What does "No Good Deed" entail? Well, delving into its narrative without violating the spoilers' embargo that Netflix has imposed on reviewers is a tricky endeavor. Imagine an empty-nest married duo, Paul and Lydia, portrayed by the seasoned sitcom veterans Ray Romano and Lisa Kudrow. They find themselves entangled in an endeavor to sell an exquisite LA abode, while simultaneously concealing some sinister secrets buried within its walls.
Three couples have cast covetous glances upon this house: JD, a fading soap star (Luke Wilson), and his cunning trophy wife, Margo (Linda Cardellini); Carla (Teyonah Parris), an architect expecting a bundle of joy, and her spouse, Dennis (O-T Fagbenle), a writer; and Sarah (Poppy Liu), a physician, and her wife, Leslie (Abbi Jacobson), an attorney. Each member of these couples harbors secrets from their respective partners, which are gradually unveiled across the series' eight-episode season, premiering on Thursday on Netflix. Additionally, Denis Leary adds another layer of complexity to the mix.
Now, let me share a bit more: It's sheer delight. Often, when a cast boasts an array of renowned names, one might feel that all the financial resources were funneled into paying their salaries, leaving little for the script. Fortunately, "No Good Deed" stems from the creative mind of Liz Feldman, who previously crafted "Dead to Me," featuring Cardellini, about the bond forged between two women after one of them accidentally kills the other's husband in a hit-and-run incident. Feldman excels in navigating the nuances of dark comedy, and "No Good Deed" is precisely that—a blend that's either astonishing or utterly predictable, given the central role of a real estate transaction in the unfolding drama.
Cardellini, embodying a stereotype-laden character, stands out amidst this ensemble of powerhouse performers. She portrays Margo as scheming without resorting to melodramatic antics to convey her cunning nature. Her attempts to curry favor with Lydia, who loathes her, culminate in one of the show's most hilarious gags, which I shall refrain from disclosing here. Suffice it to say that the interplay between these two characters yields substantial rewards. Cardellini excels at landing a joke, while Kudrow knows precisely how to respond, enhancing the comedic synergy between them.
Kudrow shines brightly in her role, standing out as a central figure whose enigmatic relationship with Romano forms the core mystery of the show. It's permissible to assert that their dynamic is what draws viewers in, and Kudrow impressively maintains a grounded demeanor amidst the show's whimsical storyline. It's now intriguing to recall that she first captured the public's attention as a ditzy character on "Friends," for in her current role, she often delivers her funniest moments through succinct lines that cleverly reveal her superiority in intelligence over her conversation partners. "No Good Deed" is abundant with such witty remarks from her.
In contrast, Romano struggles a bit with fewer jokes to lean on. Furthermore, Ray Romano seems the least likely to have grown up in California, yet he brings a fitting sense of weariness to his character. Together, the duo infuses their portrayal of a long-married couple with a profound sense of soul as they grapple with questions about their continued meaning for each other while attempting to sell the home where they raised their children. It's impossible not to be enchanted by the casting of this particular pair, considering their distinctive places in pop culture.
The performances of the other couples, as integral parts of this vast ensemble, display a diverse range of prowess. Sarah and Leslie, unfortunately, receive slightly less limelight compared to their peers, which is a pity indeed, given that both Jacobson and Liu possess remarkable comedic talents. Dennis and Carla, on the other hand, find themselves constantly wrestling with the dominating shadow cast by Dennis's mother, Denise (played by Anna-Marie Horsford). Moreover, the fact that a woman named Denise chose to name her sole offspring Dennis subtly reveals her complex attitude towards him.
Parris, perhaps most recognized by audiences for her portrayal of Monica in “The Marvels” and “WandaVision,” delivers fresh and captivating reactions of dawning horror as she gradually uncovers the startling closeness between her new husband and his mother. Wilson shines as a slightly oblivious, fading actor who has overly indulged in purchasing an enormous house equipped with modern appliances that bewilder him.
The extent to which nearly all these characters are concealing numerous life-altering secrets from their spouses stretches credibility, even for a show with such an exaggerated tone. “No Good Deed” races through its plot at breakneck speed, occasionally leading to a sense of dragging, as new mysteries, no matter how intriguing, can never fully satisfy the audience's thirst for answers. Yet, despite this, it remains an entertaining and enjoyable journey.
