Good Behavior (2016–2017) is a sleek, seductive crime drama that balances dark intensity with emotional vulnerability. Developed by Chad Hodge and based on the novels by Blake Crouch (Wayward Pines), the series ran for two seasons on TNT and offered a compelling blend of neo-noir, romance, and psychological thriller.
At the heart of the show is Letty Raines, played by Michelle Dockery in a revelatory departure from her Downton Abbey persona. Letty is a con artist, a thief, and a recovering drug addict trying to get her life back on track. She’s freshly out of prison, battling for custody of her son, and doing her best to stay clean. But things spiral quickly when she crosses paths with Javier Pereira (Juan Diego Botto), a mysterious and surprisingly principled hitman.
Their relationship is the axis around which the entire show spins—volatile, intimate, and morally complicated. Letty and Javier are both damaged in different ways, but together they form an unlikely bond that’s as dangerous as it is genuine. Their chemistry is undeniable, crackling with tension and tenderness, giving the show a raw emotional core amidst all the criminal intrigue.
Michelle Dockery gives a career-defining performance, inhabiting Letty with grit, wit, and aching vulnerability. She's equal parts broken and brilliant—constantly torn between her impulses and her desire to do better. Botto, meanwhile, plays Javier with a quiet intensity that makes him far more than the typical TV hitman archetype. Their dynamic drives the narrative and elevates what could’ve been a conventional crime drama into something emotionally resonant.
Visually, Good Behavior leans into a stylish, moody aesthetic. The cinematography is rich and intimate, often mirroring Letty’s unstable mindset. The writing walks a fine line between suspense and character study, offering tense set pieces but never losing sight of the human cost behind every bad decision.
Though critically praised—especially for Dockery’s performance—the show struggled with ratings and was ultimately canceled after its second season, leaving fans with unresolved threads. Still, it built a dedicated cult following who appreciated its sharp writing, complex characters, and refusal to paint morality in black and white.
Good Behavior is a character-driven crime story at its best: sexy, dangerous, and beautifully messy. It’s a hidden gem worth watching for anyone who enjoys morally complex antiheroes and stories where redemption comes at a high price.
