It has become the stuff of parody in such a short time: There
they are, the two starkly lit figures facing each other across
their computer screens, caged in by darkness. The music sounds
almost subliminally ominous notes as the contestant stares at
his screen and decides whether to risk thousands of dollars.
Should he (or, occasionally, she) use a "lifeline," either by
polling the audience or calling a friend at home? When the
moment finally arrives, the host, clad in somber colors, intones
the catchphrase: "Is that your final answer?" Usually, for
better or worse, it is. And if the news is good, then comes the
release--the music breathes a sigh of relief, the camera pulls
back, and the lights go up, revealing the audience.  The game
show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire was a phenomenon in its
native England, and it's equally so in the United States, where
the American version, hosted by Regis Philbin, premiered in
August 1999 on ABC. The show's ratings during the November and
February sweeps periods were Must