Saturday's TV highlights

5PM, TV3
THE OUTDOOR HOUR
First, on Gulf Harbour Outdoors, Geoff Thomas is after the biggest snapper in the annual Clevedon fishing contest. Then, in Gone Fishin' at 5.30pm, kingfish and snapper are biting in the Bay Of Islands.

7.30PM, TV2
THE O.C.
Graduation is a watershed in the States and it's no different for the young and affluent cast of this southern Californian soap. But as well as a lot of breaking up, there's a fair bit of making up in the finale.

Seth admits to father Sandy that he burned down his office with a wayward roach, and Julie apologises to daughter Marissa for sleeping with one of her ex-boyfriends, and trying to frame another for attempted murder. Ryan, who has been accepted into design school, gets a 4WD from his proud mum; Summer is off to university; and Marissa decides to take a year off to go sailing. One of the stars is killed off tonight - without giving too much away, there's a car chase towards the end.

A 16-episode season four has been ordered, with the makers promising it will be even more scandalous.

8PM, C4
TOP OF THE POPS
After 42 years, Top of the Pops is calling it a day. The one-hour special is hosted by familiar faces from its history, including original frontman Sir Jimmy Savile. It also features past performances by David Bowie doing Starman, Madonna with Like a Virgin, and Robbie Williams' Let Me Entertain You.

9.05 TV ONE
TAONGA
It's the final episode in this historical drama series and the best yarn may have been saved for last. The Bone Collector is the story of Andreas Reischek, whose journal revealed his obsession with preserving the remains of a dying Maori race.


MOVIES
[rated out of 5]

8.30PM, TV2
SPACE COWBOYS
Herald rating: * * *
Four ex-astronauts - Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland and James Garner - get a second shot at space travel. Directed by Eastwood, it's a lot better than it sounds. (2000)

8.30PM, TV3
CRAZY/BEAUTIFUL
Herald rating: * * *
Okay drama starring Kirsten Dunst as Nicole, the troublesome teenage daughter of a congressman. She meets Carlos (Jay Hernandez), they flirt and fall for each other, but her behaviour threatens their relationship and Carlos' future. (2001)

10.40PM, TV ONE
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY
Herald rating: * * * * *
2001: A Space Odyssey proposes that intelligent alien life provided an evolutionary kickstart for the human race. After showing early man gaining the knowledge to kill for survival, it jumps to the year 1999, when evidence of alien life is discovered on the Moon. In the year 2001, the SS Discovery heads off to find out who, or what, is watching us.

Director Stanley Kubrick initially approached author Arthur C. Clarke with the idea of making "the proverbial good science fiction movie". Clarke suggested that his short story The Sentinel would make a good premise and they developed the script.

Legend has it that shortly after the film's release, executives figured out that many counter-culture types were taking LSD to enhance their viewing experience during the 15-minute light show finale. They changed the tagline on posters to read "The Ultimate Trip". (1968)

8.30PM, SKY MOVIES 1
OFFICE SPACE
Herald rating: * * * *
Great comedy about an office worker, who decides not to go to work at exactly the same time his company is downsizing. When his two best friends are made redundant, they plot revenge, conspiring to plant a computer virus. Jennifer Aniston plays a small role, but don't let that put you off, it's not a vehicle for her. Directed by Mike Judge, creator of Beavis and Butthead. (1998)

8.30PM, RIALTO SKY DIGITAL
PALINDROMES
Herald rating: * * * *
More strange truths from director Todd Solondz, who made Happiness and Welcome to the Dollhouse. This time it's about a 13-year-old girl who desperately wants to become a mother. She comes close to succeeding, but her plan is foiled by her parents. Still determined, she runs away from home. Ellen Barkin plays her mum. (2004)


SPORT

AIR NEW ZEALAND CUP: TARANAKI V AUCKLAND
5.25PM, SKY SPORT 1 LIVE
The men from the Naki usually provide a stern challenge for the flighty Auks, but they have injury problems and don't appear to be playing with their trademark tenacity.

NRL: WARRIORS V COWBOYS
7.30PM, SKY 1 LIVE; 10.50PM (SUNDAY) PRIME
At the start of the season, the Cowboys were the form side but have dropped their bundle big time. If they can minimise errors, the Warriors should be able to grind them down.