy Barker, P.I." is getting a brief tryout in the "30 Rock" slot and, happily, it's further proof that NBC has regained its sitcom touch. It's a wry, quirky show that floats along on its own gleeful wavelength as it wallows in absurd crime capers and spoofs 1970s-era detective shows — complete with frantic chase scenes and amped-up dramatic music.

Greatly bolstering the enterprise is a hilarious cast that includes Tony Hale ("Arrested Development") as a video-store clerk in the strip mall who can induce giggles with a simple arching of an eyebrow. Then there's Harve Presnell, who is a real hoot as the gruff, old-school private eye who becomes Andy's mentor, and Marshall Manesh, as a highly patriotic foreigner who runs the mall's Afghan restaurant ("MSG NO! USA YES!" reads a sign in his window).

As much fun as "Barker" is, you have to wonder if its off-the-wall silliness will play to the masses — especially considering the brief length of its tryout (six weeks) and the competitiveness of its time slot (versus "Grey's Anatomy" and "CSI").

Clearly, the odds are once again stacked against Richter, but here's hoping he sticks around a little longer this time.