Good Behavior (2016) Movie Review

 TNT's latest show, Good Behavior, has some great things going for it. The pilot, directed by Charlotte Sieling, sets a captivating mood with Michelle Dockery delivering a standout performance. The plot leaves you curious for more.

However, there's uncertainty about whether the show can maintain a compelling central relationship, especially when the drama in the third episode focuses on a Tesla car's battery life. Despite this drawback, the series has its strong points.

Based on stories by Blake Crouch, Good Behavior introduces Letty Dobesh, played by Dockery, a character refreshingly different from her Downton Abbey role. Letty, an ex-con, is a thief and addict, yet she's sharp and street-smart. Her story kicks off with intrigue and Dockery's portrayal breathes life into the character.

Letty's not your typical lady; she's a troubled woman trying to navigate life after prison while raising her young son.

Letty's got a tough mother, Estelle, who raised her without much guidance. Estelle now looks after Letty's son but keeps Letty away due to her troubled past, causing Letty a lot of emotional pain.

Enter Javier, an Argentine hitman. Letty stumbles into Javier's life while pulling off her usual hotel robberies. She overhears Javier's plan to kill a woman and decides to warn her, sparking a complicated relationship between them.

Despite Letty's reluctance to be involved in Javier's dangerous world, he sees potential in her con skills. The series hinges on their intense sexual attraction, though Letty draws a line, raising questions about their future together.

The dynamic between Letty and Javier keeps viewers hooked, with hints of deeper feelings emerging as the series unfolds.

The challenge for "Good Behavior" lies in making Letty's bad behavior escalate and her involvement with Javier deepen. This darker direction could add intrigue, but it's unclear if Juan Diego Botto can deliver the complexity needed for Javier's character.

With the involvement of Chad Hodge, who worked on "Wayward Pines," there's hope for the series' longevity. However, concerns about sustainability linger, reminiscent of the issues faced by "Wayward Pines."

Despite flaws in Javier's portrayal and some unrealistic scenes, Michelle Dockery shines in her transformation from Lady Mary to a more dynamic character. The supporting cast, including Terry Kinney and Lusia Strus, adds depth to the story.

The pivotal fourth episode must address how Letty and Javier's relationship evolves convincingly. If done right, "Good Behavior" could become a standout show for TNT.

Starring: Michelle Dockery, Juan Diego Botto, Lusia Strus, Terry Kinney

Created and written by: Blake Crouch, Chad Hodge

Directed by: Charlotte Sieling

Premiere: Tuesday, 9 p.m. ET/PT on TNT