In the opulent enclave of Los Feliz, the Morgan family's decision to part with their charming 1920s Spanish-style villa triggers a cascade of revelations, peeling away the veneer of their ostensibly impeccable existence. The premiere episode of Netflix's dark comedy series, "No Good Deed," titled "Open House," introduces viewers to an intricate tapestry of characters, each entwined in secrets ripe for unearthing.
Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano portray Lydia and Paul Morgan, a conjugal duo carrying the weight of a harrowing past. Their son, Jacob, met an untimely and enigmatic demise within the confines of their abode, transforming it from a haven into a cage of bittersweet memories. Lydia, entranced by nostalgia, grapples with relinquishing the home that harbors recollections of her children, whereas Paul, driven by an unseen imperative, yearns to sever ties with the past. Their relationship is strained by conflicting desires; Lydia's reluctance to let go stands in stark contrast to Paul's fervent wish to escape.
The open house becomes a stage for a medley of prospective buyers, each harboring their own ambitions and deceitful schemes. Luke Wilson stars as J.D., an unemployed soap opera actor whose financial woes propel him to resort to any means necessary to sustain his wife's affluent lifestyle. Linda Cardellini plays Margo, a conniving spouse who betrays her husband's trust and schemes to flip the Morgan house in cahoots with her lover, Gwen. Their tumultuous relationship injects an extra layer of suspense and potential turmoil into the unfolding saga.
Another couple, **Carla (Teyonah Parris)** and **Dennis (O-T Fagbenle)**, eagerly await the arrival of their firstborn, finding themselves inexplicably drawn to the Morgan residence. Dennis, a devoted son still tied to his mother's apron strings, introduces **Denise (Anna Maria Horsford)** into their equation, stirring friction with his wife, Carla. Denise's proposition to fund the house in exchange for cohabitation with the young family encounters stiff opposition from Carla, who is just beginning to grasp the profound bond Dennis shares with his mother.
The third duo, **Leslie (Abbi Jacobson)** and **Sarah (Poppy Liu)**, a lesbian couple who have abandoned IVF treatments, also consider the home. Sarah detects "sinister vibrations" emanating from the house, while Leslie, fueled by her relentless curiosity, is bent on uncovering its hidden mysteries. Leslie's reckless actions, including her bold decision to trespass on the Morgan property, pave the way for the unraveling of the Morgans' meticulously crafted illusion.
As the episode unfolds, the arrival of **Mikey (Denis Leary)**, Paul's estranged brother fresh from prison, injects an additional layer of tension into the mix. Mikey, demanding $80,000 from Paul, is not merely a creditor but a complicit player in the suppression of Jacob's death. His menacing threats and violent tendencies elevate the stakes for the Morgans, who are now compelled to confront the past they have been fleeing with all their might.
The episode concludes with a flurry of revelations and ominous signs. Lydia, unable to sever her ties to her son's memory, communicates with what she believes is Jacob's spirit through the flickering lights in his room. Meanwhile, Paul, in a moment of sheer desperation, conceals a handgun within Lydia's piano, a weapon potentially linked to their son's demise.
"Open House" stands as a virtuoso performance in setting the stage for a dark comedy thriller. It introduces an ensemble of characters whose fates are intricately intertwined and whose secrets are destined to clash. While the premiere episode may not provide all the answers, it certainly leaves viewers with a palpable sense of foreboding and an insatiable thirst for the truth lurking beneath the serene facade of Derby Drive.
