Breaking Down the Twisty Ending of Netflix’s No Good Deed Murder Mystery Series

Breaking Down the Twisty Ending of Netflix’s No Good Deed Murder Mystery Series

As a seasoned connoisseur of cinematic masterpieces, having traversed through the labyrinthine plots of countless mystery series, I must say that “No Good Deed” left me feeling somewhat perplexed and underwhelmed. The premise was intriguing, with its web of secrets, hidden agendas, and a house steeped in tragedy. However, the execution felt lackluster, veering towards predictability as the story unfolded.

Fans of the Emmy-nominated dark comedy-thriller “Dead to Me” might have been thrilled to hear that its creator, Liz Feldman, was working on another murder mystery series for Netflix. However, the reaction after completing the first season of “No Good Deed” could be different.

Since all eight episodes were released on Netflix on December 12, the series focusing on the troubled marriage of Paul (Ray Romano) and Lydia Morgan (Lisa Kudrow) is now ready for a binge-watching session during the upcoming holidays. However, the narrative filled with plot twists eventually leads to an ending that, while resolving the central mystery, remains somewhat predictable. It also leaves various other storylines unresolved and hanging in the balance.

This series focuses on the Morgan family’s efforts to sell their enchanting Spanish-style villa, located in the coveted Los Angeles district of Los Feliz. Three potential buyers are competing for the property: Leslie (Abbi Jacobson), a lawyer, and her spouse Sarah (Poppy Liu), a doctor; novelist Dennis (O-T Fagbenle) and his expectant wife Carla (Teyonah Parris); and former soap actor JD (Luke Wilson) along with his wife Margo (Linda Cardellini), their neighbors. It’s been more than three years since the Morgan family’s teenage son, Jacob (Wyatt Aubrey), passed away at home, so they no longer need to reveal that unfortunate event when showing the house to potential buyers.

Through a series of flashbacks, it’s gradually unveiled that Paul and Lydia suspect Emily, Jacob’s sister (Chloe East), accidentally shot and killed Jacob when she mistook him for an intruder attempting to break into their home. Since that tragic night, the Morgans have been diligently concealing the events to shield Emily from any repercussions. However, the reality is somewhat more complex.

Who really killed Jacob?

Breaking Down the Twisty Ending of Netflix’s No Good Deed Murder Mystery Series

It’s revealed that Jacob, for the sake of impressing Margo who he had feelings for, developed a routine of burglarizing homes in their neighborhood and giving her extravagant presents. The relationship between Margo and her teenage neighbor is purposely left unclear by Feldman, as it’s meant to be ambiguous.

She indicated to Netflix’s Tudum that it’s up to the viewers to decide (or interpret), but we can say for sure that she’s a character who doesn’t let moral doubts hold her back.

On the night Jacob passed away, Margo discovered him returning the gifts he’d given her, following her request not to visit her house again. When he threatened to reveal their relationship to JD, Margo took JD’s gun, pursued Jacob across the street to his home, and ultimately fired a shot at him just as Emily discharged her weapon but missed, with Jacob breaking through the back door moments later. Although it was Margo’s bullet that ended Jacob’s life, she allowed Emily to think she had killed her own brother to avoid any repercussions.

With Leslie’s assistance, who discreetly obtained Jacob’s previously concealed autopsy report through her law enforcement contacts, Lydia and Paul ultimately discover the truth. They find out that there were two bullet casings on the ground that night, one of which was from JD’s gun type rather than their own, indicating that it was JD who killed Jacob, not them. As for JD, he seems to have burned down his and Margo’s mansion with her inside as a retaliation, hinting at the way she had claimed she lost her brother, who is actually alive and well.

After six months have passed, Margo – bearing deep scars – is unexpectedly spotted by Nate, the police officer nephew of Paul and Lydia, as she relaxes with a drink in a local bar.

Who gets the Morgans’ house?

Breaking Down the Twisty Ending of Netflix’s No Good Deed Murder Mystery Series

Eventually, the Morgans decide to give their home to Leslie and Sarah, who recently had a baby through IVF after years of trying, as they temporarily reside there while Dennis and Carla buy the plot adjacent to where JD and Margo used to live, planning to construct their ideal house on it instead.

Yet, it transpires that the duo have been concealing matters from one another, thereby leaving their narrative ripe for further development in a potential second season. While Carla assumes the funds used to purchase the property stemmed from an impressive advance on Dennis’ third book, the truth is that Dennis received a $5 million loan from Carla’s estranged billionaire father, who now desires to meet his grandson.

Despite speculation, it remains undecided if “No Good Deed” will be renewed for another season. As a devoted viewer, Feldman shared with Tudum his thoughts on the series finale: “I’m left wondering about [the characters], asking myself questions, even imagining how their stories might continue.” Feldman encourages fans to engage in this creative process and envision their own continuations of the show.

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2024-12-13 23:06

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