Andy Richter Controls the Universe

Ever since his stellar performance in Cabin Boy, Andy Richter has been destined for Hollywood stardom. Well on his way to achieving fame as Conan O’Brien’s portly sidekick on Late Night, Richter made the curious decision to leave the show right as it was reaching the height of its popularity. After disappearing for over a year, Richter has returned with Controls the Universe, but with less than encouraging results. The show’s premise relies on Richter’s reactions to his coworkers, friends, and superiors—every encounter plays out first with what he wants to have happen, then with what actually happens. At its best, the show conjures up what a lot of us feel when dealing with common, everyday annoyances; unfortunately, this isn’t often, and what’s left is a male’s-eye-view of Ally McBeal’s world. And no one wants that.