'Awake': TV about reality, not reality TV for this NBC newcomer

Michael Britten (played by Jason Isaacs) is a cop with a foot in two worlds. In one, his wife is alive and his son is dead. In the other, he's got his son, but his wife is gone. Which is real and which the dream? He's not sure and, presumably, neither is the viewer.

NBC announced "Awake" (previously "REM") as part of its lineup of new shows for the 2011-2012 season, though it hasn't yet grabbed a debut date and time.

Dreams vs. reality did well at the box office for Christopher Nolan's "Inception," but will the concept transfer to TV? It could given strong writing and a good cast. The show is penned by Kyle Killen -- who also wrote the now-in-theaters (limited release) Mel Gibson/Jodie Foster movie, "The Beaver" and the doomed, though critically acclaimed, "Lone Star." Joining Isaacs in front of the camera is an eclectic cast including Wilmer Valderrama, Laura Allen, Cherry Jones and "Oz's" B.D. Wong.

Also look for Dylan Minnette as Isaacs' son, Rex. He played another questionably real kid -- David Shephard (as in son of Dr. Jack Shephard) -- in season six of ABC's "Lost."