Netflix’s ‘No Good Deed’ Is Lisa Kudrow’s Best Role Yet

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  • Will There Be a ‘No Good Deed’ Season 2?

As a longtime fan of suspenseful dramas and dark comedies, I was absolutely captivated by “No Good Deed” from the very first episode. The show masterfully combines elements of both genres, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats while also eliciting genuine laughter.

The performance of the main character, Lydia, portrayed brilliantly by the incredibly talented Connie Nielsen, was particularly noteworthy. Her ability to convey the complex emotions of a grieving mother, a troubled wife, and a strong-willed woman all at once was truly astounding.

What made her performance even more impressive was the depth of emotion that came from Lydia’s life experiences. Connie Nielsen brings a level of authenticity to the character that feels genuine and relatable, making it easy for viewers to empathize with her struggles and root for her successes.

The way the show delves into the darker aspects of human nature while still maintaining a touch of humor is reminiscent of shows like “The White Lotus.” However, “No Good Deed” stands out by focusing on the Morgan family’s tragic event and providing a satisfying conclusion for some characters, which is a refreshing change from the open-ended nature of anthology series.

If you’re looking for a show that will keep you guessing, make you laugh, and tug at your heartstrings, “No Good Deed” is definitely worth checking out. Just be warned – it might leave you wanting more! And remember, as they say in my hometown of Liverpool, “You can take the girl out of Merseyside, but you can’t take Merseyside out of the girl.” So, if you ever find yourself craving a good mystery with a side of humor and heart, give this show a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

I’ve always admired Lisa Kudrow, much like how one cherishes Jennifer Coolidge or Maya Rudolph, whose comedic prowess is so evident that any project they’re involved in instantly becomes a must-watch. This might be why creator Liz Feldman, known for her critically acclaimed shows like ‘Dead to Me,’ decided to cast Kudrow in her latest Netflix comedy, ‘No Good Deed.’ Besides Kudrow, the series boasts other remarkable talents such as Ray Romano and Linda Cardellini, who portrays the character Margo – a neighbor with a knack for being deliciously devious.

In a natural and easy-to-understand manner:

The actors in “No Good Deed” were required to maintain a rather complex emotional pitch since the series centers around Lydia and Paul, parents who are selling their house after their son was tragically killed there. Real life often leaves people unsure of how to communicate with those grieving, leading to awkward and at times comical interactions. Some of the most compelling scenes in the show involve Lydia and Paul reacting to others’ attempts to discuss their deceased son. Kudrow masterfully portrayed these moments, as well as the diverse range of feelings her character experienced. Known for her comedic talents on shows like “Friends” and “The Comeback,” or films such as “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion,” Kudrow has seldom been given a role that showcased her versatility quite like in “No Good Deed.

The Nuances Kudrow Brought to ‘No Good Deed’

Recently, Lisa Kudrow has been quite busy on TV, appearing in shows such as Taika Waititi’s “The Time Bandits” and Mae Martin’s “Feel Good.” Yet, it was her role in “No Good Deed” that reminded everyone of her exceptional talent. Lydia Morgan is a character who hasn’t been able to move past the death of her son due to her belief that if she stops missing him for even a moment, it’s as if she’s accepting that he’s not there. As the series progresses and reveals the identity of Jacob’s killer and the reasons behind the Morgans’ perceived guilt, Kudrow’s acting choices in the show take on new significance, proving just how powerful her performance was all along.

To give an example, Lydia was once a well-known concert pianist by reputation. But since her son passed away, she has struggled to play as she once did. On screen, Kudrow depicts this struggle through trembling hands whenever Lydia attempts to play or starts and then stops. At first, viewers may not grasp the reason for her behavior, but eventually it becomes clear that this is a manifestation of her self-punishing state of mind.

Lydia often has a lot of disagreements with her husband Paul on the show, making it striking when she shows affection for him. Similarly, when their daughter Emily appears, you notice a significant change in Lydia’s demeanor compared to her interactions with Paul and potential buyers. Her emotions are remarkably clear due to Kudrow’s exceptional acting skills, as she portrays a wide range of feelings such as stress, grief, denial, relief, joy, and love.

Ultimately, Lydia speaks with a sharp, unyielding eloquence that can only be conveyed by someone possessing such audacity and intelligence. Her closing remarks to Margo, in particular, are exceptionally tantalizing (feel free to skip this if you wish to avoid spoilers):

[Lydia’s final speech to Margo]

You know what, mate? I’ve seen my fair share of people in this world, and you’re no exception. From the corners of your eyes, I can see the pain that’s been hidden beneath that polished exterior for years. You might try to hide it with a pretty face and a fancy suit, but I see right through it. The truth is, you’ve got a heart as cold as an Arctic winter, and a soul as dark as the deepest night.

But don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to judge. Life’s tough, and we all have our demons to battle. But if you think I’ll stand around while you spew your venom, you’ve got another thing coming. I won’t tolerate such negativity in my presence.

I’ll take my leave now, but remember this: you might be a nobody in the grand scheme of things, but there are still people out there who see through your facade and value their own self-worth more than to let someone like you bring them down. And as for your taste, well, it’s about as refined as a cheap neon sign flashing outside a run-down Vegas brothel.

Will There Be a ‘No Good Deed’ Season 2?

If you’re a fan of “Dead to Me,” you shouldn’t miss out on “No Good Deed.” It wasn’t just enjoyable for fans of “The White Lotus,” but it also filled a void for many viewers. Unlike “The White Lotus,” which explores a different death at a different resort each season, “No Good Deed” is centered around the Morgan family’s tragic story. It’s highly unlikely that more murders will be part of the lives of these wealthy Angelenos, unless the series decides to make lawyer Leslie (played by Abbi Jacobson) the main character next season. In that case, it could be plausible for her to encounter another crime of this nature.

In contrast, such an action could potentially spoil the joyful conclusion that Liz Feldman carefully crafted for Leslie’s character in No Good Deed. During a conversation with The Nerds of Color, Feldman expressed, “As we grew to understand their (Leslie and Sarah) personalities, as writers, we developed an affinity for them and desired a happy ending for them…” At the moment, Netflix hasn’t made any official announcements regarding Season 2. Given that the first season premiered on December 12, eager fans might not want to get their hopes too high just yet. No Good Deed is currently available on Netflix.

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2025-01-04 19:32