‘No Good Deed’ is the captivating mystery comedy ideal for a holiday break
Looking for something chewy, scrumptious, and unexpected to enjoy this holiday season? Netflix has just the perfect offering, and there’s no need for a cleanup afterward!
Produced by Liz Feldman, a writer known for “Dead to Me,” and featuring a stellar cast of beloved TV stars, “No Good Deed” (currently streaming, ★★★½ out of four) is bound to be your next binge-worthy selection. This series shares the same quirky and darkly comic vibe as Feldman’s previous Emmy-winning black comedy, “Deed,” and takes you through a maze of deception, peril, and the challenges of the Los Angeles real estate scene.
This series shines both as a mystery and as a thoughtful exploration of marriage and relationships, revealing how much we can endure when it comes to lies and emotional wounds. With clever scriptwriting, a compelling ensemble, and plenty of humorous moments, it creates a satisfying experience conveying complex themes in an engaging way.
The plot revolves around various characters intricately connected by a stunning Spanish-style residence from the 1920s located in the upscale neighborhood of Los Feliz in Los Angeles. The sellers, Lydia (Lisa Kudrow) and Paul (Ray Romano), are a quarrelsome couple grappling with financial issues and carrying a dark secret.
On the buyers’ side, we meet Sarah (Poppy Liu) and Leslie (Abbi Jacobson), a high-powered couple hoping to fill the void left by infertility with this purchase; Carla (Teyonah Parris) and Dennis (O-T Fagbenle), who are looking for a larger space before their baby arrives; JD (Luke Wilson) and Margo (Linda Cardellini), who seek to downsize as they navigate unemployment and financial strain; and Mikey (Denis Leary), an unwelcome visitor from Lydia and Paul’s past who shows up at the open house under dubious pretenses.
The high-stakes world of real estate provides an exciting backdrop for a tale involving potential murder, chaos, and meddling in-laws, allowing for unexpected visits while chaos ensues—how convenient for hiding a body!
“Deed” features a plethora of characters and competing offers, but Feldman’s ability to intertwine diverse narratives into a cohesive storyline is remarkable. If you feel overwhelmed after just one episode, have faith in the journey. By the series’ conclusion, all the mysteries are unravelled, and you’ll be left feeling your time spent binge-watching was worthwhile.
Feldman’s impressive storytelling is bolstered by a stellar cast featuring beloved actors from “Friends,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Freaks and Geeks,” and “Rescue Me.” While the iconic Gen X characters shine, the younger actors, especially Jacobson and Fagbenle, bring an especially delightful comedic flair to the show.
With numerous plot twists and turns, it’s challenging to delve into specifics without sharing spoilers. However, one thing is certain—this series is never dull.
If indeed no good deed goes unpunished, Netflix might have a future debt to pay for delivering such an outstanding show right when we all need a cozy binge-watch on the couch.
While it may not resolve your concerns about your relationship dynamics or housing situation, you will certainly find it entertaining.