No Good Deed (goes unpunished). This is the title (minus the goes unpunished part) of a new, somewhat unremarkable miniseries with an all-star cast that makes it worth the watch — not to be confused with the 2014 movie starring Idris Elba about a lonely woman who unknowingly invites a convicted sociopath into her home. This is a show about a real estate deal. Honestly, I likely would not have wasted any time on it myself if it hadn’t been for the premise of the show. The subject of real estate is always an enticing pull for me. Add in that I only have to sit there for one 30-minute episode at a time, and it becomes a no-brainer. Literally, no brains are required at all during some parts of this series. Aside from some salty language and dark humor though, the series does have its moments. Not to worry about reading further, however; no spoiler alerts here.

The show grabbed my attention with the opening scene. The Morgans, a middle-aged couple played by Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano, are seen sitting together in an old wood-paneled bedroom with bad paint, eating popcorn and watching the livestream on their phones of the ongoing open house. The home is a large, Spanish-style villa in a coveted suburb of Los Angeles. The Realtor, named Greg, is a well-dressed, charming and confident character who has some clear experience selling “luxury homes” but is lacking in ethics. He is blatantly willing to prioritize making a big commission over disclosing any potential red flags surrounding the property. Specifically, the one that may stigmatize the home and deter a potential buyer.

Greg seems to have no lack of interested buyers either. Three different couples end up vying for the home. All three seem to be willing to go to somewhat outrageous means to be the winning bid.  As for Greg, although his ethics are impaired, he does go the extra mile for his client. In fact, when the seller hits him up for an illegal drug referral, Greg is happy to accommodate. In fact, he accompanies his client to his own drug dealer, who is running a dog-grooming shop as a front. As a side note, I have been happy to provide clients with referrals to stylists, plumbers, electricians, painters, local hiking trails and even reputable pharmacists, but I have never been asked for the name of my drug dealer. For the record, I don’t have one. I would be at as much a loss as the person asking. The difference would be that I prefer to never have one. Either way, since the seller only has a check with him, and apparently dealers only accept cash payment, then the Realtor fronts him the money and tells him his commission just went up. How, pray tell, do you show that on a settlement statement? Not to mention, I wouldn’t agree to anything unless it were in writing.

We know something happened in the house. We don’t find out exactly what it is until later in the show. We can only gather hints through each episode. While the husband is chomping at the bit to get the house sold, the wife is clearly hanging on and is very reluctant to sell. The fact is, however, they can no longer afford the enormous house, nor do they need it. This, along with the livestream open house, are the two most realistic elements in the entire show as far as the real estate transaction. Yes, people are likely watching you and hearing your comments as you tour their home; and yes, people, more often than not, end up downsizing from the home in which they may have raised their families. As for going to exorbitant ends to win a bid, it’s just not 2020 anymore.

Jen Fischer is an associate broker and Realtor. She can be reached at 801-645-2134 or jen@jen-fischer.com.