In the wake of the critically acclaimed film Knives Out, the television landscape has seen a surge of murder mysteries featuring starry ensembles and witty dialogue. Netflix’s No Good Deed is the latest entry in this genre, offering a twisty tale of deceit, betrayal, and hidden secrets amidst the backdrop of a high-stakes real estate market.
No Good Deed
The story revolves around Lydia (Lisa Kudrow) and Paul (Ray Romano), a wealthy couple selling their 1920s villa in the affluent Los Angeles neighborhood of Los Feliz. Three families are vying to purchase the house, each driven by their own motivations and secrets. There’s Leslie (Abbi Jacobson) and Sarah (Poppy Liu), a married couple navigating their IVF journey; Carla (Teyonah Parris), Dennis (O-T Fagbenle), and his mother Denise (Anna Maria Horsford), a newlywed couple with a hidden past; and JD (Luke Wilson) and Margo (Linda Cardellini), a soap star and his glamorous wife with their own skeletons in the closet.
As the bidding war intensifies, the characters’ secrets begin to unravel, leading to a series of unexpected twists and turns. Lydia and Paul, plagued by their own personal demons, are caught in a web of lies and deceit, making it difficult to distinguish between friend and foe.
No Good Deed is billed as a dark comedy, but the tone often veers between lighthearted humor and somber drama. The performances are generally strong, with Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano delivering convincing performances as the disillusioned couple at the center of the story. Cardellini and Wilson shine in their supporting roles, bringing a welcome dose of comic relief with their over-the-top characters.
The series boasts a fast-paced narrative, with each episode packed with plot twists and revelations that keep viewers engaged. However, the comedic elements sometimes clash with the darker undertones, leading to an uneven tonal balance. Additionally, some plotlines feel underdeveloped, leaving unanswered questions and unresolved storylines.
Despite its occasional inconsistencies, No Good Deed is an entertaining and engaging mystery thriller. The performances are solid, the story is intriguing, and the twists and turns keep you guessing until the very end. While it may not reach the heights of Knives Out, it’s a worthy addition to the genre and a fun watch for fans of soapy dramas and murder mysteries.
No Good Deed is a decent mystery thriller with its share of strengths and weaknesses. It boasts a talented cast, a fast-paced narrative, and a few surprising twists. However, it also suffers from tonal inconsistencies and some underdeveloped plotlines. Overall, it’s an enjoyable binge-worthy series that’s worth checking out if you’re looking for a lighthearted mystery with a touch of dark humor.
