In the gripping seventh episode of No Good Deed, titled "Best and Final," the Morgan family's world continues to crumble under the weight of their secrets and lies. As Lydia and Paul navigate the tumultuous waters of grief, guilt, and the sale of their home, the audience is taken on an emotional rollercoaster that delves deep into the characters' psyches.
The episode opens with Lydia grappling with her anger towards Paul for keeping Jacob's theft from her. Her frustration is palpable as she drops Mikey off and heads to watch Emily perform at a local bar. The mother-daughter reunion is awkward and filled with tension, a stark reflection of their relationship since Jacob's death. Emily's song, a poignant repetition of "I'm still here," underscores the lingering presence of Jacob in their lives and the unresolved grief that haunts them both.
As Lydia and Emily sit down to talk, Lydia admits to feelings she's never shared with Paul: the fear that stopping to miss Jacob for even a moment would be accepting his absence. This revelation hints at the self-punishment Lydia has inflicted upon herself, manifesting in her physical symptoms and her inability to play the piano, a clear form of penance for the perceived failure as a mother.
Paul, too, is confronted with his grief as he paints over the height markings on the door frame, a crushing reminder of Jacob's lost potential. His emotional turmoil is further exacerbated by the discovery of a second bullet casing, suggesting a second shooter and complicating the family's understanding of Jacob's death.
The episode reaches its climax with an explosive argument between Lydia and Paul, where years of repressed anger and guilt come to the surface. Lydia accuses Paul of never communicating with Jacob, while Paul blames Lydia for bringing a gun into their home. The confrontation is raw and brutal, with both acknowledging their self-punishment and the deep-seated hatred that has festered between them.
In a shocking twist, the episode reveals that Emily, who had long believed she accidentally killed her brother, may not be guilty after all. The discovery of a second bullet casing from a .40 caliber pistol, which does not match Emily's 9 mm gun, suggests the involvement of another person in Jacob's death. This revelation not only casts doubt on Emily's involvement but also points to the possibility of a second shooter, potentially one of their neighbors.
The episode is filled with additional subplots that add to the complexity of the story. JD's realization of Margo's lies, Carla's struggle with keeping Denise's secret from Dennis, and the growing suspicion around Margo and JD's involvement in Jacob's death all contribute to the tense atmosphere. The episode ends with a sense of uncertainty, as the Morgan family's past continues to cast a long shadow over their present.
"Best and Final" is a powerful exploration of grief, guilt, and the lies we tell ourselves and others to cope with the unbearable weight of loss. As the Morgan family's foundation crumbles, they are forced to confront the truth about their past and the possibility of a future beyond their shared trauma.