Stringer Bell lives.

In a stunning character rebirth that would make writers of “24” applaud, Stringer Bell (AKA Charles Minor) made an inauspicious debut on Thursday’s “The Office.”

OK, so there are slight differences between Idris Elba’s Stringer Bell character on the late, great “The Wire” and his Minor character, introduced this week as Dunder Mifflin’s new VP of the Northeast Region. The biggest difference is that Minor doesn’t sling dope like Bell did.

But there are distinct similarities:

— Bell was a ruthless businessman first and foremost. Ditto Minor.

— Bell didn’t suffer fools gladly. Minor proved that while dealing with Michael.

— Bell had no problem with attracting the ladies. Minor already has Kelly and Angela fighting over him. (Wasn’t it fun seeing the Ice Queen melt in front of the new boss?)

Before Minor’s arrival, Michael is busy planning his 15-year anniversary party with Dwight, Pam and Jim. While Michael ignores Dwight’s suggestions, he welcomes Jim’s suggestions because, well, he’s wearing a classy tux.

Introducing Minor to the branch, Michael shows off the bagels that he cut into Cs to honor the company’s newest hire. Michael inappropriately introduces Oscar, Angela and Kevin to Minor and Stanley cuts to the chase by asking if there will be layoffs. While Minor announces Dunder Mifflin is cutting spending 3 percent across the board — and doesn’t this little speech hit a little too close to home for many of us — Michael tries to downplay the company cutbacks, and then tries to push his new boss out the door.

Feeling threatened, Michael calls David Wallace at corporate headquarters and says he doesn’t think he needs to be managed and adds “I think I thrive under a lack of accountability.”

You and me both, brother.

Michael tries to set Minor straight by telling him he doesn’t need to be managed, adding that Jan only came by when she was, um, feeling amorous and that Ryan only came to Scranton to visit his parents or do laundry.

After Michael calls David and leaves a message for him to call back “ASAP as possible,” Dwight (AKA Michael Scotch) calls corporate and tells Wallace’s secretary that he has his son in the trunk of his car. Michael helpfully calls back and says that “David’s son will be returned and that everything will be all right.”

While Michael is threatened and Jim is unnerved by the new boss, Angela and Kelly have other, let’s say, thoughts in mind …

“Should I seduce him?” a practically frothing Kelly asks Angela, who says “No. No one wants to see that.”

After another flare-up, Michael starts repeating everything Minor says, which concerns Pam, who says she can tell Michael’s mood by what comedy routine he chooses, with the more infantile the more upset he is.

“He just skipped the Ace Ventura talking butt-thing. He never skips it. This is bad.”

An impromptu Party Planning Committee meeting is interrupted by Minor, who says he’s dissolving the committee. Fed up, Michael emotionally questions Minor’s knowledge of paper and leaves for New York.

At corporate, Michael tells David that he feels he’s “been sort of boned” and that he should be recognized for his 15 years of service. He also mentions how much he has given up for Dunder Mifflin, including putting a family on hold, not hang-gliding and not driving his car to the top of Mount Washington.

David acquiesces and says he can move money around to pay for a party for Michael. After getting what he wants, Michael responds in the way only he can — by quitting.

“You have no idea how high I can fly.”

While that is debatable, one thing is for certain — with another stellar episode, “The Office” continues to fly high.

So what did you think of the episode? Do you like the introduction of the new boss? Do you think Michael will really quit? Do you think Kelly or Angela really have a shot?