Photo credit: www.tvinsider.com
[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for No Good Deed, Season 1.]
Netflix’s latest offering, No Good Deed, crafted by Liz Feldman, features a talented ensemble cast while exploring the complexities of family dynamics amidst grief and hidden truths. The narrative centers around a couple, Sarah (Poppy Liu) and Leslie (Abbi Jacobson), who are actively searching for their dream home as they navigate fertility challenges.
As Sarah and Leslie face obstacles related to IVF, they also become intrigued by the mysterious circumstances surrounding the Morgans, Paul (Ray Romano) and Lydia (Lisa Kudrow), who are embroiled in a competitive housing market. The plot thickens when it is revealed that the Morgans’ son tragically lost his life due to an incident involving their daughter, who mistakenly believed her brother was an intruder.
The pivotal twist later unveils that Margo (Linda Cardellini), a neighbor, was responsible for firing a bullet just seconds before the Morgans’ daughter acted. This revelation explains why the couple delayed listing their house for three years, aiming to avoid disclosing their son’s death in legal paperwork.
Leslie, who practices law, is determined to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, Sarah utilizes Leslie’s findings as leverage to deter rival buyers from pursuing the property further. In discussing her role, Liu shares her criteria for selecting projects, emphasizing the importance of compelling scripts and collaboration with inspired filmmakers. She commends Feldman’s unique blend of drama and comedy, noting that it strikes a pleasing balance.
As a mother herself, Liu expresses a growing sensitivity to darker themes. “With my child now, I feel much more delicate about watching true crime content. Feldman’s work maintains a captivating essence of mystery without veering into unrelenting darkness,” she reflects.
An unexpected aspect of Sarah’s character comes to light as she is revealed to be a doctor who assists in delivering a baby for fellow buyers Carla (Teyonah Parris) and Dennis (O-T Fagbenle). Liu explains her approach to portraying her character’s secrets, stating, “While Sarah holds certain aspects of her life back from her wife, these elements are not mysteries for her; they are part of her reality.”
Interestingly, Liu notes that she and Jacobson did not meet until the table read, highlighting the filmmaker’s confidence in casting without traditional chemistry tests. “Abbi was already on board when I was cast. Our first interaction was at the table read, which I find quite bold and impressive,” she says.
Ultimately, Sarah and Leslie use their investigative insights to successfully reveal the tragic history of the Morgan residence, securing their desired home. However, Liu feels that the story wraps up satisfactorily. “I find it rather refreshing in the current landscape of multi-season shows to see a narrative that feels complete in a single installment,” she observes.
For now, Sarah’s journey culminates in what seems to be a joyful ending, as the finale hints at her pregnancy with a baby boy. With various interpretations on the potential for future seasons, the question remains: Should No Good Deed continue to explore these characters, or is the first season a fitting conclusion? Viewers can stream No Good Deed on Netflix and weigh in with their opinions.
No Good Deed, Streaming now, Netflix
Source
www.tvinsider.com