Sunday's TV highlights

4PM, TV3
THE DOG SHOW
Mark Leishman fronts the New Zealand National Sheep Dog Championships with commentary by High Country farmers and dog-trialists Ted Phipps and Lloyd Smith.

7.30PM, TV3
SURVIVOR: PANAMA EXILE ISLAND
As the 12th series of the Survivor franchise bows out, its winner might want to ponder the fate of the original winning survivor, Richard Hatch. He has been sentenced to more than four years in prison for dodging taxes on his US$1 million prize and has shocked movie audiences with full-frontal nudity in the teen flick parody Another Gay Movie. Tonight, we get a three-hour finale, including the now obligatory reunion show. The original 16 castaways have been cut to four - Ara, Cirie, Terry and Danielle - but only three can go to the final. Danielle and Cirie take part in a fire-making challenge, with the loser eliminated. The final three compete in the last immunity challenge which helps to determine the final two. The winner of the final challenge, which involves balancing on a series of floating platforms, decides who goes through with them to compete for the US$1 million prize. The next instalment of this reality show, Survivor: Cook Islands, also features an exile island.

7.30PM, TV2
NZ IDOL
This week is called the theatre round. Successful contestants must perform songs with little rehearsal time. Things get too much for one wannabe, who is rushed to hospital.

TV2, 7PM
THE ZOO
A truckload of snow is delivered to the zoo as a "treat". The keas, hippos and otters enjoy it but the elephants aren't too keen

8.35PM, PRIME
ABBA SPECIAL
They're the band who will never go away, thanks to compilations, Broadway musicals and birthday parties. Oh, and specials like this.


MOVIES
[rated out of 5]

9PM, MAORI TV
THE LAND HAS EYES
Herald rating: * * *
The small Polynesian island of Rotuma is the setting for this film about Viki (Sapeta Taito), the daughter of a falsely convicted thief. She tries to clear his name and restore her family's honour. (2004)

10.45PM, TV3
MYSTERY MEN
Herald rating: * * *
Star-studded comedy about a pathetic bunch of superheroes who must save
their city and its top superhero, Captain Amazing (Greg Kinnear) from the clutches of a super-villain called Casanova Frankenstein (Geoffrey Rush). Second-rate superheroes band together including the Blue Rajah (Hank Azaria), the Shoveller (William H. Macy), the Bowler (Janeane Garofalo), the Spleen (Paul Reubens) and Mr. Furious (Ben Stiller). Plenty of movie in-jokes. (1999)

6PM, SKY MOVIES 2, 8.30PM, SKY MOVIES 1
BATMAN BEGINS
Herald rating: * * * *
Director Christopher Nolan breathes new life into the Dark Knight, casting Christian Bale as orphaned millionaire Bruce Wayne who travels to the Far East where he meets Ninja cult leader Ras Al-Ghul (Ken Watanabe) and is trained by Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson). Returning to Gotham City, he discovers a handy cave under Wayne Manor. His father's business interests in battle technology means an armoured suit and tank-like car at his disposal. Also stars Michael Caine as Alfred, Katie Holmes and Cillian Murphy. (2005)


SPORT

11.55PM, SKY SPORT 1 LIVE
MOTORSPORT: GERMAN GRAND PRIX
Michael Schumacher is showing he is far from a spent force and is applying some pressure to defending champion Fernando Alonso. The Schu has a good record in his home grand prix and should have his Ferrari fizzing here.