Hardcore Pawn

The Million Dollar Deal – Part One is a two‑part TV episode that first aired on terrestrial TV last night. It stars Karen (the sharp‑tongued host) and Bobby J (her ever‑loyal sidekick), with a cameo from a creepy ventriloquist and an irate mixed‑martial‑arts fighter who’s not shy about throwing punches. Think of it as a cheeky blend of “Psych” and a low‑budget “The Twilight Zone” – a mystery wrapped in a bit of slap‑stick. In this half‑hour instalment the ventriloquist’s act goes horribly wrong, leaving Karen and Bobby J utterly speechless – literally, the dummy takes over the conversation. Meanwhile, the MMA fighter, who’s been nursing a grudge, decides Byron is the perfect target for a sudden, brutal swing. The tension builds as the duo scramble to keep the deal from collapsing, and the episode ends on a cliffhanger that makes you want to see how the fallout is sorted. Honestly, it’s not a masterpiece, but it’s surprisingly good fun if you enjoy campy, over‑the‑top drama. The pacing drags a bit in the middle and the special effects look a touch ropy by today’s standards, yet the banter between Karen and Bobby J is genuinely witty. It feels a bit dated, but that’s part of its charm – a proper throwback to early‑2000s TV thrillers. Fair warning: rated TV‑14 for moderate violence, occasional strong language and a few unsettling ventriloquist moments. First terrestrial showing, so expect a few commercial breaks. If you can overlook the cheap set pieces, it’s an entertaining hour of guilty‑pleasure.