L
isa Kudrow and Ray Romano star as empty nesters trying to downsize their 1920s Spanish-style house in Los Angeles, but selling it proves complicated due to secrets and lies. Three couples vie for the property, each with their own problems, in this Netflix series from creator Liz Feldman, who previously made "Dead to Me." Paul and Lydia's home is spacious, but they're emotionally attached to it - particularly Lydia, who still grieves over their teenage son's death.

    Their son's mysterious passing weighs heavily on the couple, with only they and Paul's brother knowing the truth. The brother, played by Denis Leary, warns them that revealing what really happened in the house would be disastrous. Meanwhile, potential buyers include an out-of-work soap actor and his opportunistic wife, a newlywed expecting their first child, and a lesbian couple struggling to conceive.

    As the series unfolds, each relationship's stresses and strains are revealed, but the characters feel more like constructs than people. Kudrow shines as Lydia, delivering a grounded performance amidst the show's wackier moments. However, her scenes often feel disconnected from the rest of the cast.

    The true story behind Paul and Lydia's son's death is eventually revealed, but keeping it hidden for so long only prolongs suspense - not enough to keep the show engaging. The series' tone is also inconsistent, veering wildly between comedy and drama without finding a balance. With its disjointed tone and underdeveloped characters, "No Good Deed" feels like an overstretched premise.

    The show's real estate aspect is particularly intriguing, but it's frustrating that we never learn the asking price of the house. This omission makes the characters' motivations feel vague and their struggles less relatable. In contrast, shows like "Murder, She Wrote" use specific details to ground their stories in time and place.

    Overall, "No Good Deed" feels like a missed opportunity, with too much focus on gimmicks and not enough attention to character development or tone. Despite Kudrow's standout performance, the show ultimately falls flat.