‘No Good Deed’ Review – Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano Make a Bidding War Chaotically Pleasing in Netflix Dark Comedy

Team projects are rare these days – and that sets aside many Marvel titles with superhero crossovers or crossovers Knives outStar-studded secrets. What we’re really talking about is Garry Marshall– Such as productions, which are comedies that use a particular holiday or theme as a backdrop for a group of people on parallel journeys to cross paths. Although some of these films were more successful than others, it’s interesting to see many of the storylines play out with an invisible thread tying them together. It’s that thing Liz FeldmanCreator Dead to mewhich she was able to do in her latest series for Netflix, No good job. Using Los Angeles real estate as her inspiration, Feldman designed A dark comedy that revolves around three families who try to summon dibs on a listing they consider to be their dream homeonly to discover that beneath the shiny walls of a 1920s Spanish-style villa lies an unsolved murder.

What is “No Good Deed” about?

lydia (Lisa Kudrow(And Paul Morgan)Ray Romano) They have been stuck in the past ever since their son was shot three years ago in a robbery gone wrong. In an attempt to move forward, The couple decides to put their house on the marketand the first open house attracts the attention of many potential buyers. From the moment Leslie Fisher (Abbi Jacobson) and her partner Sarah Weber (Poppy Leo) set foot on the Los Feliz property, and were amazed by how well the place matched their vision board. After leaving IVF, their goal is to use their savings to find a place they can call home. However, there are two other families vying for the mansion, including soon-to-be parents Carla Owens (Teyonah parris(and Dennis Sampson)OT Fagbenle), as well as washed-up TV star J.D. Campbell (Luke Wilson) and his social climbing wife, Margo Starling (Linda Cardellini).

While they’re all pushing to get their bid approved, the Morgans aren’t done working with Paul’s brother, Mickey (Denis Leary). The latter is out of prison now and needs financial help to get his life back to normal. After he blackmailed them into handing over more than $80,000, Lydia and Paul take drastic measures to ensure Mickey remains silent About what really happened the night their son died. As the pair do their best to prevent Mickey from revealing his secrets, the audience is fed more and more clues as to who the killer is and why the Morgans are so reluctant to let the truth come out.

Lisa Kudrow adds nuance to ‘No Good Deed’

Netflix’s latest black comedy balances dry wit and sadness in a meaningful way (Very similar Dead to me), with the main couple mourning the loss of their child. Although Paul keeps his struggle to himself, Lydia is a living embodiment of sadness and despair. She has barely left home and her career as a virtuoso pianist is no longer in control, her hands shaking when someone asks why she hasn’t touched the instrument for so long. Lisa Kudrow shows off her acting skills hereyou play a character who is devastated by the thought of never seeing Jacob (White Opry) again and is unsure whether giving up her possessions is synonymous with giving up the memories she holds. in spite of friends Alum is often known for her impeccable comedic timing and performances in No good job She also displays her talent in emotional roles.

Related to

Lisa Kudrow explains how a direct message from Taika Waititi landed her a role in Time Bandits

Before accepting the offer to perform in Time Bandits, Kudrow asked Waititi, “Am I the piñata, or do you want to go with me to the piñata party?”

yet, The depth of Lydia’s arc is somewhat superior to that of her on-screen partner. Paul, played by Romano, is hurting, but his complicated relationship with Mickey prevents the viewer from delving deeper into his grief journey. When the character finally takes a trip down memory lane while wandering through his late son’s room, it’s not a difficult moment, given that the buildup hasn’t been filled with more foreboding glimpses. If there is one place where No good job Rather, it falters in giving equal weight to Lydia’s and Paul’s grief processes, even when they differ.

No Good Deed embraces the series’ sarcastic humor

Despite this, No good job It is a prime example of a properly executed ensemble piece. The three couples involved in a bidding war help establish the satirical tone of the series, as some of them challenge their moral compasses in order to lay claim to the dreamy property. It’s funny to watch Leslie and Sarah become immersed in the traditions surrounding the Morgan family home, trespassing and prying to uncover the secrets the owners work tirelessly to hide. It’s also impossible not to be drawn to Cardellini’s Margowhose web of lies makes her personality difficult to decipher. Even though she is married to a wealthy actor and constantly spends his salary on high-end purses, she is never satisfied. Watching Cardellini in a role is the complete opposite Dead to meGentle and nurturing, Judy Hale is an undeniable delight.

Overall, Feldman’s latest project builds on aspects of her previous Netflix series by once again using comedy as a vehicle to examine grief. Despite this commonality between the two shows, the creator has managed to expand into new territory by incorporating a new angle and relying on a packed cast to keep the story mostly interesting throughout its eight-episode run. With rewarding performances (especially from Kudrow and Cardellini) and a murder mystery that deeply examines character flaws, No good job It evokes the nostalgic feelings of a Garry Marshall movie but with a darker comedic edge. Her satirical look at buying and selling a Los Angeles mansion makes the journey harrowing, messy, and exhilarating in equal measure.

No good job Premieres December 12 on Netflix.

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No good job

review

Liz Feldman’s latest black comedy builds on the successful formula of Dead to Me while using real estate to push the characters to the edge.

Pros

• The series distinguishes itself by using real estate as its focal point.
• Lisa Kudrow’s portrayal of the experience of grief adds nuance to the comedy.
• No Good Deed is a piece of music that allows each character to be multi-faceted.

cons

• The series could have focused more on the contrast between Lydia and Paul’s grief journeys.
• The pace of events falters in the middle of the film, and approaches the last two episodes.

Watch on Netflix