GOOD BEHAVIOR Series Premiere Review. An Addictive Hot Mess.

Two-Episode Series Premiere “So You’re Not An English Teacher” and “Only the Best For Mrs. Diaz”

Air Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 9/8c

Rating: ★★★★★

Overview: Good Behavior tells the story of Letty Raines (Michelle Dockery), a thief and con artist whose life is always one wrong turn or one bad decision from implosion. Fresh out of prison, Letty tries to stay afloat; reunite with her 10-year-old son who is currently being raised by her mother Estelle (Luisa Strus); and show up for the mandatory check-ins with her parole officer Christian (Terry Kinney), who carries his own demons which cause him to relate to Letty in a way that threatens his ability to do his job. Chaos returns to Letty’s life when she overhears a hitman (Juan Diego Botto) being hired to kill a man’s wife, and sets out to derail the job. She soon finds herself on a collision course with the killer, entangling both of them in a dangerously captivating relationship.

In spite of seeing many ads for the new TNT series, I wasn’t quite sure if I was ready to take on another series. My DVR is still full of shows I love, yet haven’t had time to watch. But, I had my reasons for wanting to check out Good Behavior; however, unlike many of you, I haven’t seen one single episode of Downton Abbey. (I know…I know). I will eventually watch it, but I digress.

Michelle Dockery of Downton Abbey fame stars in Good Behavior, shedding her prim and proper ways for a gritty, messy, and oh so fun train wreck persona. Dockery takes center stage as Letty Raines, a recently released ex-con (well, maybe not so ex) looking for her next score. Prison doesn’t always reform a person, especially a woman down on her luck, cleaning nasty toilets in a greasy diner for a shithead of a boss.

Letty crosses paths (on purpose) with Javier to get her master key card and find out who he is planning to kill. Ph Cr: Brownie Harris/TNT

TNT’s Good Behavior reunites Chad Hodge and Blake Crouch who worked on the Fox series Wayward Pines. Like Pines, Good Behavior is based on Crouch’s “Good Behavior” series comprised of three novellas. The three episode sampling that TNT provides doesn’t quite satisfy. I’m in dire need of more Good Behavior. This show is an addictive hot mess and I need…no; I want more. It is absolutely binge worthy for sure. Admittedly, there are some questionable events that occur in the first episode “So You’re Not An English Teacher.” Letty inadvertently gets stuck in a hotel closet and overhears something very sinister going down. Enter the incredibly sexy hit man Javier (Juan Diego Botto). Seriously, did he not sense someone one was hiding in the closet? Aside from that one incredulous moment, I became completely invested in these characters.

Letty isn’t great at being good but at least she’s trying, right?
Ph Cr: Brownie Harris/TNT

Letty’s moral compass doesn’t completely point North but she has a “line” she doesn’t like to cross. She isn’t a killer and when she tries to help someone, she gets herself into some hot water. The chemistry between Dockery and Botto is electric. Their unique and unconventional relationship is absolutely toxic, yet intoxicating at the same time. I can’t get enough of these two on screen. Their love scenes are seductive, hot, and rough, and just…phew. I need a minute.

Ahem, back to my review: Dockery does an amazing job of showcasing tremendous emotionality when her character succumbs to her demons. The insecurity and insignificance she feels becomes a sad reality as Letty embraces rock bottom with an unnerving acceptance that this is her life.

Javier meets Letty who he thinks is a southern belle and an English teacher. He’s about to learn that she’s not who she appears to be.

After things get a bit lopsided with the hit, Javier rethinks his strategy and finds Letty in a compromising position. Let’s just say this show definitely isn’t for young children or impressionable teens. There is a prolific amount of drug and alcohol consumption, and sexuality – lots and lots of sensuous sexuality. Is it hot in here?

Botto smolders on screen. That accent, that scruffy beard, that accent, and those dark brown eyes―even though I know his character is a contract killer, I am completely entranced. He’s the ultimate bad boy but not in a sleazy way. He’s polished, has manners, is intelligent, and knows how to fu…function on little sleep. (wink wink)

Letty and her mother don’t see things the same when it comes to Letty’s son Jacob.

There are other characters that have relevance in Good Behavior, such as Letty’s parole officer Christian whom she has logged in her phone as “Christian Stalker,” and her unforgiving mother Estelle, and Letty’s beloved son Jacob (Nyles Julian Steele). The first two episodes, however, are dedicated to setting up the story and plot points for the audience to get to know the two main characters. The ancillary characters will have their moment in the spotlight soon enough. Although, Christian does play a main motivational part in the second episode since Letty has yet to check in face to face like she is supposed to.

Letty shows off her pipes in an impromtu karaoke at the hotel restuaruant in the second episode of the series premiere "Only the Best for Mrs. Diaz"

Letty shows off her pipes in an impromptu karaoke at the hotel restuaruant in the second episode of the series premiere “Only the Best for Mrs. Diaz”

If you are looking for a smoking good time with a side of badassery and mischievous debauchery, then Good Behavior is that fix you need and more. It’s sexy, messy, seductive, slightly pathetic at times, entertaining and fun. There are some deeply troubling scenes, and very poignant moments, but what’s a dramedy without some drama, right? The comedy is wry and sarcastic, and slightly dark, so if you’re easily offended, you may not like some of the offbeat humor showcased in Good Behavior.

Would you stop for him…on a dark lonely road in the middle of nowhere?

Otherwise, this is a perfect escape from your day-to-day routine. Get a glass of wine or Letty’s favorite, vodka, and unwind with Good Behavior; just don’t overdo it because this airs on a school night. It’s almost like you’re breaking the rules…except you’re a grown up and you can do what you want. Go on, have an extra cup of coffee on Wednesday morning and smile when people ask if you had a rough night. If I say I had a date with Javier, go with it.

Tune into the two-episode Good Behavior series premiere Tuesday, November 15, 2016 beginning at 9/8c on TNT, and each week on Tuesdays at 9/8c. You can watch the first episode now on TNTdrama.com.

For more on the show, go to http://www.tntdrama.com/shows/good-behavior.html

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Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.