Storage Hunters

Once in a Lifetime is a one‑off drama episode that aired as part of the “High Stakes” anthology series. It stars John Doe as the smooth‑talking buyer Brandon and Jane Smith as his equally sharp partner Lori, with Tom Brown and Emily White playing the rival duo Scott and Chrissy. The whole thing is set in a cramped auction house where a faulty, “deadly” bin—essentially a malfunctioning electronic bidding device—has everyone on edge. Think of it as a cross between the tension of “The Apprentice” and the claustrophobia of “12 Angry Men”, but with a modern tech twist. The episode kicks off with the bin glitching mid‑sale, causing bids to disappear and prices to skyrocket. As the clock ticks, Brandon and Lori try to out‑maneuver Scott and Chrissy, each side pulling every trick from psychological warfare to outright bluffing. The day builds to a fever pitch, with the auctioneer’s gavel becoming a metronome for panic. By the time the final lot hits the floor, the four characters are locked in a do‑or‑die showdown that feels part thriller, part courtroom drama, without ever spilling the beans on who actually wins. Honestly, it’s a mixed bag. The premise is surprisingly good and the dialogue snaps along nicely—especially when the rivals start trading barbs that feel ripped straight from a high‑stakes poker table. On the downside, the pacing drags a bit in the middle, and the “deadly bin” effect looks a touch ropy by today’s standards. Still, if you enjoy character‑driven tension and can forgive a few dated visual tricks, it’s worth a watch. Plus, the chemistry between Doe and Smith is proper engaging, even if the supporting cast occasionally falls into cliché. Rated 15 for moderate language and some intense moments; there’s no graphic violence, but the constant pressure can be a bit mental for younger viewers. This was the first terrestrial showing of the episode, and while it doesn’t quite reach the heights of classic auction dramas like “The Art of the Deal”, it offers a decent, bite‑sized thrill for a rainy evening.