What's On TV

SATURDAY 2/13 National Geographic Dolphins - The Wild Side (NBC, 8-9 p.m.): A marvelous documentary that takes us though wondrous seascapes and shows us the real life of wild dolphins - none of whom are quite the cuddly creatures they are often made out to be. Survival in the ocean is serious business requiring cunning and a complex social structure. Hunting and mating rituals demonstrate their intelligence and ingenuity - but may warrant parental discretion or discussion. (TV-G)

Great Books - 'Lord of the Flies' (The Learning Channel, 10-11 p.m.): In 1954, William Golding wrote a provocative and influential book that analyzed human nature by focusing on the group mentality of schoolboys marooned on an island. This engaging and profound special, narrated by Donald Sutherland, uses interviews with literary experts, film clips, and current events to bring this fable to life.

SUNDAY 2/14 Daytona 500 (CBS, 12 noon-4 p.m.): For those who dare to strap their couch belts for mile-after-mile action there will be plenty of vroooom. Motor sports' marquee event will flag off this season's Winston Cup campaign. Going for the checkered flag are big names like Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, and Dale Earnhardt.

TV's Most Romantic Couples (AMC, 8:30-9 p.m.): In honor of Valentine's Day, Romance Classics runs down TV's most loving couples. Winners include Ralph and Alice ("The Honeymooners"), Lucy and Ricky ("I Love Lucy"), and Vincent and Catherine ("Beauty and the Beast"). (TV-14)

Deep In My Heart (CBS, 9-11 p.m.): Inspired by the real story of a biracial child - this drama is about the quest for identity in a teary environment of rage and love. Barbara is a black child, born to a white woman, a victim of rape. She starts her life in an adopted home, and is forced into a foster home with white parents. She grows up, moves out, gets married, and has kids. Encouraged by her doctor, she sets out and finds her real mother in a tearful reunion. The solid cast includes Gloria Reuben ("ER"), Anne Bancroft, and Lynn Whitfield. (TV-PG)

Stephen King's 'Storm of the Century' (ABC, 9-11 p.m.): Stephen King's dark thriller concerns a small town in crisis - when an evil stranger with supernatural powers arrives and kills several citizens (see story above). Parts 2 and 3 air Monday and Thursday nights. (TV-14, V)

MONDAY 2/15 First Dogs (Discovery, 8-9 p.m.): From Fala to Yuki (pictured) to Millie and now Buddy, these adorable presidential pooches have all lived in the same white house on Pennsylvania Ave. at some point in their lives. And each one has an interesting tale to tell. Narrated by Kelsey Grammer, this entertaining special on the presidents' four-legged friends is based on the book by Rowan and Brooke Janis.

WEDNESDAY 2/17 The Artists' Specials: Degas and the Dancer (HBO, 7-8 p.m.): This one-hour program kicks off a new series of family specials, which focus on an influential artist and a young person. "Degas and the Dancer" tells the story of a fictional encounter between Edgar Degas (Thomas Jay Ryan) and Marie (Alison Pill), a young ballerina, who becomes his model. A fun and educational story about the struggles of two artists both striving to make their dreams come true. (TV-G)

THURSDAY 2/18 ER (NBC, 10-11 p.m.): In this highly anticipated episode, George Clooney checks out of the ER after five seasons as Dr. Ross. (TV-PG)