Linda Cardellini and Liz Feldman on Crafting Complex Queer Characters in ‘No Good Deed’

Linda Cardellini, Abbi Jacobson, Luke Wilson, and Liz Feldman talk about their newest project and its deeper themes. If you’re looking for a series that blends laugh-out-loud comedy, mystery, and emotional gut punches, No Good Deed is about to become your next obsession. Helmed by Dead to Me creator Liz Feldman, the show doesn’t just […] The post Linda Cardellini and Liz Feldman on Crafting Complex Queer Characters in ‘No Good Deed’ appeared first on Gayety.

Mark

Dec 22, 2024 - 19:00

0 0

Linda Cardellini and Liz Feldman on Crafting Complex Queer Characters in ‘No Good Deed’

Linda Cardellini, Abbi Jacobson, Luke Wilson, and Liz Feldman talk about their newest project and its deeper themes.

If you’re looking for a series that blends laugh-out-loud comedy, mystery, and emotional gut punches, No Good Deed is about to become your next obsession. Helmed by Dead to Me creator Liz Feldman, the show doesn’t just deliver jaw-dropping twists—it also weaves in beautifully authentic queer representation that feels long overdue.

Home Is Where the Secrets Are

For Feldman, the concept of No Good Deed was born during the pandemic, when the idea of “home” became more meaningful than ever. “Our homes were really the only place we were safe,” Feldman shared. “I thought, there’s a show here in the buying and selling of a house… in the aspirations and determination it takes to get what you want.”

But beneath that premise lies a series packed with layers—each house and each character holds secrets, ambitions, and messy relationships that reflect real, complicated lives.

Abbi Jacobson’s Leslie: Queer, Determined, and Raw

Abbi Jacobson, beloved by queer audiences for Broad City, plays Leslie, a driven woman navigating fertility struggles with her wife. “She’s so determined to get this house, but she’s also figuring out her partnership and what building a family looks like,” Jacobson explained. Feldman’s writing dives headfirst into the challenges of IVF and loss, experiences drawn from her own life.

“I’m always interested in exploring stories that feel undertold,” Feldman said. “It was really important to me to show that story in the context of just a show about a bunch of people.” Leslie’s journey grounds the series, offering tender and relatable moments for queer couples who rarely see themselves represented in such nuanced ways.

Linda Cardellini: A Queer Icon Back in Action

Linda Cardellini’s Margo is, well, a little chaotic—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Cardellini’s long-standing status as a queer icon was celebrated in the interview, where she graciously acknowledged her role as a gay awakening for many fans. “Thank you… My pleasure,” she smiled.

With Margo’s unpredictable antics and her biting wit, Cardellini delivers the kind of character the queer community can’t get enough of: complex, messy, and endlessly entertaining.

Found Families, Hot Tubs, and LA Dreams

The series thrives on its diverse ensemble cast, which feels like a slice of Los Angeles life. Whether it’s Jacobson and her on-screen wife navigating fertility challenges, Ray Romano’s everyman contractor, or Lisa Kudrow’s unexpected comedic magic, No Good Deed crafts a world where every character feels real and resonant.

“They’re comedy giants, and they make such a great onscreen couple,” Cardellini raved. It’s these moments—funny, awkward, and heartfelt—that elevate the show from a mystery series to something truly special.

Why No Good Deed Is for the Queer Community

Beyond its campy twists and gasp-worthy reveals, the heart of No Good Deed lies in its representation. Feldman, Jacobson, and Cardellini deliver stories that feel deeply relatable—especially to queer audiences. From fertility struggles to the complexities of relationships and chosen families, the show honors LGBTQ+ experiences without ever tokenizing them.

As Liz Feldman puts it, No Good Deed has “everything”: laughs, tears, mystery, and most importantly, a reflection of the queer community that feels authentic and full of heart.

No Good Deed is streaming now on Netflix.

Watch full interviews with the cast below.