Exploring “High Potential”: A New Spin on the Police Procedural Genre
In the competitive landscape of television crime dramas, originality often takes the spotlight, with networks showcasing distinctive characters that elevate the genre. Among the latest offerings is ABC’s "High Potential," a series created by Drew Goddard and based on the French show "Haut Potentiel Intellectuel (HPI)." This engaging procedural stars Kaitlin Olson as Morgan, a single mother and professional cleaner whose genius IQ and unconventional perspective lead her to a consulting role in the Los Angeles Police Department’s Homicide Division.
"High Potential" kicks off on an ordinary night in L.A., where Morgan, completely immersed in her music, is drawn to the homicide unit while cleaning. She can’t resist analyzing a case, challenging the detectives’ assumptions with her keen insights, leading to her unexpected placement as a consultant. While Morgan’s arrival is met with skepticism—particularly from the uptight Detective Adam Karadec (Daniel Sunjata)—her ability to spot overlooked clues quickly wins over the team, including Lieutenant Selena (Judy Reyes) and detectives Daphne (Javicia Leslie) and Oz (Deniz Akdeniz).
While "High Potential" doesn’t venture into groundbreaking territory, it effectively employs Olson’s comedic talents to create an engaging character. Morgan’s eccentric personality, complemented by her unique fashion choices that often clash with crime-solving practicality, adds a layer of charm to her role. This audacious approach, paired with her knack for detail, keeps the audience invested in her journey, even as her home life poses its own set of challenges. Morgan’s dynamic with her ex-boyfriend Ludo (Taran Killam) and strained relationship with her teenage daughter Ava (Amirah J) further deepen her character’s appeal.
The show underwent a change in leadership during its production, with Todd Harthan stepping in after Rob Thomas left, bringing a new perspective on how to navigate the increasingly crowded police procedural genre. Episode 3, titled “Dirty Rotten Scoundrel,” illustrates this potential with a case that appears straightforward but quickly evolves into a complex web of identity theft, greed, and vengeance. This episode showcases the potential for more intricate storytelling, hinting that the show may yet carve its niche within the genre.
Though some elements feel familiar to seasoned viewers of crime dramas, “High Potential” has its moments of intrigue. The series teases a potential romantic arc between Morgan and Karadec, and while predictability lurks in some plotlines, the blend of comedy and drama, plus Olson’s performance, lends the show a refreshing energy.
Ultimately, “High Potential” presents itself as a solid addition to the crime drama lineup, highlighting the strength of character and the value of unconventional thinking in investigations. With new episodes airing weekly on Tuesdays, the show promises viewers an enjoyable watch—one that balances quirky, character-driven storytelling with traditional crime-solving elements.
