"Barker" premieres tonight at 9:30 on NBC and, though it's temporarily bumping the fine freshman sitcom "30 Rock," don't be angry with it. It's a hoot.
"Barker" stars Richter, aspiring sitcom star and former right-hand man to late night host Conan O'Brien, as Andy, an aspiring CPA who has just set up a storefront business in a local strip mall. Business is terrible, until a woman walks into the office, mistaking Andy for its former occupant -- a private detective. Affable, and bored, Andy decides to take the case. He gets some help from his strip mall neighbor, a nerdy video store clerk played by the wonderful Tony Hale of "Arrested Development." Andy also manages to track down Lew, the salty ex-detective who once used Andy's storefront. Harve Presnell, best known as William H. Macy's gruff father-in-law in "Fargo," is an absolute riot as Lew. He snaps at Hale's goofy sidekick, bosses Andy around, rocks a great 70s-retro chic wardrobe and generally has a blast.
In fact, everyone here seems to be having fun, and they're all fun to watch. I really hope the show catches on, partly because I like Richter and want him succeed, (I was a huge fan of his hilarious, short-live Fox sitcom "Andy Richter Controls the Universe") and partly because the show is so fresh and energetic.
It kind of reminded me of the 80s dramedy "Moonlighting" in the way in combines detective work with wacky comedy. But instead of two beautiful detectives battling sexual tension , "Barker" has a bunch of odd, regular guys just battling to make a difference. "Barker" has something most sitcoms lack -- a genuine sweetness. With his cherubic face, Richter is the perfect everyman and Andy Barker is such a mild, nice guy that you can't help but root for him.
Here's hoping that "Barker" can track down, and keep, an audience.