Storage Wars: Texas

is a one‑off episode of the British anthology series that aired on BBC Two last week. It stars Emma Thompson as Mary, a sharp‑tongued auction‑house assistant, and Claire Hughes as Jenny, the newly appointed manager of a struggling charity. The supporting cast includes a mysterious newcomer played by Idris Khan, whose presence throws the whole operation into chaos. The story kicks off when Mary drags her enigmatic friend to a high‑stakes auction for a priceless portrait. While the bidders haggle, Jenny decides to gamble on a “bold new strategy” – she tries to sell the charity’s own assets on the spot, hoping a quick windfall will save the organisation from closure. The episode weaves the tension of the auction floor with flash‑backs that hint at why the stranger is so keen on the painting, all while the staff scramble to keep their heads above water. Honestly, it’s not a masterpiece, but it’s surprisingly good for a single‑hour drama. The pacing drags a bit in the middle, and the set‑design feels a touch dated, but the chemistry between Thompson and Hughes is proper lively. Think of it as a cross between the witty banter of The Vicar of Dibley and the under‑current intrigue of Broadchurch – a modest but enjoyable blend. Rated 15 for occasional strong language and mild tension. There’s a brief scene of a heated argument that could be unsettling for younger viewers. This is the first terrestrial showing of the episode; it originally aired on the streaming service a year ago, so if you missed it there, it’s worth a look – just don’t expect a slick, modern production.