’No Good Deed:’ A Tale of Lust, Greed, Anger, Jealousy, Guilt, Courage, and Redemption

Netflix’s “No Good Deed,” created by Liz Feldman, is a dizzying, twisted dark domestic dramedy. With an exploration of grief, marital woes, and the cutthroat world of Los Angeles real estate, this series captures a volatile emotional landscape where every decision seems to lead to chaos. While the narrative isn’t afraid to lean into melodrama, the strength of the show lies in its cast —particularly Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano — whose performances bring familiar comfort, humor, and pathos to what could otherwise be a lackluster story: a tale of lust, greed, anger, jealousy, guilt, courage, and redemption.

A Rollercoaster of Emotional Twists

At its core, “No Good Deed “ follows Lydia Morgan (Lisa Kudrow), a former concert pianist who, after the tragic death of her son due to gun violence, is struggling to keep her sanity intact while navigating a crumbling marriage and the tedious process of selling her “dream home.” As Lydia contemplates the sale, she’s drawn into an increasingly convoluted situation where nothing is quite as it seems. The story quickly spirals from a seemingly straightforward real estate transaction into a dark comedy about deceit, secrets, and the lengths people will go to avoid facing their past. What’s real? What’s a product of grief? Who’s manipulating whom? It’s a fast-paced ride that delivers a combination of black humor and emotional drama — and doesn’t slow down until the credits roll.

The Quirky Realtor, Flickering Lights, and Hidden Rooms

One of the more intriguing aspects of “No Good Deed” is the addition of a quirky, over-the-top realtor who continually raises his commission as the stakes increase. Played with comedic flair, his bizarre antics serve as a darkly funny commentary on the greed and absurdity of the Los Angeles real estate market. As Lydia’s house stays on the market, more peculiarities emerge, heightening the suspense. The flickering lights, the night prowlers, the nosy neighbor on the “Citizen app,” the eerie atmosphere of the house, and the discovery of a hidden room all contribute to the unsettling vibe that runs throughout the series. These elements not only increase the tension but also symbolize the hidden truths of the characters’ lives, waiting to be uncovered—much like the “skeletons” Lydia and her various potential buyers are not disclosing.

A Cast of Potential Buyers and their Secret Lives

“No Good Deed” introduces a motley crew of eccentric characters, each wanting the house for different reasons, adding layers of intrigue and competition. Among the buyers are the “not-so-celebrity” couple across the street, an intergenerational couple with secrets up their sleeves, a baby on the way, a loud mother-in-law with four cats from New York, and two married women who have been desperately trying to have a baby. As each contender vies for the property, their motivations and the secrets they hold slowly come to light, intertwining with Lydia’s own grief and emotional unraveling.

The competing buyers—each with their own desires, neuroses, and backstories— are a lot to wrap your head around. The competition for the house becomes not just about property, but about the life each buyer is trying to create — or escape. As their stories intersect with Lydia’s, the series takes on a deeper emotional resonance.

Kudrow and Romano Steal the Show

One of the series’ greatest strengths is the chemistry between Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano. Both actors are best known for their iconic TV roles — Kudrow as the quirky Phoebe Buffay on “Friends”, and Romano as the neurotic Raymond Barone on “Everybody Loves Raymond” —but in “No Good Deed,” they subvert expectations with more nuanced performances.

Kudrow’s Lydia is a portrait of a woman under extreme pressure. She juggles grief and guilt with the demands of a pressing real estate transaction, all while trying to hold her family — and her sanity — together. Her ability to balance humor and vulnerability draws you deep into Lydia’s emotional turmoil. It’s a role that demands emotional depth, which Kudrow handles with ease.

Romano, playing Paul Morgan, is a revelation. As a grieving father and brother grappling with sibling rivalry, Paul’s interactions with Lydia and his brother Mikey (Dennis Leary) are restrained, supportive, secretive, and angry. Romano gives Paul a grounded complexity that adds richness to the character. While Kudrow and Romano are the heart of the series, the supporting cast also brings significant depth. The ensemble — including Dennis Leary, Luke Wilson, Linda Cardellini, Teyonah Parris, Abbi Jacobson, and Poppy Liu—adds more layers to the already tangled web of secrets.

A Chaotic Mystery

“Where No Good Deed” truly excels is in its unpredictability. Feldman has mastered the art of the narrative twist, and here, she stretches the thin premise of a real estate transaction into a whirlwind of deception and emotional chaos. As more and more twists pile on top of one another, the story feels like a dark mystery, interspersed with moments of absurd dark humor.

Unpredictability

The show’s biggest strength is its performances. Kudrow and Romano anchor the series with their acting prowess, keeping up with over-the-top twists and chaotic pacing. Additionally, Feldman’s ability to blend humor with darker, more intense moments is a highlight.

Overwrought at Times

Despite its strengths, “No Good Deed” does have its flaws. The story at times becomes overcomplicated, with too many twists and turns that detract from the emotional depth of the characters and their emotional arcs. For fans of Feldman’s “Dead to Me” and those who appreciate chaotic, twist-laden storytelling, “No Good Deed” offers a compelling narrative with what seems like a redemption arc towards the end. Their house does get sold. It proves that even the most good-intentioned actions can spiral into unexpected—and sometimes catastrophic — consequences.

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With one foot in Huntsville, Alabama, the other in her birth home India, and a heart steeped in humanity, writing is a contemplative practice for Monita Soni. She has published hundreds of poems, movie reviews, book critiques, and essays and contributed to combined literary works. Her two books are My Light Reflections and Flow through My Heart. You can hear her commentaries on Sundial Writers Corner WLRH 89.3FM.