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Arts and Entertainment Editor Bob Sokolsky says the credit – or maybe the blame – should go to the producers of “Lost”. Because once they showed the possibilities of a series set in a parallel realty dimension. Everyone seems to want to get into the act.

Among the latest is NBC’s “Awake,” centering upon a police detective moving back and forth between two dimensions and solving cases in both. Sokolsky says this is hardy a new gimmick, noting that it can be traced back to a number of notable writers.

However, he points out, there is no longer a need to bring new characters into the mix. TV has now created so many people it would seem wasteful not to make more use of them.

For instance, he says, the “Two and a Half Men” could leave Malibu for a while to try to date the ladies of “Petticoat Junction.” Or one of Ray Romano’s kids could have a turn at falling into a well and being rescued by Lassie. And the season could end with a true special – a commercial-free debate featuring Rush Limbaugh and Annie Oakley.