HD Highlights: July 24

Series Premiere: First Crossings (TV One, 8.30) In this next-generation Matthew and Marc meets Intrepid Journeys, Kiwi adventurers Kevin Bigger and Jamie Fitzgerald recreate the journeys of early pioneer explorers. As the NZ Herald observed in recommending this as one of the week’s top-five picks: “Over the past 10 years, Kevin and Jamie have taken on some tough adventures, from rowing across the Atlantic to walking unaided to the South Pole. Together, they will attempt to cross the Southern Alps, navigate Fiordland’s hanging valleys, and stay afloat on the treacherous seas of the Open Bay Islands. But they’re not only following in the footsteps of pioneers, they’ll wear the same clothing and footwear, eat the same food, and use the same equipment. Exploring the wild without hiking boots, gore-tex and a handy gasburner? Now that’s intrepid.” ✭✭✭✭

Friends (TV2, 6.30, R) The subplot about Ross defending the palaentology section of the library from amorous couples is creatively desperate but “The One With Ross’ Library Book” is still worth a look for guest turns by Maggie Wheeler as Chandler’s ex-girlfriend Janice and Sex and the City’s Kristin Davis. ✭✭✭✩

Kings Cross ER (TV3, 8.00) It’s all hands on deck in the trauma bay as team leader Dr. Andrew Finckh attempts to treat an aggressive partygoer who has stepped in front of a moving taxi on Oxford St. ✭✭✭✭

Season Finale: NCIS (TV3, 8.30, 5.1, F) In what’s been dubbed an “uber-cliffhanger”, terrorism shakes the foundations of the Navy and NCIS, devastating Gibbs and his team. “The episode begins more slowly than many NCIS episodes, but plays with viewers’ emotions,” said Yahoo TV. “The viewer learns of the vulnerabilities of the entire team, then is reminded of the relationships between team members, and then is shocked to learn that any of those team members could be lost.” ✭✭✩

Season Premiere: Body of Proof (TV2, 9.30, 5.1) A suspicious accident in a quiet cul-de-sac reminds Megan that things are not always as they seem. “The second season of Body of Proof kicked off with a not so subtle homage to Dana Delany’s past on Desperate Housewives,” TV Fanatic said. “Indeed, ‘Love Thy Neighbor’ pushed Megan into the middle of a cul-de-sac community full of swinging couples, financial scams, and suburban drug labs.” ✭✭✩