Netflix's "No Good Deed," showcases the tension and humor found in an open house event for an upscale home, materialized by creator Liz Feldman's genius narrative design. Along with the black comedy, the affluent people and their secret lives resemble a real-life game of "Clue," playing out in southern California's luxury real estate market.
Linda Cardellini, famous for her role in Feldman's previous series "Dead to Me," stars as a woman whose backstory remains undisclosed, along with Ray Romano and Lisa Kudrow as a couple planning to sell their LA mansion. Intricacies unravel as the story progresses, balancing the solid premise with an addictive balance of surprising elements, ensuring a captivating watch throughout its eight-episode run.
Romano's character Paul, a contractor, Kudrow's Lydia, a pianist, reside in Los Feliz, a soon-to-be-renamed plush neighborhood. As a childless couple in need of cash, it's plausible they would want to sell their family home for profit. But when long-lost character Mikey, played by Denis Leary, comes to blackmail them over hidden secrets, the series takes a thrilling turn, throwing light on the couple's true intentions behind selling their old home.
While Netflix has restricted any disclosure of the complete story, the cut-off for legal disclosure of on-property death is a key element, adding to the suspense. As the series progresses, significant answers trickle through, shaping the narrative and throwing light on the family and its dynamics, bringing the focus back to the crux of the story – a grieving family.
"No Good Deed" prudently combines comedy and drama, representing both ends of the spectrum, and hence, allowing Kudrow and Romano to showcase their dramatic acumen. Furthermore, the show smartly satirizes materialistic yuppies, their real estate hoodwinks, and the emotionally haunting journey of selling a home filled with memories.
The plot twist and reveal candidness keep the audience engaged, proving that truth is indeed more potent than secrets, and further emphasizing the psychological value a home holds. As it stands, Netflix's "No Good Deed" is a masterful blend of narrative unfolding, well-tied humor, and heartfelt performances, indeed worth the watch. All eight episodes are available for streaming on Netflix now.
