‘Dilbert’s’ creator keeps TV series true to comic strip

As the fastest-growing comic strip in syndication, it’s only natural that “Dilbert” would soon attempt to conquer the world of television.

The animated “Dilbert,” which debuts at 8 tonight on UPN, is a faithful adaptation of the strip, which is a staple of bulletin boards everywhere. That’s probably because the comic’s creator, Scott Adams, is one of the show’s co-producers.

The other co-executive producer was an obvious selection as well. After serving as writer and supervising producer of “Seinfeld” and later executive producer of “Mad About You,” Larry Charles is an old hand at mining humor in the minutiae of everyday life.

Adams and Charles combine to tell the story of “Dilbert.” Voiced by Daniel Stern (“The Wonder Years,” “Home Alone”), Dilbert is an engineer trapped on the bottom rung of the corporate ladder. That’s because he loves technology more than people, and is oblivious to office politics.

Dilbert is surrounded by people more than willing to point out his shortcomings, including his dog, Dogbert (voiced by Chris Elliott), his mother, Dilmom (Jackie Hoffman), and his pointy-haired boss (Larry Miller).

The main mission of “Dilbert” is to illuminate the glaring flaws of the office environment, including the multitude of meetings that keep any actual work from being done. For example, in the debut episode, “The Name,” Dilbert and his co-workers struggle to come up with a name for a new product, with the name to determine what the product will be. Also frequently lampooned is the use of technology strictly for technology’s sake (Dilbert invents an electronic shower control that sets the water temperature).

A well-chosen and talented vocal cast, which also includes Kathy Griffin (“Suddenly Susan”) and Gordon Hunt (Helen’s dad) as Dilbert’s co-workers Alice and Wally, help to bring a little depth to the one-dimensional cartoon characters. And certainly the world of “Dilbert” is one with which many office workers can identify.

While it’s no “Simpsons,” “Dilbert” is one of the better animated efforts to reach TV in recent years. It’s a pity that so few will actually get a chance to see it on the struggling UPN.