I
n Liz Feldman's Netflix black comedy "No Good Deed," a luxurious open house event becomes a setup for a twisted game of cat and mouse among affluent Los Angeles residents. Creator Feldman, who also brought us the streamer's "Dead to Me," reunites with Linda Cardellini in this series about amoral neighbors, but this time around, she benefits from a solid cast led by Ray Romano and Lisa Kudrow as cash-strapped empty nesters trying to sell their villa.

    Paul (Romano), a contractor who built the house himself, and Lydia (Kudrow), a pianist struggling with grief, are forced to confront their past when Mikey (Denis Leary), a menacing figure from their history, returns to blackmail them. As they navigate this complicated situation, it becomes clear that they may have ulterior motives for selling their home.

    Feldman's show withholds crucial details about the house's dark past and Mikey's connection to Paul and Lydia, using suspenseful flashbacks to keep viewers engaged. However, once the story settles in, we see a more nuanced exploration of the couple's marriage and relationships within their community. The comedic register gives way to dramatic performances from Kudrow and Romano as they navigate their complicated past.

    The show also offers a biting satire of acquisitive yuppies, with a cast of eccentric buyers vying for the house. From newlyweds to prosecutors, each character brings their own brand of chaos to the table, making for a lively and entertaining ensemble. Feldman sticks to the symbolism of searching for a home, rather than delving into the weightier implications of the modern real estate market.

    While "No Good Deed" is engaging, its overreliance on twists can be counterproductive, leaving some plot points feeling less satisfying than others. A stable status quo makes for a more nurturing environment, and it's this very point that Feldman explores through her characters' struggles to find a new home. All eight episodes of "No Good Deed" are now streaming on Netflix.