Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop Edition

Rock‑Et to Me! is a cheeky little episode of the cult‑classic series Allen & Ton, starring the ever‑lovable duo Allen (played by Mark Whitaker) and Ton (Sarah O’Leary). The pair have been running a run‑down pawn shop in their hometown, and when business starts to look as bleak as a rainy Tuesday, they decide to hitch a ride to Hollywood in the hope of finding some “stock” – literally and figuratively – to keep the shop’s doors open. Think of it as a cross between The Fresh Prince of Bel‑Air meets a low‑budget Midnight Run, with a dash of slap‑stick road‑trip charm. The episode follows Allen and Ton as they crash a series of Hollywood set‑pieces, from a glittery movie premiere to a chaotic prop warehouse. Along the way they meet a washed‑up stuntman, a pretentious indie director, and a surprisingly helpful security guard who’s more interested in vintage arcade machines than celebrity gossip. Their quest for a rare, priceless jukebox becomes a mad scramble through back‑lot corridors, with plenty of misunderstandings and a few heartfelt moments that remind you why the pair work so well together. No major spoilers, but expect a couple of near‑misses that could’ve gone very badly – and they do. Honestly, it’s not a masterpiece, but it’s surprisingly good for a one‑off TV outing. The humour leans heavily on British‑American cultural clashes, which can feel a bit forced at times, and the pacing drags in the middle when the script leans on lazy clichés. Still, the chemistry between Whitaker and O’Leary is proper, and the cameo by veteran actor Terry McDonagh adds a nice touch of nostalgia. If you enjoy light‑hearted, slightly dated road comedies with a dash of Hollywood satire, give it a go; otherwise, you might find it a bit mental. Rated PG‑13 for mild language, occasional drug references and a few suggestive jokes. First terrestrial broadcast this Thursday at 9 pm on Channel 4, it’s part of the series’ third season – a stand‑alone episode, so you don’t need to have seen the earlier antics. Fair warning: the set design looks a bit ropy by today’s standards, but the charm more than makes up for it.